03/03/2026
✨ Can-Am Crown 2026 ✨
About a month ago Garett twisted his knee on a training run & it started to swell. We tried to stay positive, but a couple days before his first big race of the season, he could barely stay on a sled. A sprained MCL threw a big wrench into training & racing - for both our own dogs and for Shady Pines, where Garett is the assistant musher this year.
We spent 3 weeks doing everything we could to promote healing: ice packs, red light therapy, rollers, doctors appts, & a whole lot of rest. Then, a week before Can-Am, the doctor told him it was time to get moving. He jumped back on a race team sled for the first time less than a week ago, & decided he was ready. A last minute sign up secured us bib 21, sending Garett out the chute last in the Can-Am 30 mile race.
Garett was joined by a rag tag 5 dog team from Shady Pines:
- Willie Jr.(8) the chunky & happy lead dog
- Chicken (5) the smiley & sassy leader
- Jeannette (2) the sweet but spooky baby
- Morgane (8) the cross eyed powerhouse mama
- Oriana (10) the skillful wheel dog who doesn't act her age
They took the pace "Willie-fast" - every dog left the chute with the BIGGEST smiles on their faces, & came into the finish the exact same way. Garett reached both of his goals: to not hurt himself & to finish in the top half of the pack! They earned a solid 9th place finish for the 2nd year in a row!
We've got a lot of thanks to give:
- Biggest thanks to Sally & Shady Pines Sled Dogs for letting us run your team, for having faith in Garett's knee, & for all the mentorship as we've started our racing career
- Thanks to the amazing team & volunteers who make the Can-Am Crown International Sled Dog Race possible - it's such a special experience
- Shout out to Joe for being our trusty kennel sitter while we are away at races
- And of course thanks to all our friends & family for always supporting & cheering on our crazy dreams!
Thanks Can-Am, see you again in 2027!
