COPPER HARBOR, Mich. (WZMQ) – Friday, March 3rd, the mushers and sled dogs launched off, heading down 5th Street for the start of the CopperDog races. The sled dog races create a level of excitement that can only be seen on the snow.
“You don’t know what your missing until you hear the dogs live and you feel the cold and you see the breath of the dogs in the lights, it’s just magic,” said spectator Alan Baranowski.
With the cancellation of the Tahquamenon Country Sled Dog race and the UP200, the loud crowd was ready to finally see some sled dogs.
“It’s nice to see the dogs out running it’s nice to actually have the race. It’s good to see the sport still thriving,” continued Baranowski.
Before the start of the race, veterinarians were checking the conditions of the dogs attitude, behavior and overall physicality.
“Being alert and responsive when we come up this barking means that their happy,” said veterinarian Jean Wilcox.
“Touk and Rett, so Rett is actually super confident, head-up, he has a lot more attitude. Touk is always sweet, subordinate and submissive, and they run together beautifully,” said musher Jennifer Freking. “Every dog has to learn everything we do, but also watching how much it’s instinctual and given. We call us ‘dog drivers’ except we’re really driven by the dogs and their passion and enthusiasm for what we do,” she continued.
Heading into the weekend, mushers will continue to compete finishing on Sunday in Eagle Harbor. For more information on the races schedule, click here.
