Saturday we showed up at the Purity Spring Sled Dog Race Classic in Madison, NH. Maddie and Dylan took a sled dog clinic last week at the adjoining King Pine Ski area, where they learned the basics of operating a sled, hooking up the dogs, and more importantly, how to stop! So, on Saturday they had a sign-up for the kids, and the first twenty could actually get a chance to run (actually, be towed might be more accurate) in a one dog race! Dylan was thirteenth in line (Maddie opted out of the racing part), but somehow didn’t make it in. But that wasn’t about to stop my Mom (thanks Mom!) from making sure that her Grandson got his place on the starting line…that’s a story for another day, but our sincerest thanks go out to local dog sledding hero Bruce Crowther, and Gretchen Karlson of Karlson Kennels, Concord, MA for lending Dylan not only their team leader, Squeaky (I apologize Squeaky, if I’m not spelling your name right) and a sled, but also their time and expertise in getting Dyl ready to roll (I mean, slide). He had a blast and so did we! Here are some shots Tay and I took…

Yes, their eyes are that blue!

After racing 12 miles, they’re just a bit tuckered out on the home stretch…but still workin’ it.

Nothin’ like a good old Dodge to get yer dogs to the race on time!

This next photo is one of my top 3 faves, I think. I swear I did not Photoshop the expression on that dog’s face (I didn’t even know a dog was physically capable of doing that). It’s priceless…way too funny, but I promise she is not choking him!

Another classic from Tay:

The kids have a go…I think it’s great that the kids can get involved in this great sport at such a young age…with or without a sled!

Pre-race pep talk:

…and she’s ready to go.

One of the things I love about photography is the story you sometimes find in your photos only after you take them. This little guy was doing his darnedest to keep his dog motivated…the dog, feeling a bit social I guess, stopped off to say hello to the spectators:

Oh well…

Ok, you definitely deserve some lap time…

Dylan finally gets his chance:

The End.