 |
| Rachel runs a team with Rayna and Phoenix in lead |
As I walk into the dog yard cold air hits me in the face. I
take a deep breath in of the cool crisp air; feeling myself waking up bit by
bit; waking up with the morning. My headlamp illuminates the kennels in the
weak early morning light. Dogs pace back and forth; anxious for their first
meal of the day. Even though it’s too dark for anyone to see I smile broadly. I
love feeding in the mornings; saying hello to each of the dogs has become a
centering way for me to start my days.
I open the first kennel and the two dogs within it burst out
as if exploring the dog yard outside is the sole reason they woke up. I laugh
out loud watching them run and play. Friendly growling, tail biting and chasing
each other around, the two dogs are bright and alive. I call their names and
they both lift their heads. Theirs ears perk up for a second as they register
the command and then turning in a circle both of them barrel back into the
kennel. It’s breakfast time! I hug each one of them individually. Feeling their
ribs I check for anything that might be abnormal. After I am sure nothing is
amiss and no one is gaining or losing any more weight than they should be I
grab the five gallon bucket full of kibble. Immediately all eyes are on me. One
of the dogs in front of me stamps her paws and whirls her head around in
circles; a little happy dance I only get to see at feeding times. The other dog
sits patiently and cocks her head. Her eyes glance from mine to the five gallon
bucket and then back to me “It's kibble time! Look at my good sit! Feed me!,”
she seems to be saying. I giggle and scoop out food for each of them. As I
slowly make my way through the kennels the sun starts to peaks its head out of
the woods to the east. Vibrant pink and red hues paint the sky above me and for
a moment, with dogs running around me and giving me kisses, the world is
complete and vivid and full of magic.
After feeding I set up the ATV for our fall training run
that afternoon. I take care to ensure that the gang line, quick release, tug
and necklines are all in working order and safety attached. I’ve learned to do
this task slowly and methodically. A fray or loose carbiner can have
disastrous results for a dog team and even though the tasks are now routine I
take special care with each connection; making sure everything is secure.
In the afternoon when it is time to run the other handler
working with me, Claire, and I walk into the dog yard with leashes. As I walk
past kennels dog ears windmill and eyes follow me, “she has a leash! Is it me!
I want to run! I want to RUN!” There are
some excited yips and as I approach the kennel I’m headed to the dog whose name
I’m speaking hears me and jumps into the air in a triumphant leap “I’ve been
chosen! I’m going to run!” I let the dog out of the kennel and marvel at how
fluidly he runs towards the gate. Every time I see one of these dogs run it
feels like a special present, their limbs and muscles respond so fluidly with
the rest of their body; sometimes it takes my breath away.
Claire and I hook all the dogs up to the ready line and
start to harness them. Nervous yips and barks abound. The dogs are anxious and
excited and amped up and ready. One big floppy eared beauty, Wyakin, lies down
after he is harnessed but continues to make
small yips of excitement. Other dogs stay still but tremble with anticipation
for what is to come. I spend time walking down the line and petting each dog.
Dogs that are not normally affectionate seem to lean into me on the ready line;
needing support and reassurance.
As we start to hook up the dogs to the gang line the noise
level rises in the kennel. All the dogs still in their houses howl and pace.
Their turn to run will come but still they’re jealous of everyone out of the
kennel. The leaders of the team look back in anticipation at the ATV. They are
still holding the line tight, but they too tremble with eagerness for what is
to come. Their position in front of the team is not an easy one especially at
hook up; with all the noise and dogs behind them they need to stand forward;
keeping the team tight and in line.
I start to wrap the quick release as Linda hops on the front
of the ATV. Excitement and butterflies rise in my stomach as she starts the
machine. Starting off running, even in the fall, always gets my adrenaline
pumping. With a “Ready, let’s go!” from Linda the team is off. The ATV jerks a
little as the team accelerates; the downfalls of fall training are such that
the ride is not very smooth. But in my mind I imagine what we are training for;
sleds and snow and clean cold rides through wonderland. Regardless of the rocks
or gear changes however, running the dogs still thrills me. Their long bodies
trot and lope down the trail effortlessly. I am reminded yet again why I love
mushing so much; animals doing what they were made to do; what they love to do.
Like watching a musician play or a famous basketball player shoot hoops to
watch sled dogs run is to watch nature in its element.
We stop for water halfway through the run and panting dogs
eagerly lap at the bowls I put in front of them. With their tongues splayed out
everyone looks like they’re smiling. Mud dots some of their noses adding a
comical look to the wheel dogs. I pet and check in with everyone giving praise
and checking to make sure no one looks like they are hurting or tiring to
easily. Finishing the run with a “Whoa” we unhook the dogs and take them back
to the ready line. In stark contrast to how amped up everyone was an hour ago
now most of the dogs are lying down; waiting to be taken back to their houses.
As the day closes and we finish all of our runs the dog yard
quiets down. Everyone got out and now dogs lay relaxing on their houses. Some
of them curl up like cats with their tails tucked in, dozing off and waiting
for evening feeding. I breathe in
deeply, inhaling the clear air of the woods around me. My muscles are tired and
sore as I stretch my arms up to the air above me. My body too feels the run we
did today and the stiffness feels good, reminding me of the work I
accomplished.
As Claire and I enter the dog yard for evening feeding I
laugh loudly in response to the eagerness the dogs show for their kibble. Each
dog’s personality is strikingly different; making it hard not to think of them
as little people. We play and hug and say good night to each dog, softly
talking with each other in between kennels. As we enter the final kennel Claire
starts to sing quietly. Her clear voice seems to echo among the trees and I
close my eyes briefly. Calmness descends with the end of the day. The sky once
again blazes hues of orange, red and pink and with one final howl the dogs tuck
themselves away in their houses.
Points Unknown Dog Handler
Beautiful hon. I feel like I am there with you. Love, Mom
ReplyDelete