Health & Fitness
The Door County Sled Dogs - A Community Team, say "Hello!"
Hello! We're the Door County Sled Dogs; a Milwaukee County-based recreational dog sled team. Yes, we're the ones at the Lakefront and Whitnall Park, but here's the insider's view.
Hello! We're the Door County Sled Dogs; a Milwaukee County-based recreational dog sled team made up of many Siberian Huskies and many mushers (dog drivers). In addition, we enjoy a fun-filled partnership with the Milwaukee County Parks and are about to go into our 7th winter season with them. Yes, we're the ones at the Lakefront and Whitnall Park – you might've seen us, taken a ride with us, or are just finding out about us… But here's a little insider's scoop on what we're really all about –
The DCSD's are a 501C3 organization made up of all Rescues and all volunteers whose mission is Education. All of the over 25 rescue dogs involved are indoor dogs, never kenneled and never chained, making them family pets as well as working dogs. Due to this, we've found we have much in common with our neighbors and much to share.
These amazingly wonderful sled dogs help many friends (having 1 or 2 dogs) get started into their own fun area of dog-powered sports, including Scootering, Bikejoring, Skijoring (cross country skiing), Canicross (running, hiking, jogging hands free) and of course dog sledding! Does this sound like fun? Is this something that you'd like to do with your own BFF (best furry friend)? Would you like the chance to learn more? Read on!
We are also known for our often humorous, always interesting educational presentations. We work closely with area schools, scouts, museums, libraries, the Lions Club, senior centers, and civic groups to present information on the history of dogs in North America, leadership and team building skills, practical and positive obedience tips, good pet care, along with the beauty of volunteerism and mentoring as well as the idea of Rescues.
The Door county Sled Dogs are not a Rescue or Shelter. We are however, able to act as a voice for All Rescues due to the team's high visibility with our public. We work with many area humane societies/shelters such as the Washington County Humane Society, Adopt-a-Husky, and the Green Lake Animal Shelter. Inspite of not being a Rescue, our organization has successfully re-homed over 40 dogs in the last few years. This is because we pride ourselves on being "up close and personal." We are "grass roots" and "Mom and Pop" enough to keep our finger on the pulse of our own small community and yet are established through good practices. Working with so many groups, we're always centered on good healthy family fun -year-round! The dogs work very hard to make great things happen and have many free summer events listed on our web site. Everyone is welcome!
Having said all of this, let's be perfectly clear here - any success we've had as an organization is directly due to these good, good dogs. We always laugh and say, "The mushers have no identity of their own - it's all about the dogs!" Even when calling to make a regular dinner reservation, we have to say "It's the sled dog people" and only then do people remember us. Go figure.
This is a pretty long post but without it, it's difficult to describe this very special team as they are probably the only one of it's kind in the United States. If this is of any further interest to you - our fellow community members who are dog lovers and/or pet owners (we love all breeds!), rescue lovers, mentors and teachers as well as just plain people with curious minds, then we invite you to meet the team INDOORS at their 1st annual Open House/benefit called "Party With the Sled Dogs" on Saturday June 1st. It takes place at Serb Hall on 51st and Oklahoma from 3 to 9 p.m. Like everything we do, it's going to be a blast! So much going on, so much fun! More information is on the dog's web site at www.doorcountysledodgs.com or why not join them on Facebook? These Rescues love new friends!
We look forward to blogging with you and getting to know you better. We also hope to share some great photos and training videos along the way. Finally, we ask you to please welcome this hard working team with open arms... and in return, they'll send Big Husky Hugs and sloppy kisses to each of you.
Your friends, the Door County Sled Dogs - A Community Team! ~Mushers Bonnie
and Rick.