Hmmm, who to pick......???

Sleet is my canine soulmate. She's my best buddy. She was our first Yukon dog. At the time she arrived, we only had three other dogs. We had just met a musher named Trish and her family. Stuart was taking a class with Trish and her husband that ran for several weekends. On the last day, he when he got home, he said Trish had "sent something home" for me and it was in the truck. I was expecting some baking or something like that. I found Sleet sitting on the front seat, scared out of her wits.

This was taken just after she arrived. We bonded the second I looked at her. Sleet had spent her life as working sled dog, but at heart she wanted to be a pet. Trish recognized that and knew that she couldn't give Sleet that so she gave her to us. While she continued to work, it didnt' take her long to get comfy on the couch! Sleet pulled for me for four years. This is the first winter she hasn't worked at all. She has self-retired. She's probably 12 years old now.

Trish also gave us Paxil, for about the same reasons. I don't consider them rescues. They were in no danger with Trish. She's a wonderful, gentle woman and they could have lived out their lives with her. She knew that they weren't happy living in a dog yard though. The last time I saw her, she told me that the best thing she ever did for Sleet & Paxil was give them to me. I think they are the best gifts I've ever received.

Without Sleet, I would have never started mushing and if I had tried, we would have gotten nowhere! She was a phenomenal lead dog, never missed a command, knew where to turn even when I didn't have a clue. I got very, very lost once a few years ago. I was a long way from home and not equiped to spend the night outside. (I now don't leave the yard without enough to make it through a night). In a bit of a panic, I got off the sled, knelt in the snow beside Sleet and told her that I was going to trust her and asked her to pick a trail. The trail she picked led to a house, probably the only one for miles. They had a satelitte phone that they let me use, gave me some tea and cookies and treats for the dogs. When I couldn't get ahold of Stuart, they loaded my dogs and sled into their SUV and drove me home! I've never doubted my leaders since!

Here's Sleet a couple days ago, hanging out with Delta. She gets along with all the other dogs. They all know that there are different rules for Sleet. There is no growling or snarling at Sleet allowed! She is usually first through the door and always sleeps by my bed. For a long time, she wouldn't settle down unless I had my hand on her back. I learned to sleep with one arm dangling over the side of the bed.

Her eyes are cloudy, her hips are shot and her knees are going, she's got more grey in her black fur now, but she's still got a strong spirit, a happy heart and gentle soul. She's my special girl, always will be.