The Dalton Gang

These few posts on the 2014 Yukon Quest race are looonnnggg overdue...

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This is a team introduction of the Dalton Gang.  I was fortunate enough to be a handler for the Healy musher Dave Dalton in the 1,000 mile race.  It was a grand adventure that I got to share with my father-in-law!

Healy is 7 years old and it was her 5th YQ.

Denali is 7 years old and it was her 3rd YQ.

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Healy and Denali are Dave's main leaders.  They are very trustworthy and always dependable.

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Sandy is 6 years old and it was her 4th YQ.  She is such a sweetheart!  Gives the best hugs :)

Happy is 4 years old and she was a rookie.

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Sandy and Happy will be in the swing position mostly.  They will also lead to give Healy and Denali a break.  They are team cheerleaders...always barking and ready to go.

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This is Bashful.  She was 4 years old and it was her 2nd YQ.  She was always so hyper.

Doc is 4 years old and this was his 4th YQ.  This smiling dog is also a cheerleader!

Dopey (above) and Grumpy (below) are both 4 years old and it's their 3rd YQ.  They are both fabulously solid team dogs.

Sleepy is 4 years old and this is his 4th YQ.  Sleepy barks at his partners if they aren't pulling their weight.

Bobber (above) and Spinner (below) are brothers and are 3 years old.  This was Bobber's 2nd YQ.  He is another cheerleader, always barking while moving down the trail :)

Spinner was a rookie.  He ended up surprising Dave the most with an amazing performance.

This is Al.  He is 6 years old and this was his 5th YQ.  He is always ready to go!

Sheldon is 7 years old and this was his 5th YQ.  He has always been a very powerful team dog and this was his first year as a leader also.

And last but not least, Al.  He is 4 years old and this was his 2nd YQ.  He is an upcoming leader.