Today dawned much warmer and not snowing for a change, so I decided to take advantage of the snow right out the door. I bundled up BabyCakes and took her for a sled ride onto the ridge above our house.... well, we took off after wading out to drag a rather sidetracked Rogan back from digging a critter out of the yard, lol!

The dogs are tired this afternoon after breaking trail uphill for a while with 25 extra pounds in the sled. Everyone should sleep tonight. I figure something like 6 or 7 miles in an hour, which isn't bad at all considering the stiff grade and deep snow. A handful of deer helped keep them motivated on the way up. If you look closely, you'll see the hounds are wearing their festive bell collars that my uncle Jim gave us years ago.

Those sun glasses were NOT for show today- when the sun came out on the snow it was blinding! Plus there's always chunks of snow getting kicked back from Rogan's big feet. BC seemed to have had a great time, jibbering away about her adventure to dad (and about wanting a snack) when we arrived back home.

They're awesome! Last year with dog, this year just going to grandpas/ getting the mail.....

Hope you get the sled, but I don't think that putting wheels on it would be a good idea if you're thinking about attaching a dog to it. They are lightweight and when dealing with crashes on hard ground could easily be damaged.... and let's not even talk about damage to you.

I've run up to 2 pointers on my 30 lb scooter and it's barely in control at that. 3 dogs and I'm definately using my uncle's #130 cart.

While heavier, larger to transport, etc. there are certainly advantages to a full blown sled. One dog can pull a light basket sled though you won't go fast and may peter out entirely. You'd probably be better off hooking up 2 dogs with it. I ran 2 dogs on my big toboggan sled for years... 4-5 mph still got us where we were going.

You've got 'spare' dogs so I don't think hooking 2 up should be an issue, lol! They usually run a little more honest and focused in pairs anyway... although GSPs are notorious for coming fully loaded with all the ambition they'll need solo or otherwise....

I'd let Tundra make that call for herself. Dulcie and Anya both weighed just under 30 pounds this fall at their vet exam... they've probably picked up a few pounds in muscle since then but we tease that they wouldn't make much of a meal, lol.

Dulcie's got thousands of miles on her, mostly in lead, and I'll be lucky to have another dog like her in my lifetime. I've found the little ones tend to have less problems with heat, less foot problems, and will pull the big boys home on longer runs.

FWIW I've had a few hunters over the years very curious about the girl's bloodlines because they were actively seeking a smaller female to shoot over.