Small but Mighty Sled Dogs Race to the Finish Line
SUPERIOR, Wis.– Little dogs may be small, but they can be mighty, and that hailed true at the Earth Rider Brewery Saturday as mini dogs competed in a Mini Sled Race.
While the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon for the “Top Dogs” was canceled this year due to the lack of snow, that didn’t mean that little pups couldn’t pull their sleds across the finish line.
Local radio station 95 KQDS hosted Mini Sled Dog Races—who would take home a top prize?
There were two divisions—lightweight, ranging from 12 lbs. and under, and a “heavyweight” division ranging from over 12 lbs. up to 22 lbs.
Each division had separate heats to start the competition and the first canine to cross the finish line in each heat had the chance to compete in the finale in their division.
“It’s an adrenaline rush, like a proud mama right, seeing your kid score a soccer goal or whatever, kind of the same thing, he’s my kid,” said McKenzie Fossell, Oreo’s owner.
I had the chance to talk to the owners of the three winners of the lightweight division. A pug named Odin took home first place, even as a rookie in the competition.
“My best friend Odin here, we spend a lot of time together, he’s my therapy dog. He keeps me smiling, he makes everyone smile,” said Dan Saker, Odin’s owner.
2nd place in the lightweight division went to last year’s returning champ a pomeranian-akita mix named Oreo.
“Oreo won last year, and we were hoping for a win again, but we had good competition this year, so we’ll take a second place,” said Fossell.
Oreo had a big lead during his first race, and he even had the chance to stop and say hi to the camera.
Another newcomer was Rosie, who not only took home 3rd place, but also best in show.
“It was pretty much just something to do, kind of fun. My dad said we should try it jokingly, and I agreed. So we decided, might as well,” said Logan Bakke, Rosie’s Owner.
Most of the races were close until the end, and people watching got a good laugh as many dogs got distracted on their way to the finish line.
