As some of you may know, my boyfriend and I celebrated our 4yrs together recently and we did something a little different this year. It's true that after each year that passes, celebrations like this require a little bit more thought and to be honest, I really didn't think anything could top last years anniversary. But I was wrong, and we continue to amaze me every day. Exactly one month ago from today, we decided to take advantage of the beautiful country that we live in and witnessed in all it's glory, the breathtaking sights found only about an hour away from us.
We ventured out at six in the morning to the tiny town of Canmore, AB and managed to grip some McDonald's and see the sunrise on the way. We ended up getting there madd early, and actually had time to squeeze in a nap in the car right outside of the Snowy Owl Dog Tours office before our 11AM booking...
The headquarters where we all had to meet up at was packed with interesting paraphernalia and managing to snap these pictures while waiting, only made me more interested and curious. They provided us with these huge ginormous Sorel's and once we were all prepped and ready to go, they stuffed us all into their van which would uncomfortably but ultimately take us to our destination. The puppies were waiting for us. They say that as soon as you step foot onto the snow, if they can (and they need to) sense the enthusiasm in you, they'll be just as excited for the run as you are.
A quick introduction was given to us by their guides and it was at this point where we learned about the dog sledding tradition as well as the appropriate terminology to use. Did I mention we got to actually drive the sleds ourselves? Listen carefully, eh?
"Easy puppies!" To slow your dogs down.
"Whoa puppies!" To stop your dogs.
Actually it was slightly difficult listening to the briefing because the puppies were just so frikken' cute I couldn't help but pay attention to them, obviously. Thankfully, we were given a good amount of time to get acquainted with our team which was when most of this next batch of pictures were taken. I lost all composure at this point and was seriously saying "Oh my gosh" and the likes non-stop but in my defense, these animals are beautiful, one-of-a-kind creatures. See for yourselves:
Snowy Owl Dog Tours is home to an amazing 170 puppies and it's obvious that their four-legged family live on love. They are the most dedicated animals and will work so hard for you if all you do is show them that you care for each and every one of them. You're totally not supposed to have favorites but that brown-nosed one was mine.
Positive reinforcement for them come in a variety of ways like through the constant cuddling, shouting "Good job puppies!" over and over again, and even by stepping off the sled to help take your weight off for them while going uphill (if you don't help them out, they look back at you until you do, haha). Like I said, they are fueled by your support.
Look at the drive and focus in that middle guy! He was our wheel dog (back right) so he carried most of the weight of the sled.
Ray driving, embracing our furry new friends at the half way point, and the untouched Spray Lakes at the end of the trail.
Once it was all over, we gathered around a warm, cozy fire where hot apple cider and their famous "mystery cookies" were waiting for us. I'm sure this post is getting long enough already as it is... so I'll leave with the suggestion to my Canadian readers to take advantage of the good side of Winter which we often forget that we are blessed with. Definitely an experience that I'll always remember.
12.23.09
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