Continued from Part 1 ~
Zip has always been a special dog to the Fortier Family. She is a welcome sight as we visit this cold, sunny day.
As we rejoin myself, Amy, and Francie in the dog yard with Joann and Ana, talk turns to dogs and the pending John Beargrease Race in Minnesota.
Speaking of dogs, here’s a glimpse of the kennel, a couple days prior to race start.
With the day coming to a close, we pile in our vehicles and say goodbye, saturated with “dog talk”.
Francie with her dogs, including new dog Koyuk.
Amy and I in “Betsy” with Zip.
On the way back to our Last Chance Kennel for a quick spin with Koyuk and India on the trails before dark, we stop in Mancelona for a bag of dog food for Koyuk.
Zip greets one of the resident mousers, with Amy looking on.
Until next time.
Stay tuned for the next installment of “On The Road with Zip”. Who knows where it will lead us?
WAIT…BREAKING NEWS:
Today, Joann Fortier has something to smile about.
More or less.
While getting prepared for the John Beargrease 150 (Click on JB race), she was battling the flu.
Joann hoped she would feel better once they accomplished the long drive to Duluth, Minnesota with the dogs.
But if not… she had a back-up plan.
Race Day arrived. -8 at the start.
Joann?
Sick.
Not to worry. Hubby Larry would become the proxy jockey. The driver of dogs.
He had a ticket to ride. And boy, did he come through.
Eight dogs plowed through the race, with athletic Larry at the helm, with an average speed of 10.8 mph.
All eight dogs finished.
He came in 4th, earning himself a “Rookie of the Year” title in this prestigious Mid-Distance race.
They will be heading back home to Michigan with significant “gas and dog food” money in their pockets from their winnings.
Congrats Fortiers! You deserve it. Both you and your dogs have worked hard.
Also a big congrats to winner, Dave Turner, from Oregon. Dave transported two of our dogs (Dot and Excel ~ “Shaw Dogs” ~ who came to us via Fortiers) to Oregon last year to hook up with their new owner with assistance from, who else?
The Fortiers.
The mushing circle keeps going ’round and ’round.
Until tomorrow ~ God willing,
Woodswoman
That’s awesome. So, does the ebtire mushing world know each other? It seems like a tight knit community.
Comment by Grace — January 27, 2009 @ 4:40 pm
Sure feels that way from where I sit Grace.
I hope you can come join us someday.
Comment by Sherry ~ Woodswoman — January 28, 2009 @ 3:37 am