A Sled Dog Ride

At Dream a Dream Dog Farm, people come to take a sled dog ride. Because there isn't any snow in the summer, Vern hooks 12 dogs to a big, heavy 4 wheeler filled with people. I did two rides in the 4 wheeler. Once was with Vern's "Varsity" competition team. This team is his fastest team with older, strong, well trained dogs that know their job well. Ole and Sadie were the lead dogs. We flew through the woods, up and down little hills, around sharp corners and over rough, bumpy terrain. The 4 wheeler splashed through deep puddles. Even though the air was cool to us, the dogs got hot quickly so Vern would stop and rest them in puddles. Did you know that these dogs actually cool their bodies through their feet? This team followed Vern's commands perfectly. The next ride was with Vern's "B" team. These are dogs that are two years old and full of excitement, but not always so good at working together or following commands. This team also wasn't as fast, and when we stopped to let them rest, the dogs would play and goof around just like kids. (It sort of reminded me of normal Third Graders who start playing whenever they get a chance!) After the rides, I had a chance to interview a girl named Tina who took a ride. I think this sums up how it all felt.