Atlas

Atlas makes the team!! Mr Atlas, 2 years old, had a tough start in life. When I was returning from last year’s expedition, my wife Janice called while I was arriving in Fairbanks, saying that she had Atlas and “we’re heading in for emergency surgery.”

I’m telling you, it was a close call, about as close as you can get. But after the doctor pulled a big rock out of his intestines, and with lots of prayers, he pulled through. He’s had a few other complications, but all in all, he’s Atlas solid.

Today was his second run in his life, and he secured a spot in the expedition team. The first run for my two-year-old pups is about 10 minutes.

The second run is usually 45 minutes long, depending on how they are performing. From that point, they’re set. It’s the first imprint that is crucial.

The 10-minute run has to go well. However, if they become tired on the first run, let’s say I run them for a long time and they become fatigued, it will imprint their brain in a way that cannot be reversed.

I’m looking forward to getting Atlas to the Arctic, where his ancestors originated ten thousand years ago!!