Our first race of the season did not go as planned.
However, that is life sometimes in the Mushing World.
I was very happy with my team and their performance considering the difficulties we experienced.
This was a first time race for our two leaders and two of the team dogs.
The Craziness of the start and the number of photographers and spectators on the course can be overwhelming for young inexperienced dogs at their first race. I was very proud of my leaders handling this for their first time. Venus was not phased by any of the commotion, Tira was a little overwhelmed by all the people. However, I am very proud her continuing and not stopping with all the distractions.
As you can imagine these dogs are use to the peace and quiet here in the Northern Forest.
The first 2/3rd of the course the dogs were doing great showing the same speed and enthusiasm as they show here in training. There was then a section of the trail that was very challenging due to the conditions that ended up overwhelming Louis. This was his first race and being a young dog it was too much for him too handle. He was showing a good recovery on the middle of this section of trail. Then as we were leaving this challenging section he finally had had enough and wanted to quit running.
As a result of this, I tried to carry him in the sled. But, as he was not tired he would not stay in there. So for his health and safety, I had him taken back to the marshalling yard by a trail volunteer on his skidoo.
I knew this would result in the team's disqualification. But, it was the best decision for the dog.
It was the right decision and for me the wellfare of my dogs is most important.
I was very happy and proud of the team as they did their best and as a Musher you cant't ask for anything more.
As a postscript, Louis is fine with no injuries and in good spirit.
All's well that turns out well.
A big thank you to my Handler's Suzanne and Michele at the race and Annile for holding down the kennel and preparing dinner for us on our arrival back home.
Also a big thank you to Rossaire Perron for providing a race under very difficult weather conditions.
This week after a good rest, we will get back to running the dogs in the peace and tranquillity of the forest.
Until next week.....
However, that is life sometimes in the Mushing World.
I was very happy with my team and their performance considering the difficulties we experienced.
This was a first time race for our two leaders and two of the team dogs.
The Craziness of the start and the number of photographers and spectators on the course can be overwhelming for young inexperienced dogs at their first race. I was very proud of my leaders handling this for their first time. Venus was not phased by any of the commotion, Tira was a little overwhelmed by all the people. However, I am very proud her continuing and not stopping with all the distractions.
As you can imagine these dogs are use to the peace and quiet here in the Northern Forest.
The first 2/3rd of the course the dogs were doing great showing the same speed and enthusiasm as they show here in training. There was then a section of the trail that was very challenging due to the conditions that ended up overwhelming Louis. This was his first race and being a young dog it was too much for him too handle. He was showing a good recovery on the middle of this section of trail. Then as we were leaving this challenging section he finally had had enough and wanted to quit running.
As a result of this, I tried to carry him in the sled. But, as he was not tired he would not stay in there. So for his health and safety, I had him taken back to the marshalling yard by a trail volunteer on his skidoo.
I knew this would result in the team's disqualification. But, it was the best decision for the dog.
It was the right decision and for me the wellfare of my dogs is most important.
I was very happy and proud of the team as they did their best and as a Musher you cant't ask for anything more.
As a postscript, Louis is fine with no injuries and in good spirit.
All's well that turns out well.
A big thank you to my Handler's Suzanne and Michele at the race and Annile for holding down the kennel and preparing dinner for us on our arrival back home.
Also a big thank you to Rossaire Perron for providing a race under very difficult weather conditions.
This week after a good rest, we will get back to running the dogs in the peace and tranquillity of the forest.
Until next week.....
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