Despite temperatures still below zero, Great Falls, Mont. couple Rob and Krystin Barns head out with their huskies for short run at the Montana Mountain Musher's Canine Fun Run Saturday, Jan. 7. While they said the trails were pretty good except for a few ruts, the temperatures brought them back earlier than they would have liked.
Seeley Lake musher Janet Whitesell takes off for a 10-mile run with her 10-dog team. Whitesell enjoys any opportunity she can to run her dogs. She works by herself and has not had a handler for many years. She said once she drops her sled off the top of her rig, she can have her dogs out of the kennels, harnessed, hooked and pulling her snow anchor in 15-20 minutes.
Joanna and Ed Thamke of Helena visiting with musher Janet Whitesell. Their labradoodles Jack (right) and Jill had just been out for a skijor with Ed and were going again with Joanna.
Pam Town's team of Alaska Malamutes harnessed and ready to go. They let out a howl to all the other dogs waiting in the parking lot.
Jean Wise from Great Falls, Mont. heads out for a run with her six dogs.
SEELEY LAKE - Montana Mountain Mushers (MMM) hosted a dog sledding and skijoring fun run Jan. 7 and 8. Despite sub-zero temperatures on Saturday morning, nearly a dozen people showed up to run their dogs. Sunday morning welcomed dog-entusiasts with warmer temperatures and a nice layer of fresh snow.
While there was no formal demonstration or organized start, Seeley Lake Musher Rob Loveman offered tips and tricks to anyone who was interested. Other avid skijorers, visited with each other and shared their experiences.
Ed and Joanna Thamke from Helena brought their two labradoodles Jack and Jill to the event. Joanna said Jack has always wanted to pull.
"After telling him to heel 5,000 times, we thought we would try skijoring," said Joanna.
Jill, on the other hand, is a great heeler. Joanna said she finds a nice stride when skijoring and enjoys going.
Pam Town is a recreational musher from Potomac, Mont. She runs her Alaskan Malamutes Comet, Balto and her newest pup Biscuit three to four times per week. Town said they rarely run into anyone else or other dogs on the trail.
"[The Fun Run] is great for them to realize there are other people and dogs around," said Town. "They need that exposure."
Loveman said everyone was amazed with the trails.
"They are as good as you can get in Montana," said Loveman. "That's why I live here."
Loveman was happy with the turn out and plans to do the same thing next year.
"We set a time and everyone shows up," said Loveman. "Everyone had a good time."
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