HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes Advocate, 1997-02-05, Page 13•
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Second Section - February 5, 1997
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Local dog sledders share trails with snowinobllets
By Heather. Mir
T -A Reporter
HAY TOWNSHIi' - Mid-morning on a peaceful winter
Sunday, Sigrid and Gordon.Robinson harness their
Siberian Huskys in preparation for a exhilarating trip
along the trails that crisscross Hay Swamp. Newer to the
sport, Don Agar joins the Robinson's two teams as they.
head into the woods. • •
It's a sight many snow'nobilers have
grown used to but the commotion,
draws interest: from area farmers
and passersby who can't help
but take a closer look: Who
.wouldn't want to witness three
teams of more than 15 working
dogs in action? '
- "The snowmobilers and dog.
sledders co=exist in a
relationship that provides
mutual benefits: The
machines offer good .
tolerance training for the
dogs, and watching the
`dog sleds pass by is -a ,
welcome,part of the' -
snowmobileexperience.
Sigrid and Gordon'
began to build a team of
Siberians for dog sledding
more than 18 years ago. ; •
'They iive,near Woodham on
three acres of property that
provides ample'space for 11
dogs..It all began with a.dog ::;.
Sigrid adopted while studying'
as an animal health technician
in Windsor. She told Gordon
she would -like to have a team of
these dogs and so6n after
received a pup for Christmas.
"It just grew from there,"
she said., explaining many .
of their.dogs were
adopted when for •
various reasons, people
couldn't keep them.
- Although Siberians can
make good pets, Sigrid and
Agar agree they need plenty
of exercise and have a
'tendency to roam. 'If provided with water and shade, the
dogs are tolerant of warm weather and according to Agar.
are nbt a noisy dog to keep.
"They're very independent dogs," said Sigrid.
"They don't necessarily -make good farm dogs," added
Agar who breeds Siberians at his home near -Whalen
Corners.
He has heard of people using the.dogs, who love to run,
to pull them on rollerblades. Agar warns in-line skaters
need to be experienced to handle the speed and
determination of a Siberian.
One Of Agar's 14 dogs is due to have Glitter next week•
and his current team consists of five brothers: • Their
grandfather ran: in the Iditarod, a grueling race that'
stretches across more than 1,100 miles of Alaskan trail
-from•Anchorage;to Dome. • -
Agar became friends with the Robinsons when he
discovered their interest in dog blushing. Theyshare
information, meet for rides through Hay. Swamp and plan
to -train together in the off-season on a Irack Agarmade on
his farm.
Sigrid•has used a bicycle or wheeled sled on gravel
roads for training but -this practice is hard on the dogs'
paws. Agarhas built a three -wheel cart he .uses to train
,the dogs once they are accustomed to being
harnessed. A dog must be 10 months old:before
training can begin and so Agar's young team has •
only been out on the trail ,twice.
The Robinsons have raced a few times but
they consider the competitions more of a ,
social event. Miishing is a recreational
activity that provides drivers with an
opportunity to pass quietly through, •
nature.' Without accompanying
noise, dog sledders often have
rare glimpses of wildlife
including deer and coyotes:
Agar picked up the:sport
four years ago when he .
r,etired. Although he
iaas no plans to
compete, he has
considered
training a teenager
who might be ,
interested in
driving the sled.
For now, he enjoys .
' breeding and training
Siberians.
In -addition to enjoying the
nearby trails at Hay Swamp, the,
Robinsons also make use. of Hullett
Wildlife Area, east'of Clinton. They try to get out with the,
dogs out M least three or four times a week.
1%eant,
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4
Gordon Robinson harnesses the dogs in preparation for a
trail ride through Hay Swamp. Sigrid Robinson heads out to
the trails With her experienced team of Siberians.
•
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4
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Pub & Eatery
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