Wolfies Call of the Wild Huskies Blog & Reader Comments
by Von E. Martin
Latest News & Book Publication Status
Lars In the Arms of an Angel
Fri, 20th November, 2009
On November 19th, I helped one of our very special retired sled dogs, Lars, cross the Rainbow Bridge. Lars would have celebrated his 15th birthday on Dec 20th.
I hardly know where to begin with the story of this remarkable Alaska Husky's legacy and racing career. Before he came to live with me in 2003, Lars had already won just about every race he ever led a team in, including the Ashton Dog Derby,the oldest sled dog race in North America.
During his many years with me, Lars ran lead and taught me all he knew. He was a delicately boned Husky with beautiful blue eyes and a luxurious white coat. Pound for pound, he was the hardest working dog in our kennel. He was retired in 2007 at age 12.
I am always amazed at the courage and heroic stamina of these amazing dogs, even when they are close to death. During his last week with me, he would wander outside and lay next to the dog truck, while hopefully looking up at it.
On the last day he could stand, Lars strolled through the kennel barn, stopping at each kennel to look at his team mates and to sniff at the gate before going to the next kennel. This he did until he had visited every dog in the barn. I have never seen him do this before. Then I realized he was saying Good-bye. Afterwards, he strolled outside and lay in the warmth of the sun that had briefly burst through the clouds. Sadly, it was the last time he was able to stand on his own.
It is always a good day when we can honor our canine best friends, and be there to help them cross the Bridge and Lars would not go until I was there for him. He wanted to do it right. What powerful spirits these special dogs possess. And we are so very lucky to have them in our lives and to learn from them.
To help Lars in his final hour, I honored him with my Greatest Gift of Love. He will be greatly missed - but only until we meet again. In the meantime, he is with his kennel mate and best canine friend, Rosie, who passed away just 19 days earlier. These dogs just seem to have their own way.
I hardly know where to begin with the story of this remarkable Alaska Husky's legacy and racing career. Before he came to live with me in 2003, Lars had already won just about every race he ever led a team in, including the Ashton Dog Derby,the oldest sled dog race in North America.
During his many years with me, Lars ran lead and taught me all he knew. He was a delicately boned Husky with beautiful blue eyes and a luxurious white coat. Pound for pound, he was the hardest working dog in our kennel. He was retired in 2007 at age 12.
I am always amazed at the courage and heroic stamina of these amazing dogs, even when they are close to death. During his last week with me, he would wander outside and lay next to the dog truck, while hopefully looking up at it.
On the last day he could stand, Lars strolled through the kennel barn, stopping at each kennel to look at his team mates and to sniff at the gate before going to the next kennel. This he did until he had visited every dog in the barn. I have never seen him do this before. Then I realized he was saying Good-bye. Afterwards, he strolled outside and lay in the warmth of the sun that had briefly burst through the clouds. Sadly, it was the last time he was able to stand on his own.
It is always a good day when we can honor our canine best friends, and be there to help them cross the Bridge and Lars would not go until I was there for him. He wanted to do it right. What powerful spirits these special dogs possess. And we are so very lucky to have them in our lives and to learn from them.
To help Lars in his final hour, I honored him with my Greatest Gift of Love. He will be greatly missed - but only until we meet again. In the meantime, he is with his kennel mate and best canine friend, Rosie, who passed away just 19 days earlier. These dogs just seem to have their own way.
Bacon's Health Improving
Sun, 8th November, 2009
I am spending this weekend in the cabin with Bacon, one of my lead dogs and veteran of last year's Serum Run Expedition. He was treated at the vet on the Nov 6th for a large Hematoma that suddenly appeared on his throat. His prognosis is very good.
Consequently, I cancelled plans to train the team so I could help nurse poor Bacon back to health. He requires oral meds, and warm compresses applied to his throat every couple of hours. This causes a draining of fluids that I am constantly cleaning from his mouth and face. Poor little guy. But he is such a sweet and gentle patient and appears very grateful for all the help I am giving him. He is also being kept company in the cabin by Sol-leks, Pike, and his brother Grits.
In the meantime, I am taking advantage of the time at home to complete two more chapters of my forthcoming book, A Long Way To Nome, while all the rain comes pouring down - nonstop - outside.
Consequently, I cancelled plans to train the team so I could help nurse poor Bacon back to health. He requires oral meds, and warm compresses applied to his throat every couple of hours. This causes a draining of fluids that I am constantly cleaning from his mouth and face. Poor little guy. But he is such a sweet and gentle patient and appears very grateful for all the help I am giving him. He is also being kept company in the cabin by Sol-leks, Pike, and his brother Grits.
In the meantime, I am taking advantage of the time at home to complete two more chapters of my forthcoming book, A Long Way To Nome, while all the rain comes pouring down - nonstop - outside.
Rosie's Passing - The Loss of a Special Sled Dog
Sun, 1st November, 2009
On the evening of October 30th, Rose, one of our special retired sled dogs, fell suddenly very ill and collasped. She was rushed to emergency veterinary services but sadly, could not be saved. In the early morning hours of Oct 31st, I found the courage to help her slip away while kissing her sweet face and showering her with words of love and praise for her remarkable legacy. Rose was 13 years old.
Rose's career with our kennel spanned 10 years, beginning with her rescue from the county shelter at age 3. For over eight years she ran as both team dog and trail leader on countless miles of trails. She ran too many races to mention here but was an outstanding and enthusiastic performer in each and every one.
Rose was often referred to as the team cheerleader due to her enthusiastic vocal performances at the start of every run. She had a special talent for getting all the other huskies revved up. Rose was the constant companion of my wife, Judy, and her very best friend.
Until the last day of her life, Rose was active and enjoyed good health. Her sudden collaspe and loss has been a terrible shock. Her kennel mates, particulary her best canine buddy, Sol-leks, are greatly missing her. If you could have ever seen Rose run in harness, you would agree that she was all heart. She LIVED to run.
I had hoped to complete the final two chapters of my book, A LONG WAY TO NOME this weekend but find myself struggling with my emotions and grieving for the unexpected loss of a Best Friend. In the meantime, I am making the best effort to move the book to completion. Thanks to all who offered condolences at this time.
Rose's career with our kennel spanned 10 years, beginning with her rescue from the county shelter at age 3. For over eight years she ran as both team dog and trail leader on countless miles of trails. She ran too many races to mention here but was an outstanding and enthusiastic performer in each and every one.
Rose was often referred to as the team cheerleader due to her enthusiastic vocal performances at the start of every run. She had a special talent for getting all the other huskies revved up. Rose was the constant companion of my wife, Judy, and her very best friend.
Until the last day of her life, Rose was active and enjoyed good health. Her sudden collaspe and loss has been a terrible shock. Her kennel mates, particulary her best canine buddy, Sol-leks, are greatly missing her. If you could have ever seen Rose run in harness, you would agree that she was all heart. She LIVED to run.
I had hoped to complete the final two chapters of my book, A LONG WAY TO NOME this weekend but find myself struggling with my emotions and grieving for the unexpected loss of a Best Friend. In the meantime, I am making the best effort to move the book to completion. Thanks to all who offered condolences at this time.
Von's New Book Update
Fri, 30th October, 2009
With the first two "dryland" sled dog races now behind us for Fall 2009, I will be taking the Halloween weekend off to make a "big push" to complete the last two chapters of my forthcoming book, "A Long Way to Nome". It wil be good to have two solid days (and nights) away from work and the trail to concentrate on writing!
While I'm going to miss being on the trail with all my huskies this weekend, we will return to training to prepare for our upcoming snow races (Jan & Feb 2010) next weekend.
In the meantime, here is a favorite photo taken with my two lead dogs, Chewbacca and Grits, at the start of the 2009 Pacific NW Dryland Championship Sled Dog Race on Oct. 25, 2009. Chewbacca and Grits were my primary lead dogs during our expedition across Alaska last winter!
While I'm going to miss being on the trail with all my huskies this weekend, we will return to training to prepare for our upcoming snow races (Jan & Feb 2010) next weekend.
In the meantime, here is a favorite photo taken with my two lead dogs, Chewbacca and Grits, at the start of the 2009 Pacific NW Dryland Championship Sled Dog Race on Oct. 25, 2009. Chewbacca and Grits were my primary lead dogs during our expedition across Alaska last winter!
Fall 2009 Race Results and New Book Status
Fri, 30th October, 2009
Race Results - "Pacific Northwest Dryland Championship Sled Dog Race" - completed Oct 25, 2009. This was our 2nd "dryland" race of the 2009 - 2010 season.
We finished 5th in the 12 Dog Mid-Distance Class - running a total of 18 miles in 2 hrs 2 min 7 sec.
All the dogs were still at a lope when crossing the finish line. Not bad for mostly 9 to 11 year olds - all of whom were with me on the Serum Run Expedition in Alaska last winter!
Book Update - I have completed the first 13 chapters of "A LONG WAY TO NOME" and have only 2 chapters to complete prior to publication. I am getting a lot of requests for the book and I am very anxious to make it available to readers just as soon as possible. Looking for this November.
We finished 5th in the 12 Dog Mid-Distance Class - running a total of 18 miles in 2 hrs 2 min 7 sec.
All the dogs were still at a lope when crossing the finish line. Not bad for mostly 9 to 11 year olds - all of whom were with me on the Serum Run Expedition in Alaska last winter!
Book Update - I have completed the first 13 chapters of "A LONG WAY TO NOME" and have only 2 chapters to complete prior to publication. I am getting a lot of requests for the book and I am very anxious to make it available to readers just as soon as possible. Looking for this November.
