Dale: She doesn’t like to be left
out.
Christine: Nobody does and I’m
glad you brought her.
Dale: I don’t know that I
actually brought her. Gypsy seems to
think she’s got the right to go wherever I go. She’s a little headstrong like
that.
Christine: It’s what makes her a
good lead sled dog, right?
Dale: Absolutely. I never would
have won the Iditarod Race without her at the front of the pack. She keeps
everyone in line and always gives 110%, right, girl?
Gypsy: Ruff, ruff, ruff.
Christine:
Sounds like she agrees. How is the rest of the pack?
Dale: Everyone
is doing well. In top shape. Eager to train for the next race.
Christine: And
you’re working at your father’s tavern, Ram’s Den, between races, correct?
Dale: Yep. You
should come in for a piece of Dad’s peanut butter pie. It’s killer.
Christine: And
a wonderful way to be killed, I’m sure. I’ll be sure to swing by. Do you like
to cook like your father does?
Dale: I don’t
mind cooking, but I’d rather be working with my dogs or building things. I don’t
like to be inside for long periods of time.
Christine: Even
in Alaska where most of the time it’s not exactly beach weather outside?
Dale: Eh, I’ve
lived in Alaska my whole life. I’m immune to the cold. Most of the time I’m not
just standing still outside either. The key is to keep moving. You know, work
up a sweat.
Christine:
Right. Any favorite ways you like to work up a sweat?
Dale: I like to
vary it. Don’t want to get bored.
Christine: It’s
important to keep it fresh. Next question, what made you get into sled racing?
Dale: I guess
it goes back to not wanting to get bored. With sled racing, there’s always
something going on. Whether it’s raising the dogs, training them, finding new
trails to explore, or actually racing, there’s never a dull moment. I never get
the feeling that I have nothing to do, and I like to be busy. I also like the
survival element involved in the Iditarod. It’s fun and a challenge battling the
elements with nothing but the equipment on your sled and the dogs.
Christine: Isn’t
it dangerous too?
Dale: There is
that, but I’ve got Gypsy here, and she’s saved me before. I can count on her.
Christine: She’s
a handy dog to have around.
Gypsy: Ruff,
ruff, ruff
Dale: I believe
she thinks so too.
Christine:
Okay, final question, Dale. Would you recommend hopping online to find a soul
mate?
Dale:
Absolutely. It worked for me. I have to say, I never thought Alanna would
actually come to Alaska from New York when I told her to in an email, but I’m
soooo glad she did. She’s part of our pack now, and we’re all better off
because of it.
Gypsy: Ruff,
ruff, ruff
Christine:
Thanks for joining us today, Dale AND
Gypsy. Good luck in the next Iditarod Race.
Dale: Thanks
for having us.
Folks, pick
up your copy of ALASKA HEART today! Visit www.christinedepetrillo.weebly.com
to learn more about the book.
Toodles,
Chris
1 comment:
Love stories with dogs. Go Gypsy! Fun interview, Chris.
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