Taking Dad for a sled ride...

[Glacier]

My parents were visiting for the past few days. My Dad had never seen a dog team hooked up or gone for a ride so we went out on Friday morning. My Mom took these pictures. She went for a short ride too, but she was a little nervous! Dad was more adventerous so he got a longer tour and a bigger team!

This is my Dad being my handler! That's Paxil, back in a harness. She would not leave us alone. I wasn't going to take her. I actually thought she was done for at least this winter, but that day, she kept pawing at the harness and getting in the way when I was putting them on the other dogs. Finally I gave in and hooked her up. I figured she could ride with Dad when she got tired, but she never did!!! She was AMAZING!! I am thrilled that she's feeling so well!


Hooking up the last dog.


Everyone is raring to go!! What is taking the humans so long to get ready!!!


Finally heading down the trail!


Happy dogs back home in the yard!

Dad had a great time and really enjoyed his tour. The dogs were great. My dad is a big, tall man and they pulled like the sled was empty!

[Vette]

Awww. how sweet of you take him on a ride.
it looks fun too!!

[cyber-sibes]

Yeah Paxil!!! She looks so happy in the "after" shot - good for her! Must have been a wonderful experience for your parents!

[NoahsMommy]

How fun!!!

Looks like the pups are having lots of fun too!

[Oggyflute]

That would be so cool.

[Corinna]

You keep making me so envious. I gotta call Jeff and get a ride before our snow is gone.

[Uabassoon]

I want to go on a sled ride! One of these days I'm just going to show up on your door step and beg for a ride!

[pitc9]

Originally posted by Uabassoon
I want to go on a sled ride! One of these days I'm just going to show up on your door step and beg for a ride!

Make sure to stop in Cleveland on your way so I can go with you!

[Cincy'sMom]

Originally posted by pitc9
Make sure to stop in Cleveland on your way so I can go with you!

If Ohio is on the way from Arizona to Canada, I wanna go too!!!

[ramanth]

There's enough snow here now to pull a sled!

Neat pictures! Glad your dad had fun.

[Jadapit]

Omg that looks like so much fun!! I would love to be able to go on a ride with you and your beautiful team. How long have you been running sleds? Does it take a long time to learn how to do it? It looks like the dogs enjoy it as much as the people.

[lute]

that's awsome! i'm glad your dad liked his ride.

[Glacier]

Originally posted by Jadapit
Omg that looks like so much fun!! I would love to be able to go on a ride with you and your beautiful team. How long have you been running sleds? Does it take a long time to learn how to do it? It looks like the dogs enjoy it as much as the people.

I've been running dogs for five years. How long it takes to figure it out varies alot. I have a friend who's husband is a champion sprint racer, but after 30 years she still can't drive a sled. She handles for him and he does all the driving and racing. It took me three years to get confident enough to drive a big team and to be able to hook them up alone.

It's much easier to learn if you start with a trained leader. A good leader will teach your other dogs what to do. I was given Sleet the first winter I lived in the North. Sleet is a natural born lead dog who never misses a command. She taught me & the other dogs more about mushing than I could ever have learned on my own.

I also live in an area where I am surrounded by mushers. It's very helpful to be able to call someone who's run the Yukon Quest with questions!

[shutterbug0303]

That looks like so much fun!!! I am coming to visit for a ride too, ok? lol Glad you dad had such a good time with the pups! And wonderful news to hear how well Paxil is feeling!

[anna_66]

Oh how wonderful that Paxil was up to running, I'm so glad to hear that

I bet your parents had a blast...I know I would have if I'd had been them!!!