Hey everyone! Just giving an update about the Merrill race. Now, I couldn't be there to run or watch because I had to work, but Katie was able to attend. Being on facebook give's me plenty more to look at too. I was able to see the stats after the first day and see the pictures taken that day too. Katie didn't tell me how the race went yet, I hope to here all of that today, but I found that she was interviewed by the newspaper. Also, here are the results for the weekend. I will have Katie write her story about her experience running her first sled dog race. "A layered-up Michael Winrich of Reedsville was on hand to watch his 13-year-old daughter, Katherine, compete in her first snow race. 3 Dog Juniors
1 14 Olivia Wickkisser 00:19:31.48 00:18:21.73 00:37:53.21 2 16 Savannah Schallock 00:20:19.17 00:18:25.78 00:38:44.95 3 17 Trinity Evans 00:24:33.24 00:21:09.02 00:45:42.26 4 15 Mikayla VerKuilen 00:32:26.41 00:26:30.07 00:58:56.48 5 11 Mailey Jiskia 00:32:16.45 00:27:28.29 00:59:44.74 6 12 Katherine Winrich 00:32:02.93 00:28:32.10 01:00:35.03 7 13 John Bzdok DNF DNF
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Today I came home from school as normal. I did my homework, ran the dogs shorter than normal because of the weather, and then took a nap. At supper time we had our common conversation. Matt (my brother) teased me that he had a half a day and I did not. But when Daddy got home he was informed of 2 visitors that came by that day that now have me in a very frustrated mood. The first was a person from the Town of Franklin. This guy was there on a report of our dogs not being well cared for. He came and looked at them and said that he had gotten a report but he was not suggesting that we do anything different. The only reason why he stopped by was because he said he would follow through on it. This got me shaken up and started a whole string of questions, but then it got worse. As I said 2 people stopped by, so next the next person to stop was a Manitowoc sherrif. He comes knocking on our door. He says he got a complaint that our dogs had no fresh water and were under fed. He then asked if they were sled dogs, the answer was yes. He told us not to worry about it, " I mean they are sled dogs. These dogs are going to be skinny, and who can keep water out in this weather. You said they are watered twice a day so they should be fine, don't worry about it". Thank goodness someone knows what there talking about. It is common sense when you think about it. In a educated world the police would get more calls about obese dogs than skinny dogs. 90% of pet dogs are over weight and the owners don't even know it. On the other hand most sled dogs are about the weight they should be for their size. Why do people have a problem with dogs being athletes? Do they think we are forcing the dogs to run, how would we be doing that when there are no wipes. With sled dogs we use voice commands except for stop. The word you say is whoa while stepping on the brake. Leaders take commands by voice and fulfill them because of trust, not because they are are being forced to. Sled dogs run like they do because they love to run and because they love their masters. So please do me a favor and teach your friends what dog sledding really is, not cruelty, but love and a partnership of trust and understanding.
Also, if you have more questions about sled dogs, please feel free to look under More... then more information about racing and you will find answers to common questions under the FAQ. Otherwise, feel free to shoot an email to me or my cousin. You can find our emails under the Support and Contact us tab. Thanks! It is official I will be going to the Merrill sled dog race. Carlleen can not come because she has to work, but I will be there running a 3 dog team. Which dogs I will be taking is still undecided. Now, my dad, brother, and I get to work hard all week to get the trailer done in time for the race. Well, last minute training and working on dog boxes is going to have me busy, but I hope to see some support at the race.
So as I am writing this, I have to say we have another thing at school. Today, we get out at 1 because of bad weather coming in and bad weather currently. But, that's not what I am here to tell you about. No, recently I went to Chilton and my 4H meeting to do demos. On Saturday, I went to Chilton with Chipmunk, Cinnamon, Racer, and Rocket in the car and the sled on top. Sunday, I brought Chipmunk, Rocket, Panda, and Sam in the car. An interesting sight to see. Four dogs in the car, a dog sled on top. I showed up to each event, and showed how the dogs ran. I gave rides to younger children, and talked about racing and training. All went well I would say. If anybody knows of more places looking for talks and demo's, please let me know! I love advertising and promoting this CRAZY sled dog sport!! Just because I'm a dog musher doesn't mean I can take coldness better than other people. No, it means I know how to dress for it properly and be prepared. It means I am somewhat used to being cold because that is what I put myself through while racing. Cold is just something I put up with, just like everyone should with living in WI. Recently, we have had a cold snap that lasted for 3 days starting on Sunday. The dogs were moved to the shed, school was canceled for 2 days, (3 for the Green Bay area) and we didn't travel anywhere unless we had too. It was mighty cold. As seen in the above photo, I ventured out into the cold to attend the Packer's 49er's NFC Wild card game. It was a fun game, and I am sad that they lost by 3 but I was toasty warm! The dogs are hiding inside the shed to staying warm despite the cold. Cinnamon is warming an old sweatshirt acting as a jacket because she wasn't really liking the cold and didn't have the fur coat like others. Chipmunk was the only dog to live in my house for the cold snap. From all of us here at KCM's kennel to all of you... stay warm and toasty! Also, please don't get too bored if you have to stay inside due to the cold! Over winter break I have been having fun out on the trails. Carlleen came up to visit for a few days and we ran the 8 dog team, then promptly lost the 8 dog team and chased them for several hours, thankful to find them all unharmed and well but Carlleen had fun getting them home this involved her being dragged for some time under the sled. The trails have been in poor condition due to the warm weather but we are expecting snow on Saturday so that should help cover them up. More recently Monday I gave my first tour ride to one of my friends, thankful there were no surprises on that run. Today, Wednesday we took out to separate teams I took my 3 dog consisting of Panda and Cloud in lead and Rocket in wheel and Carlleen took out her 4 dogs; Dingo and Chipmunk in lead, and Sam and Racer in wheel. I do not know exactly how far we went but it was more of a fun run not pushing for speed. It is almost time for the snow races to start I am very excited I get to run 3 dog this year. The first race is in about 3 weeks that means I have a deadline to get the trailer done by. Over all it has been a fun break but school starts tomorrow, like always that means less time with the dogs and more time on the books, not to forget less sleep all around. I will do my best to keep you updated on how the dogs and I are doing. Below are an assortment of pictures from over break enjoy. :)
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AuthorA young women attempting to navigate the world. She is guided by her love and passion for dogs. Archives
April 2020
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