“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.
“Want 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.
We were ready to go. Christmas was the lead dog and Mike let me be the co-lead. He had done that before. Doc and Lakota were the swing dogs. Brownie and Ugly came next with Nitro and Sandy in the rear or wheel position. We were about ready to leave our yard when Mary came out of the house. She said she had a camera and wanted to take pictures of us.
Then Mike said, “On Christmas, On Rivers. On Doc and Lakota. On Ugly, On Brownie. On Nitro and Sandy.”
“Oh stop clowning around Mike, and let me get your picture.” Mary said, laughing.
Off we went, running down the trail that I had run so many times before, but have never seen. We passed the log where Mike and I sat after the big race last year. That is the spot where Mike gave me my new collar that he made for me with all of my racing tags on it. I saw the creek that I had heard so often, with its bubbling waters dancing over the rocks. I looked up and saw the eagles that live near our yard. They were so big and majestic, watching over the trails. I wondered if one of them was the one who landed in our yard after I ran into it. Remember, it tried to snatch little Christmas.
The snow was so bright white and gentle on my paws. The sun was brilliant against a very clear blue sky. I looked over my shoulder and saw the team working together effortlessly. I looked at Mike. He was smiling and looking like he was really enjoying himself. What a beautiful Christmas day this was.
The orphanage was a smallish blue building nestled behind some trees. Mike stopped the sled by the front door and a woman came out. She thanked Mike and said the kids would be out soon to see the gifts, the sled, and the dogs. After a few minutes, the kids came out. There were about 10 of them, all different sizes, shapes, and colors. While they were dressed warmly, their clothing was old and in some cases tattered. However, they seemed very happy, laughing and giggling when they came outside and saw us.
Since the yard was fenced in, Mike let us roam around the yard. The kids came over to Mike and he gave each child their gifts. I sat by Mike's side watching all of this amazing stuff. It made me feel good to see the joy and happiness on their faces as they received gifts. I watched as they ripped off the colored paper. There was a surprised expression on each face as the children opened their boxes filled with a toy, some clothing, and a few of Mary's great goodies. I felt so good to be a part of this.
I watched another child help a little girl over to “Santa” Mike. It was apparent that this little girl was not well. I watched as Mike helped her up to his knee. She was a very pretty little girl. I noticed that her eyes did not focus. She was blind! I saw Mike give the little girl her presents and help her open them.
“Honey,” Mike said. “Would you like to play with one of my dogs?”
“Can I?” the little girl asked excitedly.
“Sure,” Mike replied. “This is my very special friend Rivers. He, like you, cannot see. You can sit by him and pet him.”
“Rivers,” Mike said, calling my name. “This little girl needs some TLC, buddy. Can you help me with that?” Not a problem, I thought as I looked at Mike. “Good boy,” Mike said as he rubbed my head. Then Mike told the little girl, “Rivers will stay by your side. Is that okay, Honey?”
“Oh thank you, Mister Santa Mike,” the little girl said as she sat next to me, gently leaning against my side. As she sat with me, she talked to me as if I was her best friend. She rubbed my ears and I licked her face, making her giggle. After a while, the little girl said she was getting tired and cold. I cuddled up to her while I looked around for Mike. I saw him talking to the lady. I started to howl very softly. I got Mike's attention and he came over. By this time, the little girl had fallen asleep, resting her head on my side. I watched as they took her inside. The lady said that the little girl had been very sick lately and all of the excitement of today probably was just too much for her. I really felt sad for the little girl.
I was deep in thought about her, hoping she would be okay when Sandy came over to me with a piece of rope in her mouth. She dropped it as she said. “Rivers, I am going to teach you to play the tugging game.” Sandy had told me about this game when I stayed in her yard after my operation. “I have a short piece of rope,” Sandy said. “I will put it by your front paw. Pick it up and start pulling on it. I will be on the other end pulling.” She added excitedly, “The one who pulls the rope away from the other wins. It will be fun, ready?”
I picked up the rope and started pulling on it. This was fun. I saw Sandy on the other side pulling also. She was pulling and shaking the rope very hard, while making all kinds of play growling sounds. I also pulled and shook the rope, but soon let the rope go as if I had lost my grip. “I won!” She said. “It was a good game. We can play this when we get back home. I will teach Lakota how to play it with you.”
“Thanks,” I said. I watched her leave to play with one of the kids. It was easy to realize that while she is bossy and sassy, deep down inside, Sandy is a real sweetheart.
It was fun just watching everybody and everything. Soon it was time for us to return to our home. After Mike hooked us up to the sled in our team positions, each of the kids, except the little blind girl, came over and gave each one of us a big hug. Some kids had tears in their eyes as they told us how this was the best Christmas they ever had. Mike did not have to say it, but I knew we would be back here often to play with them. I realized today, that racing the trails is not as important as sharing what one has with those less fortunate.
We left the orphanage and headed back down the trail to our home. Wow, who would have thought that this bunch of dogs could make Christmas great for some orphan kids? As we were sledding home, I noticed that the trail looked different now. Yes, it was getting near evening chow and the sunset was reflecting off the snow in different colors! No wonder Mike spent time with me looking at the sunset. He described them to me, but this was just totally awesome!
Mary had our evening chow ready for us. In the bottom of each bowl was a big bone. I watched my buddies enjoy their chow and their bones. I knew they were proud of what we gave to those kids today. I was proud also, but I was concerned about that little blind girl. Guess I am lucky compared to her. Yes, we both are blind, but I have a home filled with plenty of love. I hope she finds her forever home soon.
It was getting dark and I looked up in the sky to see all of the bright stars. What did Lakota say? “There is a star in the sky for each one of us dogs.” I wondered which one was mine. I was getting very sleepy but I did not want to go to sleep. I knew that if I went to sleep this dream, if it was one, would be over, or if I can see, I would wake up and be blind again. Nevertheless, in either case, I have buried in my heart and mind all that I saw today, especially all the acts of kindness.
Mike came out of the house to give us our goodnight TLC. I always get mine last. “Well buddy,” Mike said, “it sure was a beautiful day”. After he gave me my tummy and ear rub, he sat down in the snow with me. “I really wish you could have seen the joy and happiness on those kids’ faces,” he said.
Mike, you would be surprised if I could tell you I did see all the wonderful things that happened today. I felt sad that Mike would never know his wish came true. He would never know how happy this day had made me.
As Mike described the stars and the moon to me, I looked up at his face. His beard looked almost white in the moonlight and I swear I saw a gleam in his eyes. I am lucky to have him as my human. Yes, that was another thing to be thankful for. I bet the team is also glad that Mike is their musher.
After he finished telling me about the stars, Mike gave me a big hug and told me it was bedtime. I watched him get up and leave the kennel, and walk back to the big house. I hoped I would never stop seeing his face
in my mind's eye.
I took one last long look around the kennel, our home, and then went inside my doghouse.
I laid my head down and went to sleep.
“Wake up, Rivers,” I heard. “Wake up, Rivers,” the voice said again. When I opened my eyes, I saw Aurora.
“Aurora! I did not think I would see you again.”
She replied, “Well Rivers, I just wanted to check with you and make sure you are okay. Are you?” She asked.
“Yes,” I said, “I am fine. I had a beautiful day. Thank you for making it so.”
“Rivers, you did a super nice thing today staying with that little blind girl when you could have been off enjoying the sights and playing with your buddies.” Aurora added, “I heard you were a special dog. Mike says you are a true champion. He is so right.”
Aurora continued, “I have a gift for you, Rivers. Because of the unselfish act you did today, the memories of what you saw today will never fade, never. They will always be as real as you saw them today.” She said, “This is a special gift because memories tend to fade as we get older.”
“Thank you,” I said, “but can I ask for one more favor? Can something be done for that little blind girl?” I asked.
Aurora answered, “You know Rivers, you really do have a heart of gold. Mike has already asked his friends in high places for the same thing.” She added, “I think his, plus your request, may just do the trick. I will let you know. I must go now.” Aurora said, “But I know our paths will cross again.”
She turned to me as she was leaving and said, “You know Rivers, whoever said, ‘Blind dogs see with their hearts’ must have had you in mind.”
“Well, Rivers, Merry Christmas. Now go back to sleep.” As I laid my head down, I knew I would never see again, but I was not sad. I had received many special gifts that I would cherish forever. I fell asleep counting them.
Lakota's Past
Yes, this was what you would call a five star Husky day. There were cool temperatures, fresh snow, warm sun, fresh straw, and our tummies were full of great chow. We had just returned from a short training run and Mike snacked us on fish-cicles. It was such a nice day that we all took a nap on the fresh straw in the yard.
Alaska Dogs and Iditarod Mushers Page 56