In the world of dog mushing, there are different phrases.
The one which holds the highest regard is an Honest Dog.
An Honest Dog is one who gives his all.
Not just now and then.
But every moment he is hooked up to the sled.
Our new dog Malakai, is new to mushing.
Not really…as deep in his heart, he knows this.
He instinctively understands.
As with all new dogs, we place him nearest the sled, in the wheel position, so he can be watched and easily hear his master’s calming voice.
He not only pulls, but he pulls from deep within his ancestor’s gene pool.
The sign of an Honest Dog is one whose tug is always tight.
Ranger, our leader, is an Honest Dog.
Shiloh, our other new addition to the kennel, is pursuing an Honest Dog title.
Malakai excels at a tight tug.
It stirs an emotion within me to see a dog find himself.
Tears meet the cold air.
To be happy, and content.
To wonder what is next…what adventure awaits.
To dream…
Until tomorrow ~ May all your dogs be Honest Dogs ~ God willing,
Woodswoman
I love your pictures and narrative about an honest dog. I truly wish we could hitch our dogs to a sled but it is not something that at our age we can just start doing. It would be good if we could send our dogs somewhere to do it though.
Comment by Jane Long — December 28, 2009 @ 1:35 pm
Look at the smiles on their faces!!! You have some happy, happy dogs. Beautiful!!
Comment by Beth — December 28, 2009 @ 1:46 pm
What a great post and what beautiful dogs. We really enjoyed it. And love an honest dog.
Comment by D.K. Wall & The Thundering Herd — December 28, 2009 @ 8:38 pm
Excellent. This is one of the best blogs around. We don’t have snow here where I am. But this blog is so good I come back every day just to look at the pictures. I have included it on my blog.
My prayer is that you will continue blessing us with your photo’s for a long time to come.
Comment by Stan53 — December 29, 2009 @ 9:14 am
Loved the photographs and the post. This one looks like a good wheel dog. The look of a Mal there…lots of substance and very breedy type.
My team is mostly just the one dog. HunyB is hooked in just to keep O’Lee on the straight and narrow. At 7 HunyB’s elbows are requiring her to pace. Still the light work keeps everyone exercised and mentally sound.
I would not ever suggest that age should be a condition to not try this sport.
Training can compensate especially with very small teams. We regularlly run one-two and three dog teams. The distance is shorter, the speed slower, but the fun is just as much.
Honest dogs, work dogs, the pleasure of the team of dog and human in nature.
To be on a trail and call for a rest “whoa”. Listening to the sound of the snow falling from the trees…then “hike on” and the site of the dogs breath in the cold air and the crunch of the sled runners on the snow. What is there not to be pleased with?
Joy Cowles
Bellaire, MI
Wintrye So Truly Huny B CD NAP NJP RE CGC/TDI DD(BMDCA) NDD(NEDDC) WD-W(IWPA)
Wintrye Stradivarius CGC NDD(BMDCA) WD-W(IWPA)*
Bashful Belle-Aire RE NDD TDI (10/5/05-7/17/09)
*pending
Comment by Joy — December 30, 2009 @ 12:57 am
That is the most wonderful story, and those are inspiring pictures! I am touched by this. Thank you for it. I love the other comments of your readers.
Comment by Anne — January 8, 2011 @ 4:55 am