Pingo's son & a few other dogs...

[Ginger's Mom]

Sundin is adorable. I love the picture with his little eyes closed. And I personally am in love with Cookie. Glacier you are wonderful to help these dogs, and to even consider expanding your family. Gosh I need to take a nap just thinking about caring for that many dogs and cats.
Question though, both Sundin and Cookie look kind of small to me (say 50 pounds or less), are they? And if so is that normal in a particular kind of mushing? Do different types of mushing require different body types in dogs, or just different personalities?

[buttercup132]

well u know... if you cant take cookie ill take her ! shes gorgous!!!!i wish i could have her

[Glacier]

Question though, both Sundin and Cookie look kind of small to me (say 50 pounds or less), are they? And if so is that normal in a particular kind of mushing? Do different types of mushing require different body types in dogs, or just different personalities?

They are both small dogs. I'd say 40 pounds tops. That's a fairly standard size for a distance racing dog. I regularly get teased by other mushers about my giant dogs! Chase and Founder are both close to 80 pounds, but they are two of my very best! Most sprint racing dogs are even smaller. Hobo comes from sprint lines. He's actually a little heavy right now--summer fat! He tops out at 40 pounds & he need to loose five or so.

Sprint dogs tends to be extremely lean and small. Distance dogs have a little more weight on them usually since they are asked to do more work in the course of a day. Most working dogs are far leaner than the average house pet. That's why Jimmy was so skinny after five days on his own. He had very limited fat supplies to draw off when he wasn't getting fed. Even the smallest sled dog eats an amazing amount of food though. A distance dog running the I-rod or the Quest needs up to 10,000 calories a day to maintain his weight.

Personalities come into play more with their team positions than with the style of mushing. Some dogs just can't lead. Earle is one of those. Even in a dire emergency, Earle couldn't lead us home. He can't handle the stress. Other dogs thrive on that, like Paxil. Ozzy only runs in the middle of a team. He likes to be surrounded by his buddies. Chase likes to run in wheel(closest to the sled). He's a momma's boy and needs constant reassurance. It's easier for him to get that if he's as close as possible to me. Plus when you are hooking them up you have to consider who gets along with who...I can't run Deuce and Muskwa together, they'd kill each other. Hobo has to run alone as he's a psycho in harness. Ozzy needs a calm dog beside him. It's a bit like running this yard--a constant balancing act of their needs and personalities.

[wolfie]

Cute dogs! I love Sundin, his markings are beautiful.

[Cinder & Smoke]

Les'see now ...

Ya took ONE back home ...

And just How Many have you promised to haul away to your place?





It's a wonder Stuart lets you off the property.

.

[Jessika]

Sundin is just... GORGEOUS!! I would take him home in a heartbeat!! Hehe. You're lucky!!

[Toby's my baby]

Wow they are gorgeous dogs! I wish i could take one, or two , or five home!

[Glacier]

Les'see now ...



It's a wonder Stuart lets you off the property.

.

LOL! He would agree with you I bet!

[finn's mom]

They're all gorgeous! What a pretty boy Sundin is...and, Cookie! She is very pretty...and, Whitepaw! He's so cute, and, looks so happy!

[cyber-sibes]

Awww, Sundin looks so sweet, he's built alot like his mama, isn't he? I like the pic with his eyes closed, too. They're all irrisistible! And it's always so interesting to hear about their personalities and mushing and all. thanks!

[Oggyflute]

Great pics & beautiful dogs.

[anna_66]

It's a bit like running this yard--a constant balancing act of their needs and personalities.

I can't even fathom balancing your yard...you rock

The dogs are all so awesome, I just love hearing about them all (and seeing them too!).
Looks like the two "possibles" would fit right in with your family!

[RobiLee]

I love hearing about all the sled dogs and all the dynamics that go with mushing. I could probably sit and listen to you talk all day! I find it all so fascinating. Thanks for sharing it all with us. I'm sure if you add a few new dogs that they will fit right in.

Great pictures!

[Queen of Poop]

You are so lucky to share your life with so many wonderful animals. And now to be adding to that - I am absolutely jealous. I know that Sundin and Cookie would love to live at your house, how soon will they be moving in???!!!

[Glacier]

I know that Sundin and Cookie would love to live at your house, how soon will they be moving in???!!!

Not sure about Cookie, but Sundin may be here next weekend. B. says there's no hurry and once he's decided a dog should be with me, he'll just keep nagging me til it happens. Took him 6 months to convince me to get Pingo. He probably could have given her to other people several times through that time, but he was sure she was supposed to be here.