Valentine's Pooper Scoop

With half a foot of fresh white, the truck carvings on the climb into the Stone Chute were barely noticeable for the Duffy's Pets Race Day. But, slogging through the snow made for a slow race. By the time teams got to the Pyramids the dogs were sweaty and their monkeys pooped. Check out the tongues on the Drag'n'Flys pulling Tony Radford, right:






Conditions didn't hinder lively competition, though. Here's Darryl Sheepway (below) gaining on Rene LaPierre:










Important Lesson from the Trail: STAND STOCK STILL, even if the lead dog of the passing team is freaking out. By the time Darryl and Rene crested the hill, Darryl called "On by". How could I know he'd pass between Rene's team and me, standing just off trail? The Smoking Paws, looking like pups compared to Rene's malamutes, veered wide with fear in their eyes. They weren't the only ones. Don't move, don't move: you twitch and they'll tangle. Many thanks to Rene and Darryl for a grand display of trail etiquette and smooth passing.

Doggone Kennels ran away with best dressed mushers this month.

When I commented on Kirstie's great dress, she grabbed a ruffle and gave it a swish. "It makes me feel so pretty out on the trail." That's not something every musher can say. And Birch Kuch stole the show in style and headgear. Here he is pumping up the trail:













First in show, though, was Debbie Last bouncing down the trail in Cupid's Sled:





The day before the Twister Stefan Wackerhagen's dog ran six miles and was still full of spunk. On the right is the four-year, a little less perky, heading for home.


In the 5 km Pet Dog League Asha clinched top prize in her class with another first place finish for Jonathan Lucas. However if there was a prize for the silliest finish, judges agree Tony won hands down. Pictured below he looks pretty skilled, but two pratt falls and a kiss-the-ground face plant near the finish line gave spectators plenty of laughs.












In the 5 km Kids League another clean run gave Jeff Diment first place, with Larissa Rueckenbach, below, hard on his heels.















All competitors took home prizes thanks to our generous sponsors Air North, Yukon Brewing, Aurora Booties, Midnight Sun Alpacas, C&D Feeds, First Mate Feeds and the Yukon Agriculture Association. Be at Icy Waters, Twister HQ, at 10 a.m. March 1 for the Chocolate Claim Race Day.

Text: Jessica Simon Photos: Mike Simon
posted by yukonwriter