Dog Sledding in our Back Yard

AAH! There's nothing like a clear, cold day and freshly groomed trails to get out and play on. Check out our video to the right! Sorry for the poor quality!

Today Saco and Arethusa ganged up against me and wouldn't stop jumping up and down and howling (as seen in the above photo). They were begging me to take them out to the trail. I think they saw the trail groomer go by just a few minutes earlier.

I suited up for the cold ride, packed the camera and a few cookie snacks for Saco and Arethusa. I got the lines and the Maine Made Allagash Dog Sled, all provided by the Perry Greene Kennel and Outfitters Ready to go.
We trekked out to the trail and made our final mush preparations. I connected one end of the shock cord to the two dog line and the other end to the dog sled. Now for the harnesses. Saco wears a H-Back Harness and Arethusa wears an X-back Harness. The H-back harness is perfect for Saco because he is so skinny and long whereas the X-Back is perfect for Arethusa because she's a smaller package.

Now everything's in place all they need just a little guidance and a couple of high pitched "Hike, Hike" calls to get them going. "Hike, Hike" I yelled, the shock cord stretched until taut. I ran behind the sled and once we were up to speed I hopped on to the runners and we were off! The takeoff always reminds me of a bobsled team when they run just as fast as they can to get the sled going and then one by one they all hop in the sled. (I bet that would be a fun ride)