5th July 2009

I placed the last of my sled dogs today. It is very difficult to place sled dogs
at this time of the year, as this is when people cull out their kennels, have
pups and no one wants to take on more due to not being able to run them for
another 4-5 months, yet have to feed and care for them until then when they can
try them out.

Me and my team got lucky. If people cannot place sled dogs, they are usually put
down. These are not pet dogs and they do not do well in a pet situation. I was
afraid I was going to have to put more than one down as it was coming down to
the wire on time.

As I was taking "Soda" to her new owner today, it reminded me of the chapter in
"Black Beauty" when all the horses were sad they were being sold and sent in
different directions, perhaps not to see each other again.

Luckily all my dogs (and faithful friends) went to working homes.

To a man who has 10 teams and a touring business from the Yukon Territory, went
"Tasha" (my first sled dog, whom I rescued from being euthanized), her 5 puppies
who were 2 weeks old and "Taku" ('Soda's' sister).

To a man who has 2 teams in Likely, "Soda" ('Taku's' sister). She is going to be
ONE SPOILED DOG!! They get brushed and MilkBones every day. This man races his
dogs all over the country.

"Dutch" went to a man who has a sled dog touring business in Lac La Hache.

My 17 year old "Scout" who has been a faithful dog for various owners for many
years, will be put down tomorrow as no one wants an old sled dog who cannot pull
anymore. I kept hoping he would go to sleep one night for the last two years and
not wake up, but sled dogs are athletes and keep on going like the Energizer
Bunny. I am very sad, but it is for the best.

I would like to publically acknowledge all the hard work and fun times me and my
team had over the last 7 years of dog mushing. Thank you doggies! I will always
remember you guys.