The Sled Dog

A short story about a blue-eyed husky and his love for the snow.

Blizzard, the husky. Image by Author.

“Let’s go, Blizzard!” my kids exclaimed, as they pulled on their warm stocking hats. They opened the door and ran into the backyard, as our dog trailing right on their heels. I quickly pulled on my gloves and followed, stopping to grab the plastic sled on my way. It had snowed the night before, and a fresh layer blanketed the yard. It was a perfect winter day; just a nip at the nose, and the snow glittered in the sun. The kids dashed through the yard leaving little footprints, while Blizzard raced around, dipping his snout into the powder. I tied a rope to the sled and attached the other end to the dog’s harness. The kids were little and light, just preschool age. “Let’s take turns,” I said. “Who wants to take the first ride?”

Blizzard is our blue-eyed husky. My husband and I found him at our local rescue several years before we had kids. Nobody knew his exact age, but the shelter staff thought he was around two years old. Blizzard had a rough start to life. Before we found him, he lived in an animal hoarding situation. The owner had been reported, and the dogs rescued and taken to the Humane Society. Before we could bring Blizzard home, our house needed to be inspected, and we had to sign that we didn’t know the previous owner. The staff did everything possible to ensure these dogs would go to a safe home.

Two years of neglect had taken a toll on Blizzard. His ears were not pointy and straight anymore. Instead, they were knotted and lumpy on the ends. The dogs had been crowded into a small outdoor kennel, unprotected from the elements, and they had to fight over territory and food. They told us his ears may have been damaged from the fighting, or from biting fleas. Either way, he came to us nervous and scared. We gave him a comfortable space all to himself, and he had a fenced in yard to roam. At first, Blizzard didn’t trust us around his food, but we were careful, patient and didn’t push. But over time, we gained his confidence and assurances that it was his food alone.

Taking a nap. Image by Author.

Fast forward, years later, to that winter day, and we have a happy, well-adjusted dog, who loves to nap in the snow. We took much caution when introducing him to the kids, but he was always as gentle as can be. As Blizzard was playing in the snow, the kids were waiting by the sled ready to take their rides. After the leash was hooked up, I called him over and put on his harness. The kids chose who got to go first, then one little boy climbed into the sled and off we went! Blizzard pulled the sled, and created a circular track around the yard. The kids squealed with excitment, while I walked alongside and helped guide the sled. We made several laps, then one little boy tumbled out and the other tumbled in. After the sled rides, we made hot chocolate and gave Blizzard a dog treat and pets. He ran off, happily chewing his bone and lay down in the fresh snow.

Blizzard is now about 12 years old and hasn’t pulled a sled for several years. He still likes to take short walks, but his hips are slowing him down. It’s getting harder for him to get in the car or up the stairs. The kids are older now too, and they help take care of him. They’ll feed and brush him, and give him loads of attention. As I watch, I realize their roles have reversed. Blizzard used to be the strong one; pulling the sled confidently and with ease, as the kids grew through their smaller years. Now, the kids are rambunctious and strong, as Blizzard nears his more vulnerable golden years. Science is not yet clear on what dogs can remember from their past, but if they do recall any long-term memories or emotions, I hope that Blizzard’s are from his time with us, pulling joyful children along the track in the snowy yard.