This past weekend was all about dogs. Literally and figuratively. I spent hours meeting with new friends and getting advice on every front. I ran dogs with my neighbor and met with the owners of probably the most famous Siberian Husky sled dog kennel in the world. They only live about a mile from me and I am glad to have made their acquaintance.
On Saturday night I met with Iditarod and Quest musher Hugh Neff and his girlfriend/handler/partner Tamra and had a great meal at the Roadside Inn in Meadow Lakes. We talked about the Iditarod, my goals, dreams and aspirations and the prospect of running dogs in the future. I think this may be the year for Hugh in the Yukon Quest and maybe even the Iditarod. It is rumored that a lot of the big names are getting out of the sport and I think he has a chance! Hugh is such a nice, down to earth guy and what better person to learn about the Last Great Race.
After dinner we headed over to the Redington place to pick up a dog house for my new dog, Shifter and spent a few minutes visiting. If you know anything about the sport of mushing and the Iditarod you know who the Redington’s are. What a dynasty and such much history in that family.
On Sunday night I had the pleasure of spending time with friends in the neighborhood and had a great dinner and shared stories about mushing, Alaska and living a life with dogs. Can it be any better? I don’t think so.
On Labor Day it was gorgeous! I was able to work outside for the first time in days and managed to fill up the dumpster yet again. I think that is the sixth load now and many more to go. I got the bill the other day (over $400.00) but it is a necessary expense. I managed to whip up a new recipe from a Facebook friend, a pot roast made with a Lipton Onion Soup packet and some veggies and enjoyed the late meal watching an absolutely beautiful sunset over Denali from my living room window.
Now with the official end to summer, the leaves are quickly changing here in the North and will all fall soon. Within a month or so I hope to see snow and pray that most of my outside work on the property is wrapped up before it gets too cold.
I sure hope so because I am not very fond of working in 10 or 20 below zero. Unless its working with dogs, of course!
I welcome your comments and suggestions. Please comment below.
Robert Forto | Team Ineka | Alaska Dog Works | Mushing Radio
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Robert Forto is the host of The Dog Works Radio Show and is the training director of Alaska Dog Works. Robert Forto can be reached through his website at www.alaskadogworks.com