It’s all about the dogs….
I live in Indianola Washington, a sleepy, but rapidly growing community
west of Seattle on Puget Sound. Employed as a Marine Engineer for
Washington State Ferries I live the best of two worlds, dogs and
boats. I have a maritime job, but rather then spend months at sea;
I go home every day to my family of 17 Samoyeds.
I got my first Samoyed in 1985 and began recreational mushing about
1987. The below answer to one of the Serum Run Application questions
can best put into perspective my affection for, and life with Samoyeds.
Why do you want to participate in the 2007
Serum Run?
The opportunity to get to know a true Polar Explorer, Norman Vaughan,
was a major attraction to the Serum Run. Sadly, that is no longer
possible.
When I was about 8 years old and waiting for the main feature
of a weekend matinee to start, a short clip of Antarctica was
shown. Scenes of frosty Snow Cats illuminated by magnesium flares,
hoar breath of chilled personnel shouting above a roaring gale,
and a sense of bitter cold etched themselves into my imagination.
I was captivated.
A little Youtube-in'.....
I celebrated my 20th birthday stationed onboard the US Coast Guard
Icebreaker Glacier, and spent two seasons in Antarctica. A decade
later my first Samoyed inspired me to read the breed’s history
and I learned of their use during the Expedition era. Wanting
to know more, I read many accounts of the early explorers. I wish
I could return to those years of my youth and experience the Antarctic
vastness again with knowledge and appreciation of those who came
before me.
I fell in love with the Samoyed long before mushing became my
lifestyle. It was the intrepid Samoyed that hauled the loads of
Nansen and Jackson through grueling Arctic conditions. Paying
homage to those hearty dogs is the reason I have continued beyond
the occasional winter snow excursion to competing in mid distance
races with Samoyed teams. Doing the Serum run with an all Samoyed
team would be the ultimate tribute to those heroic fallen dogs
of the expedition era.
Anyone with sled dogs must know of the Iditarod trail, its many
challenges and wonders. It would be an honor and life’s
accomplishment to travel the historic route of 1925. Visiting
the villages and sharing the fluffy white Samoyed with the children
is irresistible.
From 2009 application:
Completing the 2007 Serum Run was an amazing experience. From
the day it was over I could not stop thinking about it. As the
2008 deadline approached I felt the overwhelming urge to go back.
The camaraderie of the group, the beauty of the trail, the hospitality
of the communities, the fortitude of the dogs, and most important,
preserving the memory of the heroic dogs and drivers of the Great
Race for Mercy. How can one not want to participate.
Over the past years
I have ridden a rollercoaster of emotions with the dogs. From
spiritual starry night runs, to bidding farewell as beloved old
friends come to their final days. For all its up and downs, this
is a ride I would choose over and over again. It’s all about
the dogs!!!!
