A Dogs Tale [VIDEO]

A fantastic weekend with "Man's Best Friend"

I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love. For me they are the role model for being alive. ~Gilda Radner

While I was away on vacation I was fortunate enough to experience what it is like to dogsled. Something that was on my Wife's bucket-list. A chance to ride and drive the team through the beautiful woodland trails of the Pocono Mountains. Upon arriving on our adventure, were introduced to the dogs. A collection of Siberian and Alaskan Huskies along with a Nordic Sled Dog "Lurcher" in the mix as well. Over half the dogs have been rescued from horrible conditions, while others are pups they have raised themselves...a true labor of love. Reps from Arctic Paws referred to the teams as their "children". Some of the dogs have even been therapy dogs over the years. Beautiful dogs and great to find out about their history and adventures, before you head out. One of the nice scenic locations came at the halfway point where you stop off at a frozen waterfall ... breathtaking.

One of the stories we were told of was concerning sled dogs from the 2009 Vancouver Winter Olympics. Many dogsled teams were brought in for visitors to enjoy during the games, however after the games ended the dogs were abandoned and left behind. Many were rescued, including some that went on to live in the Poconos.

This was truly an experience I will never forget. Bonding with the dogs, learning how to drive a sled and seeing the beautiful countryside. The teams of dogs were so friendly and their intelligence was amazing. Have you ever owned a Siberian or Alaskan Husky ?

A little history .....The late 1800s and early 1900s being nicknamed the "Era of the Sled Dog" ..... Sled dogs probably evolved in Mongolia between 35,000 and 30,000 years ago. Scientists believe that humans migrated north of the Arctic Circle with their dogs 25,000 years ago, and began using them to pull sleds 3,000 years ago....

Of course upon returning from our canine crusade we had to make sure we gave our two pups a lot of hugs, even if they can't pull a sled :)