Quickie: Dog-Sledding
Hannah and I decided to embark on a cozy movie night, and after much scrolling through Netflix, we settled on "The Fundamentals of Caring." It's that heartwarming film about the bromance between Trevor, a disabled young adult, and his caregiver, played by the always fantastic Paul Rudd. Side note: If you're in healthcare, this movie is a must-see.
In the midst of the movie magic, Paul Rudd's character pops the question, "If you were to wake up one day and were fine, what's the thing you'd want to do most?" Now, who knew a Netflix movie could be so thought-provoking? Fast forward to the end credits, and Hannah hits me with the same question. "Serious or funny?" I ask. Hannah opts for the serious version, demanding to know what's on my bucket list.
I spilled the beans, and lo and behold, most of my aspirations were to see some of my favorite artists perform live, such as Willie Nelson and Friends, Kenny Chesney etc., and travel experiences to take in everything places like the Calgary Stampede, Nashville, Italy has to offer. But the crescendo of my bucket list was a passion not for music but for man's best friend: I had always dreamed of being whisked away through a snowy tundra by a pack of enthusiastic huskies, a real-life winter wonderland adventure.
Christmas of 2022 rolls around, and Hannah, along with her family, pulls off the surprise of the century – a booked dog sledding excursion at Sun Peaks, right near Kamloops. Now, I thought dog sledding was reserved for the polar bears up north, not something I could experience practically in my own backyard.
Snug as a Bug in a Rug
January 2023, we find ourselves at Sun Peaks for my dream dog sledding escapade. Before the real fun begins, we get to meet the real stars of the show – the sled-pulling pups. Among the furry celebrities, my favorites were Bill and Cash, both from the "money" litter. Bill, with his stunning red coat, and Cash, a lighter-colored charmer. I casually asked the couple running the show about their doggy household, and they casually drop the bomb – 53 dogs. That's a lot of four-legged friends and a whole lot of poop scooping.
Not the icon, but this Cash was still very memorable. Hes’ a Handsome Boi!
With the meet and greet done, it was time to transfer me into the dog sled. To my surprise, it was comfier than I expected. Dad played the supporting role in the transfer, and before I knew it, we were off – gliding through the snowy mountains, pausing periodically for scenic photos and my inevitable need for readjustment.
When we stood still, the dogs became a lively orchestra of barks, each one eager to hit the trail. But once we were in motion, you could hear a pin drop. These pups were on a mission, and the silence spoke volumes as they reveled in their favorite task.
The whole adventure lasted just over an hour, though in my sheer delight, it felt closer to two. We returned to my grandparents' cozy abode in Kamloops, where we were staying for the weekend. A huge shoutout and a hearty thank you to not just Hannah for being my amazing friend and care-aide, but to her entire family. You guys are rockstars, and I'm grateful for the unforgettable experience. Love you all!
