02/03/2008
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Morning Sentinel staff photofrom the Kennebec Journal
Augusta panel OKs Tractor Supply store
Beverage-tax foes outraise proponents
BUDGET REJECTED
Little Papi's big dream comes true
RICHMOND Fireworks highlight festival
RANDOLPH OPTING TO SAVE
LOCAL BASEBALL ROUNDUP: Augusta wins easily
Zone 2 playoffs start today
All of today's:
News | Sports
from the Kennebec Journal
from the Morning Sentinel
WATERVILLE Man invades home on Western Avenue
Official defends Woodlands
EMBDEN THIEVES TAKE PART OF DOCK Materials taken belonged to summer swim program for 9 area communities
Drawdown rate depends on rain
Highland Plt. to vote on move toward deorganization
Beverage tax foes far ahead in funding
Former Colby standout back in Maine
ZONE 2 TOURNEY SET TO START
All of today's:
News | Sports
from the Morning Sentinel
"Mom, my feet are cold," the tiny four-year old said plaintively, looking up at his mother Sara. Bundled in a puffy red snowsuit, woolly hat, big boots and thick mittens and still wearing his Number 38 racer's bib, he slowly pushed his dog sled to the back of the family's truck that hauled their equipment and dog teams from Oxford. Already a seasoned musher, he finished his race and had cheerfully high-fived other competitors many times his size and age.
Announcer Mary Ellen Therriault began the countdown for the next race.
"Folks, we have 10 minutes before the next team starts," she called over the loudspeaker. "Please take your places."
Sled dog teams lined up on either side of a long row of hay bales. The dogs were harnessed individually, with their 'tug' lines attached to a central 'gang' line. Handlers struggled to hold the yelping, wriggling dogs to keep them from racing onto the field before the signal.
In the distance on the other side of the field, mushers and dogs appeared from an earlier race and a volunteer waved a black-and-white checkered flag as they crossed the finish line.
Nearby, 13-year old Jason Haynes of Dixfield took the harnesses off his team. Several family members, also avid racers, congratulated the eighth-grader after a successful run against other more seasoned dogsled teams. Haynes said he saved his money to buy his own dogs and equipment and said he enjoys the time he spends out on the trails with his dog team.
"He's outdoors working with them, exercising and feeding and training them, and cleaning the kennels every single day," his mother said. "He's gotten into shape doing this and we're really proud of him."
Racers will start again today on Herbert 'Bussy" and Brenda York's fields on Routes 2 and 27 pulled on skis by a one- or two-dog team.
"We have 73 teams entered today, and that's just a great turnout," organizer Joy Turner said.
Sledders from Maine, New England and even Prince Edward Island seemed to know each other well, standing in groups to talk about their dogs and their races.
Three generations of one family teamed up for a day of racing. Grandfather Brian Shepherd, his daughter Tara and his 10-year-old granddaughter Aisling brought a team of dogs from their kennels in Harrison and Norway. Aisling has been racing since she was five, her mother said, and both father and daughter became addicted to the sport. Between the two families, they own, train and race 32 dogs. They launched into an animated explanation of the types of sled dogs and the differences between dog breeds.
Mushers can race any type of dog, but Alaskan and Siberian huskies and Eurohounds, which are a husky and pointer mix, were the most popular at this weekend event. Sled dog breeds are distinguished by endurance, strength and intelligence, and Alaskan huskies aren't a recognized American Kennel Club breed as Siberian huskies are, Tara explained. Mushers look for speed, strength and endurance, and Alaskan husky dogs meet that need.
Today's races begin at 9 a.m. and continue until 3 p.m. Ample parking will be available and food vendors will sell snacks and beverages. For more information, call Mark and Joy Turner at 645-2864.
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