Rivers

by Mike Dillingham

  ISBN 1-59433-004-2

  eBook ISBN 978-1-59433-178-7

  Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 2003111941

  Copyright 2003 by Mike Dillingham

  First Printing 2003

  Second Printing 2004

  Third Printing 2010

  All rights reserved, including the right of reproduction in any form, or by any mechanical or electronic means including photocopying or recording, or by any information storage or retrieval system, in whole or in part in any form, and in any case not without the written permission of the author and publisher.

  Cover photo is furnished by Donna Quante

  of Husky Productions, Willow Alaska

  Manufactured in the United States of America.

  Dedication

  To my wife Mary, who made it possible for me to write this book.

  To my friends, who encourage me.

  To my dogs, who give me their unconditional love.

  To Rivers, whose courage and energy inspires me.

  In memory of Rivers’ trail buddies, who are now at rest.

  And finally, in loving memory of Sandy, our fun loving, coffee drinking, and devoted housedog, 1990 to 2003.

  Table of Content

  Dedication

  Cast of Critters

  Photo Credits

  Acknowledgments

  Foreword

  Foreword

  Rivers’ Note

  Letter of Introduction

  Mike's Christmas Wish

  Lakota's Past

  Hello Sunny

  Sunny On the Trails

  The Night After the Day Before

  Mud

  The Short Journey to See Ya

  That's What Friends Are For

  Randy

  Christmas’ Aunt Sandy

  Blindness of the Snow

  A Surprise Visit

  The Sourdough 120

  Racing for Randy

  We'll Be Home Tomorrow

  His Time Has Come Today!

  Rest, Recuperation And Surprises

  Afterthoughts

  Photo Credits

  All photos used with permission. Cast of Critters Page: Christmas (AKA, Ice) - photo by the Richeys, Tracks of Alaska; Mike, Fin, and Rivers - photo by the Richeys, Tracks of Alaska; Aurora Gooddog (AKA, Kobuk) - GB Jones; Sunny (AKA, Chena) - Donna Quante, Husky lover; all other Cast of Critters photos by Mike and Mary Dillingham. Forward Page: photo by the Richeys, Tracks of Alaska; Rivers’ Page: photo by the Richeys, Tracks of Alaska, Back Cover: Mike and Rivers - photo by the Richeys, Tracks of Alaska.

  Acknowledgments

  Doctor Jim Gaarder DVM/ DACVO who cared for Sandy and Rivers as if they were his own dogs. Doctor Jim also provided the technical insight I needed for this book.

  Stan Smith, Iditarod 1993 and 1994. Stan lit my sled dog fire with his vivid descriptions of his adventures on the trail. He provided a great deal of technical advice and pointed me in the right direction when I trained my dogs.

  The Richeys, who were responsible for many of the photos used in this book and on our web site. To view more of the Richey's pictures, please check out their web site at http://www.tracksofalaska.com/

  Becky and Bob at “Dog Duds: Custom Sewing for Canines and Their Humans” who made all of the booties we use.

  Mike Fisher of Lost Creek General Services. Mike made our training scooter, while his wife Diane, who is an avid Rivers’ fan, runs her “Fluff Team” on the Oregon sand dunes. Please visit Mike at http://www.trainingcarts.com/

  GB Jones, Iditarod 2002 and 2003. GB taught me how to mush and trusted me with his dogs and sled. He searched for my dogs when they were lost and constantly told us we would find them, which we did after 9 days. GB has a nice web site at http://www.alaskanmusher.com

  Mark, at The Grateful Sled, who hand made the sled we use.

  My test readers, Barbara, Bonnie, Dawn and her son Joe, Edna (“Rivers biggest fan in the Northwest”) Doug and Rosemary, thank you. Rosemary used the original “Rivers” manuscript to help her students overcome their individual challenges. The “PS 49” chapter in my first book, “Rivers, Diary of a Blind Alaska Racing Sled Dog” is dedicated to Rosemary and her students. And of course, our good friend Margie.

  Evan Swensen, my publisher, of Publications Consultants. Without Evan's help, support, encouragement, and guidance, none of the Rivers books would have made a difference in the lives of so many. Evan has helped authors throughout Alaska produce great books about Alaska. Check out Evan's Webs site at http://www.alaskabooks.biz/

  The dogs. I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the dogs, not only my own, but all of the ones that I met during my travels. All of their nose licks, paw shakes, and their TLC are embedded within these pages.

  Our friends at the Wasilla Veterinary Clinic who care for all our fur buddies as if they were their own.

  Foreword

  Rivers is a real live dog who lives with my family in Palmer, Alaska. Working with Rivers has changed my life in more positive ways than I could ever have imagined. Every day, we receive e-mail from children and adults who tell us that Rivers’ stories have inspired or motivated them.

  I have watched Rivers grow from a lonely kennel dog to a loving, playful companion. Rivers’ learning ability, courage, and unstoppable desire to run the trails continue to amaze me. He has become one of my heroes. I hope he becomes one of yours also.

  Rivers’ Note

  Mike is a very good storyteller. So while I am a real live dog, some of the adventures and characters in this book are, well “Tales of the trails, from wagging tails.” I hope you enjoy our adventures and visit us on our web site at http:/home.gci.net/ ~sleddog or email me at rivers@rogershsa.com

  See Ya! RIVERS

  Letter of Introduction

  Rosemary Parker

  Special Education 4th Grade Teacher

  PS 49 in Queens New York

  Who would have ever guessed that a chance encounter 3 years ago on the Blinddogs e-mail site would bring together a New York City Special Education Teacher and an author from Alaska (a former New Yorker from Astoria, Queens)?

  As Mike Dillingham and I exchanged stories about our blind dogs, Rivers and my Dalmatian Asia, (who is now at the Rainbow Bridge) we never imagined the impact Rivers would have on my Special Needs class.

  I test read Mike's first book to my class and they immediately fell in love with Rivers. Through Rivers’ bravery and courage in spite of his handicap, my class made a connection. They found faith in themselves to succeed using Rivers as their role model. They wrote letters to Rivers who wrote back to them.

  Through Mike's and his wife Mary's generosity, (they sent them books, buttons, maps, videos and weekly updates from Rivers) my class was motivated and inspired to work hard. I did many literacy lessons using Rivers, his book and the Iditarod as a theme. Guess what happened… their reading and writing improved as well as their outlook. The kids wanted to give back to Rivers so one year they did a Bake Sale to raise money for Rivers’ former musher. The next year they did the same for the IMOM group (who helped Rivers get his surgery). They raised over $600 for sick animals whose owners could not afford medical care for them.

  Rivers has touched their lives and hearts tremendously. They will always bring a piece of him with them for the rest of their lives. Mike and Rivers made that happen for them.

  Mike's Christmas Wish

  2001 Christmas Story

  “Wake up Rivers.”

  I heard the voice, but I must have been dreaming. “Wake up, Rivers,” the voice said again. I opened my eyes. Yes, blind dogs do close their eyes when they sleep. When I opened my eyes, I saw a beautiful dog glowing with a soft light that filled my dog-house with warmth.

  Wait a minute, I cannot s
ee. This must be a dream. Looks like a good one, I thought, as I asked, “Who are you?”

  “My name is Aurora Gooddog and I was sent here to grant your buddy Mike his Christmas wish,” she said.

  Yes, it was Christmas time again and I remembered last year when I was so worried because I did not have a gift for Mike. However, last Christmas Eve, the guys and I found a little puppy and saved her. Mike told us that he was very happy and proud of what we did and it was a great present to give him. We showed him that we cared about others. It felt great to give Mike something. He has given me so much, for which I am very grateful.

  However, again this year I had nothing to give him. Aurora's voice got my attention. “You know, Rivers, for a smart dog you think way too much. I know what you are thinking. You forget that dogs give their buddies presents all year long. You give your obedience, your loyalty, and your love. See, Rivers,” Aurora said, “dogs don't need special days to give presents. We give them everyday. Moreover, according to my records, you and your teammates do a great job of that. So Rivers, you gave Mike some super presents all year.”

  Her words made sense and I felt a lot better. Yes, Aurora is right, I do think too much. “Yes you are right.” I said. “But what is this thing about your coming here to grant Mike his Christmas wish?”

  “Well, it seems that your buddy Mike has some friends in very high places, She said. “However, we cannot do it.”

  I guess I got a little feisty. Mike deserved to have his wish granted. “Wait a minute, that is not fair.” I demanded, “Why can't Mike have his wish granted?”

  “His wish is not for himself,” Aurora answered. “His wish is for you to see, and that is impossible. Well, it is not impossible; it is impractical. You have no eyeballs and if all of a sudden you could see, a lot of humans would ask too many questions.”

  “Yes,” I said sadly, “I understand.” If people knew that a blind dog led a team in the last big race, there would have been a lot of trouble.

  “They told me you were a smart dog; they sure are right.” Aurora said. “But I am here to offer you a deal. I have the power to let you see for one day and one day only,” she said. “Unfortunately, you can't tell anyone you can see, or act like you can see. You will have one day to take in all of the sights and keep those memories close to your heart. Mike has some special stuff planned for you and the team, so you will see the best that humanity has to offer.” I listened as Aurora continued, “Nevertheless, there is a downside and that is it may be cruel to do this for you.”

  I was about to ask what she was talking about when she said, “You spent years overcoming your loss of vision and accepting being blind. It could be very hard for you to see for one day and then go back to the darkness. Also,” she continued, “Mike can never know this happened. You may think that it is not fair to him, but he has plenty of faith and… well, just leave it with that.”

  “Now Rivers, you have to make a decision.” Yes, a tough one too, I thought. Do I choose to see for one only day? On the other hand, do I choose not to see, and wonder what I am missing? I could see Mike, my buddies, and little Christmas, the puppy we saved last year. I could see the chow I get to eat and the house I sleep in. I could see the trail I run on and the snow. There is no choice. It has to be yes!

  “Yes!” I said, “I want to see, if only for the one day. I want the memories.” I pleaded, “Please Aurora, let me see.”

  “Okay, Aurora said. “You will see, but remember the rules.” She continued, “If you break the rules, then what you see, and their memories will be erased from your heart and mind forever. Agreed?” She asked.

  “Yes,” I said. “I agree.”

  Then she told me, “Go back to sleep. When you wake, you will see. You will be up before any of your buddies. Your other senses will be as strong as they are now, so you will need some time to adjust to the difference.”

  When Aurora said, “Go to sleep,” I laid my head down and dozed off. When I woke up, I thought, that was some dream I had. Wow, it sure is bright. Wait a minute. It sure is bright. I turned my head and…. I could see! It was not a dream. Mike got his wish and I could see! I jumped up and raced out of my doghouse. I looked around the yard. I saw my buddies’ doghouses painted green and each with a big yellow sign with their names on them. I looked around and I saw the big house where Mike and Mary live. There were Christmas lights and a big Santa with a sled and reindeer on the roof. Lakota told me all about the decorations last year. There was the warming shed and the garage where Mike keeps the trucks. And snow! Yes, I remember seeing many of these things before I went blind. And the sunrise! Oh, wow, how beautiful!

  My buddies started to get up. “Morning, Rivers.” It was Lakota. He is a lot bigger than I thought he was. Big paws! He looked so strong and somewhat sad.

  “Hi Lakota”. I said.

  “Boy, Rivers, you sure sound happy this morning,” Lakota said.

  “Oh?” I said. “Well this is Christmas Day and I am happy for all the joy and happiness that will happen today.”

  “Merry Christmas, Rivers,” Lakota answered.

  As each of my teammates came out of their doghouses, I greeted them and took a very good look at them. There was Doc, the smart one with blue eyes. He is smaller than I imagined. Next to Doc was Nitro, the biggest dog on our team and brave too. Then I saw Brownie, who is three or four shades of brown. Next, I saw Ugly, who is a real handsome dog. He is the clown of our team.

  “Morning, Uncle Rivers.” It was little Christmas, who really is not little any more. She is over a year old. Her eyes are blue and she always looks like she is smiling. She is a very beautiful dog.

  “How are you doing this morning, Christmas?” I asked.

  “I am so excited Uncle Rivers,” she said. “Mike said I can be the lead dog today. I heard him saying that we are going over to the orphanage to give some goodies to the poor kids there.”

  Yes, I remembered that also. This was sure going to be a fun day. Christmas scampered off to play with her other uncles. I sat there, just looking at everything. I wanted to remember everything I saw and not waste a precious second of this great day.

  “Yo, Rivey buddy.” I looked in the direction of the voice and there was Mike with Sandy. Yes, I would know that voice anywhere, so I knew it had to be Mike. I watched him as he walked over toward me. I saw his beard and the glasses that I tend to knock off his face when I jump up to greet him. He has a slight limp. Mike is not as big as I imagined.

  Sandy looked just like I pictured her, a chunky yellow lab, with a lot of gray in her face. Nevertheless, she was still very pretty and looked strong. While she sure was bossy and sassy, we all knew she is kind and was very devoted to Mike.

  It was sure hard to just sit there until Mike came over. I had to act as if I was still blind. When I saw his hands reach out to pet me, I jumped up to him as I normally do and nuzzled Mike's beard. “Well buddy, you sure are affectionate this morning.” He chuckled, “You got the Christmas spirit, I bet.” Yes sir, Mike, no doubt about that.

  I watched Mike give all of the guys a lot of TLC (Tender Loving Care) and then enjoyed watching Ugly play his normal chase game with Christmas. She would tease him and then he would run after her. She would hide behind Mike and Ugly would have to stop short or else run into Mike. Sometimes Mike would jump out of the way and then Christmas would have to run to get away from Ugly. This was very funny to watch. I always pictured it in my mind, but Christmas was just a little puppy and Ugly was a big dog. Actually, Christmas is taller than Ugly.

  I started to laugh. “What are you laughing about Rivers?” It was Doc. Now I had to be careful round him because he is so smart and sensitive, he would know something was different.

  “Christmas and Ugly are playing their chase game, right Doc?” I asked.

  “Yes, and it is sure funny to watch.”

  I replied, “I bet it is, I can picture it in my mind.” I knew Doc felt bad because I could not see them play.

  “Wa
nt me to describe it to you, Rivers?” He asked.

  “Nah,” I said, “I can imagine what they look like. Thanks anyway.” I saw him turn and walk away to talk to Brownie and Nitro.

  Soon it was chow time, and Mike had a big shiny bucket steaming with good smells. I watched him make his rounds filling our dog bowls up with hot chow. When he got to me, I looked at the bucket and saw myself in its reflection. So, that is what I look like! I never knew since I had never seen myself. Nitro was right last year when he said that Christmas and I have the same markings.

  The chow was better than normal, or was it because I could actually see what I was eating for a change? Christmas always comes over to me to push the crumbs of kibble I drop back into my bowl. Hmmm. I had better drop some crumbs so she does not catch on that I can see. I can look right into her face. I could not believe how blue her eyes were.

  Soon after we finished eating, Mike came out of the house in a red suit with a lot of white fur on it. His beard seemed a lot longer and was snow white. He also looked a lot fatter. I mean a lot fatter. I heard Brownie laugh and say that Mike was dressed up like the big Santa on the top of the house. I looked up at the Santa on the roof and Brownie was right. Mike and Santa look a lot alike. Sure makes you wonder, right?

  I watched Mike get our sled and harnesses out of the warming shed. The guys had described these things to me. The sled was medium size and its wooden parts were very shiny. The gang, tug, and necklines were all the same color green as our collars. We all had green harnesses with our names on them. Mike then got a big bag stuffed with things wrapped in colored paper and placed it in the sled basket.

  As he hooked us up to the sled, he told us that we were going to the orphanage to deliver gifts to the poor kids. Since it was such a beautiful day, Mike hoped that the kids could play outside with us. Mike said that some of the kids had never played with a dog before. Well, I know there are seven of us who are happy to play with those kids. Excuse me, eight of us. Mike was putting a harness on Sandy. Great! Sandy would go with us. Surprisingly, she was not putting up a fuss as she normally did. If you ask her, she is the housedog, not a sled dog.