THE WARM FUZZY WINTER SPORT

by Libby Riddles

This tiny but growing sport has competitors all over Europe. Russia, Japan, South America, Australia, and New Zealand all have mushing clubs as well.

Of all the people involved with sled dogs, though, only about half involved are racers. Many run dogs for fun, and some people still use them for traditional work, like getting firewood. But only a hundred years ago, in remote places like Nome, Alaska, these teams were the main means of transportation. Sled dogs carried the Diphtheria Serum to Nome in the 1920s when there was no other way to safely get it there. And well before that, native people of the north, who were the first to use sled dogs, migrated all over the Polar regions with them.

Maintaining a sled dog kennel is expensive, which may explain why so few folks do it. At one time many mushers used to spend the summer putting up fish for their dogs. Now a few racers make a living from prize money and sponsorships, although it’s an elite group. Many racers now support their mushing habit by exhibiting the dogs and the mushing experience to those who have always wanted to try it, but who didn’t want to go to the extent of taking care of a bunch of sled dogs year-round.

This is a win-win situation for everyone. The rider gets the thrill-of-a-lifetime experience and a chance to meet some of the magnificent huskies that are one of the closest breeds to the wild wolf. The rider also develops an appreciation for the complicated art of molding a group of jazzed up sled dogs into a team that works together as one on the trails.

When mushers share the experience with newcomers, it’s a reminder how wonderfully lucky we are to be able to have the dogs and the lifestyle that goes with it. We get to work every day with the happy huskies, out in the clean air, learning how to share what we know with others. Best of all, we get to do what we love—and so do the dogs!

Fans who help out at races also get a great experience, and learn a lot about the excitement the sport generates for spectators. Race schedules and sled dog club information can be found in resources like Mushing Magazine and the sleddogcentral.com site. Parents who want to learn something about it, can ask their kids—chances are good they’ve followed the Iditarod in school and know all about it.

It really is a lot of work having a dog team, and it’s certainly not for everyone. But at the end of the day, getting to kick back with their furry teammates makes it all seem worthwhile for the devoted crowd of mushers.

Libby Riddles is a professional sled dog racer, a lecturer, and author of Race Across Alaska, a journal of how she mushed out into a blizzard to win the legendary Iditarod sled dog race in 1985 and became the race’s first woman champion. She has written two children’s books, Danger the Dog Yard Cat and Storm Run. An Alaskan for 30 years, she lives in Fritz Creek and has a kennel of 40 dogs.

Business Directory
»Accommodations »Alpine & Nordic Skiing »Child's Play & Care »Dining »Ice Skating »Massage & Medical »Ski Guides »Ski & Snowboard Schools »Sled Dog Adventures »Sleigh Rides	»Snowmobiling »Transportation »Music »Wildlife Safaris »Apparel »Internet »Jewelry »Photography »Retail Specialties »Ski, Sports Shops	»Services »Aprés Skiing »Restaurants »Groceries »Lodging »Property Management »Real Estate »Medical Services »Arts/Gifts/Home Accents »Snowcoach Tours to Yellowstone