Yea, go get my dogs!

Wednesday, as I was headed out the door to get the dogs ready for a run, Keegan came running up to me saying "Shoes on! outside!" He wanted to help me get set up, so we put his shoes on and he joined me outside. When I got the cart out he wanted to ride it down the driveway. This is something he really enjoys and had a big grin on his face. When we got to the end where I hook up the team he exclaimed "Again!" I said, we need to set up the gangline and get dogs. When I was ready to head back to get dogs, I asked Keegan if he was coming with and he gave me a gesture as if to say "go get my dogs, I'll wait here!" I could see the beginning of trouble brewing. I finally coaxed him into joining me and we got dogs ready. By the time we started hooking dogs into the gangline, Cobey had joined us. Keegan had this look in his eyes, like "Yes! WE'RE going to run dogs!" When I said bye and hopped on the cart, tears began to flow! He didn't get to go. The cart is too dangerous to let him ride along at this age and it hurt my heart to leave him. He's been hooked! YES!

The run was less than smooth, as Okie, yet again, decided to turn us around; this time even earlier than usual, in a place we've never turned around before. She would not go forward, no matter how many times guided her back around. So, reluctantly, I placed her in swing (worrying about what this would do to her confidence and morale, I guess time will tell) and had Kona lead. She was doing good but not keeping the pace, as Okie and Isis kept running up on her. I needed a dog with lots of drive to run up front with her, so Tank got his first shot at lead. THEY DID GREAT! Kona listened to my commands, keeping the team on track, and Tank held/pushed the pace. It was a great run with those two; I was very proud! Good dogs!

Saturday, we watched the ceremonial start for the Race to the Sky. It was most exciting because we got to meet Blake Freking and his dogs from Manitou Crossing Kennels in Minnesota. They are our favorite kennel that we follow and were EXTREMELY excited to see them in person! All, musher and dogs, exceeded our best expectations! Great team! We wish them well on the trail, may they have a fun and fast run!