Orion

12 February 2012

Age: 12, born in July 1999
Birthplace: Wintergreen Dogsled Lodge; Ely, MN
Parents: Ruby and Iggy
Favorite position: Lead
Favorite quote: "You have brains in your head. You have claws on your paws*. You can steer your sled to gees or to haws. You're on your own. And you know what you know. You are the dog* who'll decide where to go."--Dr. Seus.

I am a lead dog. I am a good dog. I listen to instructions. If I were going to school with you, I would be that kid in class who gets straight A's and all the teachers love. Do you know how to make a turn on a dogsled? It is easy. If you want to go right, say "Gee!" If you want to go left, say "Haw!" That's it. The instant you say "Gee!" I'll turn to the right. No one else in the kennel has mastered the commands like I have.

I like to go fast too. I set the pace for the rest of the team. I am such a good dog, that the guides picked me to go on the annual pulk trip. This is different from dog sledding. For started the pulk is basically a small sled. One dog goes in front of the pulk and the person is behind it. We are all connected in a line--dog, pulk, person. They only use really good dogs for this, dogs who know the commands and won't get all squirrelly out in front on their own. That's me! Let me tell you, I did great on that trip.

* Note: This quote has been altered. Here is the original: "You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer your self in any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. You are the guy who'll decide where to go."--Dr. Seuss