MANNSVILLE, N.Y. (NCC News) — As snow blankets Central New York, many outdoor enthusiasts hit the trails, but one activity offers a unique way for man’s best friend to join the winter fun: dog sledding.
“Oh, it’s totally unique,” said Roy Smith, a seasoned sled dog enthusiast.
At Winona State Forest, dogs transform into powerful sled companions, pulling their owners through pristine winter landscapes. For many, including Smith and fellow sledder Emily Cheney, the bond with their sled dogs runs deeper than the thrill of the sport.
“All of my dogs are my kids. They’re my family,” Cheney said. “I know everyone’s whine. Different whines for different dogs.”
VIDEO TRANSCRIPT: Paws power winter adventures
Kaitlin Campbell: When the first snow blankets Central New York, it’s not just the plows that hit the trails.
Roy Smith: But there’s fat bikers, snow shoers, snowmobiles.
Campbell: One activity offers an option for a man’s best friend to join in on the fun.
Smith: Oh, It’s totally unique.
Campbell: Here at Winona State Forest, your furry friend is turned into a strong sled dog, guiding you through the winter.
Emily Cheney: The snowmobile, you hear the machines and you see pretty scenery but you just hear the machine in the background. The dogs, you hear just like the breathing and the footprints in the snow. It’s a cool… it’s a cool thing.
Campbell: But for people like Emily and Roy, their sled dogs turn into family.
Smith: People think they’re just animals that live in a freaking barn or whatever, and then this run and that’s it. They’re done. Not even close.
Cheney: All of my dogs are my kids. They’re my family. I know everyone’s wine. Different wines for different dogs.
Campbell: Now for this excursion, you need a perfect winter wonderland for the dogs to go. Just like this one today. But with warmer winters happening in Central New York, the possibility and the future of dog sledding is in jeopardy.
Smith: Becoming harder and harder and harder, most because it’s snow. And then dog food is, you know, five, six times as much as it was 20 years ago.
Campbell: But for now, these dogs will keep leading the pack and enjoying the ride. Reporting in Central New York, Kaitlin Campbell, NCC News.
Smith echoed her sentiment, emphasizing the care and connection that go into the sport.
“People think they’re just animals that live in a freaking barn or whatever, and then this run and that’s it. They’re done. Not even close,” Smith said.
Cheney compared dog sledding to other winter activities, noting the unique serenity it offers.
“With snowmobiles, you hear the machines, and you see pretty scenery, but you just hear the machine in the background,” she said. “With the dogs, you hear just like the breathing and the footprints in the snow. It’s a cool… it’s a cool thing.”
However, warmer winters and rising costs are putting the future of dog sledding in jeopardy.
“It’s becoming harder and harder,” Smith said. “Mostly because of snow. And then dog food is, you know, five, six times as much as it was 20 years ago.”
Despite the challenges, sledding enthusiasts and their loyal canine companions continue to embrace the sport, savoring the connection to nature and to one another.
For now, the dogs lead the pack, enjoying each run through Central New York’s winter wonderland.