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| Sarah Dobbrastine from Second Chance Mushers with her rescue team |
"Most important is that you are out there
with your 12, 16, 20 best friends—the dogs." ~Susan Butcher (Iditarod racer who was the first to win three
consecutive champions from 1986-1988)
In my eyes there is NOTHING
better than spending time in nature with your furry friends accompanying you!
As the approaching 2021 Iditarod is getting ready to
commence , sled dogs start racing
through my head. (not that dog’s aren’t ALWAYS on this canine addicts mind) However,
this year is the First time I can say I know what it's like to be the passenger
on a dog sled. I did not race, of course, but the experience was still quite
exhilarating.
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| My first sled dog ride |
I thought to myself a few months back, "What am I going
to do on New Year's Eve during a pandemic?"
I am going to keep looking up, smile and do something I've always wanted to do!
I am going to go on a dog sled ride and support a rescue at the same time! What could be better than that? The cherry on
top of the sundae, was I invited a couple of my friends to do the same and they
also ventured out to support Second
Chance Mushers.
I have followed and admired this amazing rescue for quite some time. They are located near Traverse City Michigan. They take working sled dogs that need homes and give them a second chance. These dog stay in the house with Sarah, the founder of this rescue, until the time they are rescued out or end up living with her. She helps to offset the costs of the rescue by teaching the rescues to pull sleds and provide the opportunity to educate and allow people like myself to experience being on a dogsled. I believe this idea is just ingenious. These dogs are so excited to do this! You can see the happiness and drive, in their beautiful eyes.
In a past interview I had with a great musher and Iditarod competitor Wade Marrs, he affirmed what you can observe by watching them, they love to race. "You can't push a rope, they have to want to do what they are doing. I do it because I love to spend time with my dogs, the sport is just a bonus."
From a certified professional dog trainers point of view I can also
affirm what a innovative idea this is. The huskies and northern breed dogs have
so much energy, stamina and drive. If they are not given the proper outlet,
such as mushing , for this energy, they can find other destructive ways to
release it.
National Geographic published an article in June 2020, by Jason Bittel that talked about findings that affirmed, “Humans and dogs have been sledding together for nearly 10,000 years.”
Sarah, the founder of Second Chance Mushers has taken that love the dogs have to race and made miracles happen. When I was fortunate enough to go on my ride on the last day of January 2020 in the afternoon I asked the woman behind this amazing rescue if I could share some of her words and I am very thankful to pass them on to you.
Sarah
Dobbrastine wrote, “Why do I rescue? I rescue because
the amount of unwanted northern breed dogs continues to rise. They are a demanding breed that many do not
realize when they get them. What they
are missing out on is their amazing personalities, their ability to love, and
their drive for life. Northern breed
dogs are not for everyone. They are
independent, strong, and clever but there is a side to them that makes them
irresistible. When you share a bond with
one of them it is magical. They become
so in tuned with you, it builds so much trust.”
Sarah also
share her wishes, “My dreams for Second Chance Mushers Rescue are to grow,
evolve, and to help more northern breed dogs find a home. I hope to one day have property to allow dog
sledding, hikes, swimming, and a building that could help promote education on
the breed along with rescuing. One day,
I will get there, and I will be able to help more dogs in need.”
As I said, I have followed this rescue for
awhile. I have seen them stay diversified. fun and happy, especially over the
past year. You can see the true joy in the fun Christmas Grinch videos, the
renovated school bus with comfy dog beds, and the love shared in photos. This
rescue is phenomenal and should be commended and appreciated!
To see more about Second Chance Mushers. their
sled rides or to donate go to :
https://www.secondchancemushersrescue.com/
https://www.facebook.com/Second-Chance-Mushers-158638287630412