PETIGREE MAGAZINE Issue 5 | Page 44

C E L E B R I T Y How difficult is it for you when it comes to training your sled dogs for the races? It can take all day sometimes! We start in August and by December the dogs will have around 1,000 miles logged on. The sled runs are 4-9 hours long. It is difficult to do all of my training, with little kids at home to look after and I do not want to be away that much right now and so, my husband, also a top musher, helps with a lot of the training. The dogs know and like him the same! We do everything together, sharing meal preparations, house chores, kennel management, training, etc. What is the major reason behind people abandoning these dogs to live on their own? I believe there are many reasons, the top ones being cost and the time it takes to care and train. Some people say the dog is too slow, too thin, wrong colour, too shy and so on and some need to move out of state for work. How important has your husband’s role been in making this a success? Huge! I am very passionate about what we do but it takes the two of us to do all that we do. He is very kind to the dogs, very patient, understanding and willing to work for 20 hours a day without hesitation. Together we work on it full time like it is the most important thing. I am really thankful for that. Did he also have the same degree of love for animals just as you harboured? Yes, that is a very special thing about him. His heart belongs to his animals and his family. What are your plans for the future? We will continue to race hoping to make a difference in the lives of the dogs by building a facility and continuing the work we do. Our mission is to inspire others who also live with big dreams in their hearts and to educate those interested in the sport. Anyone interested in becoming a private donor or sponsor will automatically become a member of ‘The Crazy Dog Kennel’ canine rescue and racing. We are a non-profit and all proceeds go toward building a canine wellness facility. 44