Feb 142010
Next weekend is the Annamanet Gold Run put on by my club – Alaska Dog Mushers Association. The location has changed from Mushers Hall to the Chena Lakes Recreation Area in North Pole.
Last weekend we raced in Anchorage in the Exxon. The conditions were tough on the dogs, and we placed 6th. Considering everything I am proud as punch of my dogs. Especially Clara who stepped up to the plate this season to fill some very big booties. So far she is doing very well. I am thankful for Jolene, my steady and trustworthy leader who is showing Clara the ropes.
We have been training around Fairbanks in preparation for the Annamanet Gold Run. Last year we placed 2nd in the race. This year I would like to meet or beat that place.
The race is a 10-dog race, currently I have 9 racing dogs since Katrina became a couch potato. The competition is usually very tough, so let’s see what this year brings.
Yesterday I went to take a bunch of dogs free running on the lakes behind my house. I noticed a tiny spot of blood on the ground as the dogs ran through the snow. This is normally nothing to concern me. The older dogs are running around their pen, and they scratch themselves a little. One spot is not something to worry about. Then I noticed the next spot, and then a splash. It was coming from Katrina, the recently retired dog. I picked up her foot and noticed that she had cut her pad. So much for free-running the doggies. We now went into repair mode. I am lucky to have a vet live next door, and I guess I was not the first friend to call her yesterday with an ‘emergency’. We cleaned Katrina’s foot and now the couch potato has a pink and blue bootie on her foot.
Such is the glamorous life of a musher. Just the other day I was realizing how unglamorous my life is. I scoop poo. I dish out meaty food, I tend to feet and fix lines soaked in slobber. Late nights putting dogs into the barn, letting them out to pee. Cleaning the truck, scooping poo. Doling out anitbiotics and thyroid pills. Re-strawing dog houses, washing the inside doggie blankets. All this so I can race as fast as we can around a 10-12 mile course every other weekend. But, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Sometimes I wish I had a handler, but most of the time I am veryhappy to do it all myself. This ultimately strengthens the bond between the dogs and I.
I need to throw a few thanks here:
The Roberts family of Andy, Anna and Chloe – thanks for your sponsorship and I look forward to taking you for a run!
Goldstream Sports for their continued support and help with time off from work and use of the equipment at the store – and great wax recommendations. Oh, and most recently fixing my bent snowhook! Remember to check out the wax recommendations on their blog!
And a big thanks to Regency Fairbnnks Hotel for their continued support. Remember, if you need a great place to stay that has a delicious restaurant and great bar, and has a huge area for dog truck – then The Regency Fairbanks Hotel is your place!
