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This is what these dogs have been bred for, and it is obvious that this is what these dogs live for. They bark and jump and pull against the weight that holds them until the sled is ready to fly. Each dog seems to live for this. Their energy skyrockets, each waiting their turn to be hooked up and let loose to run their two mile loop in just a few short minutes.

This scene is the result of the love, care, and passion of the Collins' family. With help from Mr. Kimble and Mr. Chezik, the Collins' have decided to start a 4-H dog sledding program.

"My kids really enjoy this and have done 4-H with the livestock program for years. They needed an activity to do in the wintertime," Kristi Collins said.

Kristi's children were doing this before the idea to start a 4-H program even came into fruition. Turning this family sport, and passion, into a program to be shared with any other family that may so choose seemed to be the next most obvious step. The program itself will involve children from eleven years of age on up.

"If the parent is interested, all they have to do is call me. If they are looking for dogs, we know people who have dogs who are looking to, I wouldn't say give to the children, but loan to the kids to use for the season. They might end up keeping the dog if it works out well. The sled is something that would be an investment that they would have to make. We can meet here, we have a lot of trails around our house that we can run the dogs on and then there's lots of trails up in Kalkaska by the fairgrounds. There is a five dollar fee to join 4-H," Kristi said.

Those that love the out of doors and the feeling of freedom while speeding down a trail under the power of these beautiful animals that have been built for just this purpose would be remiss to not look into this fascinating and exhilarating sport. The appeal of this sport stretches across time and generations. From the necessity of it in the far north to the fun of it here in the Midwest. Everyone involved with the sport is filled with passion for the animals and the traditions. Everyone involved with this sport knows that their dogs are there for the love of it, and so should they be as well. For everyone, the appeal of the sport will be different.

"My daughter just really enjoys the dogs. That's what really appeals to her. She was a couch potato in the wintertime before we got the dogs. Now she's outside with the dogs so much that we hardly see her in the wintertime. It's a good family activity. They have races that the whole family can be involved in. It's relaxing too. Once they get out onto the trail and get into their rhythm, it's quite enjoyable," Kristi said.

With the claims of a "fatter America" bouncing around this country's health journals, it is sports like this that give a glimmer of hope to the oftentimes couch sitting, videogame addicted children of today's society. Nothing in a videogame can compare to the feeling of gliding along behind a powerful team of Alaskan Huskies as they race into oblivion.

Those interested, whether they be adult, parent, or child, can call Kristi Collins at 231-587-1053. All are welcome to come and take a look at their dogs and witness what they live to do. One will find it quite amazing how quiet and intense these highstrung creatures become when the anchor holding them back is let loose and they are allowed to run after being so loud and active while waiting to be attached and let go to pull the sled. It will be obvious to all onlookers that these dogs are at their happiest out on the trail, as are those that guide them.