Meet Shanghai Surprise

Posted by Beryl on Aug 27, 2009 • (0)

Shanghai and Rachel Scdoris in 2006

Shanghai Surprise was one of our last Siberian’s to join our pack. True to his name, he is full of surprises. In 2007 Shanghai was still too young to participate in Dry Land Sledding, but he still accompanied the rest of the family to events. It was obvious from the start that Shanghai has a strong character and that he would one day assert his dominance over the rest of the pack and climb to the position of Alpha male.

Shanghai July 2006

2008 was a bad year for sledding in SA as the NSPCA put a stop to any organised events, until August when we received a letter from the NSPCA advising our club could exercise our huskies within certain parameters. Since it was August already, we only had one month in which to exercise as the sledding season ends with the weather warming up in September.

Shanghai May 2009

Shanghai had to learn the “ropes” quickly. Instinctually he knew what he had to do and he did it well, he just wasn’t too sure of the turn commands. 

During the warmer months Shanghai decided the time was right to climb the ladder within the pack and subtly took over as top dog.  Since then he has ruled the pack with discipline and confidence.  By simply looking at one of the other members of the pack he is able to transmit his message without the need of aggression or nastiness.

The 2009 sledding season started without a hitch and although Shanghai wasn’t the top performer, he just needed some time to show his true metal. Within two months Shanghai had the turn commands down pat. His natural instincts and adolescent energy have resulted in him out-performing our previous two top performers – Storm and Kintu-Grey.

Only fellow mushers will understand and appreciate the effect that such animals have on us as their owners.  The sheer enjoyment of seeing their pleasure at being able to do what was bred into them 3000 years ago – pull and run.