KERROBERT — Those who attended gave the event a round of a-paws. Even though it was a ruff day with Old Man Winter and Mother Nature deciding to dish out some nasty wind, it didn’t stop more than 100 people from coming out to Kerrobert Reservoir to experience sled dog rides, and enjoy a fur-real, once-in-a-lifetime experience with meeting and riding with sled dogs.
“Prairie Branches participants and staff from Wilkie, Unity, Biggar and Kerrobert joined in the fun. Students from Plenty School as well as members of the public were in attendance in the afternoon,” Eunice Washkowsky, executive director for Prairie Branches, says.
Everyone who wanted to got a chance to ride on the dog sleds.
Dogsledding is a method of winter travel developed by northern Indigenous peoples. Early European explorers and trappers adopted it as the most efficient way to haul goods across snow-covered terrain.
“Conner Family Racing and Tours provided those in attendance with some education and history on dogsledding in Canada,” Washkowsky. says.
“Their mission is to provide an insight into proper dog care, respect for animals, and to honour the historic importance of dogs in our First Nations history; to foster a love and respect for nature; and to nurture an understanding of sled dogs in our Canadian heritage.”
Cindy Ternes, program co-ordinator for the Prairie Branches Kerrobert Day Program enthusiastically shared her recounting of the day’s events.
“I had been researching for a while as I wanted our Prairie Branches clients and community members to experience something unique, and close to home,” said Ternes.
Ternes said she is always looking for ways for clients and community to experience something new right from their home community, as opposed to having to travel to attend events like this. Adults with disabilities don’t always get the chance to have the same experiences as others so Ternes says this was an excellent opportunity for clients to engage with the dog sledders and experience a ride.
“It was interesting to learn about the dogs and their historical importance. The group probably gave dozens or more dog sled rides as they were busy right from 11 in the morning to just before 3 p.m. A lot of people said it was something they could tick off their bucket list,” notes Ternes.
The event was made possible by community sponsors who helped pay for the dog sled group to attend as well as one sponsor covered lunch for Prairie Branches clients. Rob Cholin presented Washkowsky with $500 from the Kerrobert Wildlife Federation to help pay expenses to host the event in Kerrobert.
Much positive feedback was received from those who participated. Ternes says the Connor Family Dog Sled Racing group was good at explaining the work they do, the dog care and historical significance of dog sleds to those people in attendance.
The dog sled group changed out dogs throughout the day from four-dog teams to six-dog teams and engaged those in attendance, including letting Plenty School students in attendance. drive the sleds.
Alvin Huckabay was offered appreciation for clearing a trail for the dogs.
