I haven’t made it out to the dog lot in a long time due to work and a few other extracurricular activities, and I didn’t realize how much I missed it.
The dog lot has totally transformed — just as the rest of Nome has — with the onset of winter. Ice and snow suit the landscape of excited dogs barking, jumping, and running about rather than the autumn mud. It all just feels right.
The cold and snow are what these dogs are made for, and now, they get to do what they love: run. It’s an exciting time for the dogs and for the people who take care of them. The hard work of the owners and handlers is finally paying off as they take their teams out more and more.
The presence of winter isn’t the only change that has happened since I’ve been away. Before I had to take a step back from helping with the dogs there was a new edition to the lot — a young pup named Kuro. The last time I saw this little guy, he’d curl up inside my coat and fall asleep while I carried him around and worked on whatever chores needed doing. If I had to describe Kuro then, other than a ball of fur, I would’ve said he looked like a black guinea pig that could not walk or open his eyes. Now, though, Kuro has doubled in size. He runs around, playing with the other dogs, stealing their food, and can no longer fit in my coat. It’s hard to believe that this little pup will almost be fully grown in a few months. Hopefully, Kuro will slim down by that time. Due to his adeptness as a food thief, he has remained a chunker — a cute one, though.
The other big development out at the dog lot has been unpacking the harnesses and running the dogs. Not only have I gotten to ride in the sled and help guide the dogs, but this weekend, I was able to actually pilot the sled. The wind was cold on my face, and the mountains were painted pink and orange as the sun slowly dipped behind the horizon. It was the kind of landscape I pictured when I thought about mushing before I arrived in Alaska. It was a scene that could have been ripped from a Jack London novel, but with less death.
When I was out on the sled, the most distinct part of the experience was quiet. All I heard was the treading of the dogs and the sled gliding on the snow. No barks, no howls, and no whining. The dogs are in their element running forward, usually, working together and enjoying being away from the lot. I know this is not how every experience with a dog sled will go, but I have been spoiled with my first few trips. All in all, it’s good to be back at the dog lot, and it’s exciting to be able to discover more and more about these dogs and this sport.
*At some point, I will provide photos of mushing, the puppy, and the dog lot. Until then, I hope you enjoy this festive photo of my friend’s dog.
