Students learn about and meet sled dogs

Students at Monroe Intermediate School had the opportunity to see a sled dog racer and his team.

Last Friday, Frank Moe, his nephew, Mike, and their sled dogs, visited the school. Those attending had the chance to meet the dogs, try on equipment and ask any questions they had about sled races. Frank and Mike were on their way to the Pedigree Stage Stop eight-day race, which takes place in Wyoming.

Prior to the students meeting the dogs, they listened to a short presentation from Mike. According to Mike, sled dog racing started when sled-dog owners started betting on whose dog was the fastest.

Next, he let one boy try on his parka, which was lined with beaver fur, while another child tried on his mittens, which had beaver fur on the outside. Beaver fur is a popular choice because it repels water.  Another child tried on Mike's muck buck boots, which were made out of moose hide.

Mike also told the kids he wears a lot of layers and wool because he never wants to sweat and wool is a fabric that can get wet and still keep one warm.

"Sweating is dangerous because you get really cold when you stop," Mike said.

Mike asked the children what he eats while on the trip. After a few guesses, the children gave up and Mike told him he brings foods that taste good frozen such as deer sticks and Pop Tarts.

One thing the students were surprised to hear was how it was important for Mike to stay hydrated while racing. The last thing one wants to do is eat snow.

"If you're cold already and you eat snow, you get colder," Mike said.

As for the dogs, they also wear boots when they are on long races so their feet do not get cut up from the hard snow.

Mike also showed the students the equipment he uses during the sled-dog race. Then, he had eight students hook up to the sled to represent eight dogs on his sled team. Mike uses between eight to 14 dogs on his races. Most of the dogs are 60 pounds, which also was a surprise for the children.

The children were able to meet and pet 14-year-old sled dog Buck and a puppy at the end of the presentation. They then went outside to see the truck the dogs travel in and the rest of the sled-dog team.