Ready to Race

It has been two weeks since our last race  and, despite one major setback, we are ready again.

This past week I needed to get to the core of Katrina’s.  Her drive, her leadership and her stamina were all intact.  She just could not do what I was asking her to do, the same thing she has been doing for the last 3 seasons.  For such a strong willed dog to suddenly not be performing was very strange.

Katrina Training to be a couch potato

After some thorough poking and prodding on her I found a tender spot on her hips.  Thinking it was her hips, and possibly repairable we went to the vet clinic for an x-ray.  My vet found a back issue that will not go away.  This is very sad, and Katrina, my amazing fast, sassy, and always obeying lead dog is now resigned to the couch.

She is so sad to be left behind.  I heard people say that about their dogs, and I dismissed it thinking it will get over it.  When I see Katrina as I am loading up the truck it is heartbreaking.  She wants to go even though it will hurt her – that is how much she loved her job.  I think she will be able to run at slower paces, and probably skijor.

I will put up Jolene’s sister Clara into lead for her first race.  We will see what happens.  I am sure our first race with Clara in lead will be full of challenges, but being the fastest dog on the team I can only hope that she shows us that speed, or at the least stays out front!

I have made the doggie shot blocs for post race glycogen replacement, I have the harnesses packed, jackets washed and packed, food ready and the runners waxed.  Just got to load the sled and the dogs.

I will try to post our results over the weekend.  Till then, have a great weekend and we will try to run like the wind!