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Show Sat/Sun/Mon/Tues, August 25-28, 2018 The Park Record It ‘mush’ be love: Sled dog program goes for personal touch naming pups Colorado YMCA program makes wishes come true MCKENNA HARFORD Sky-Hi News GRANBY, Colo. – When Snow Mountain Ranch was bustling with winter activity last Christmas, the LaBerge family traveled to the YMCA of the Rockies lodge with one purpose in mind: to take a ride on a sled pulled by a team of Alaskan huskies. But when they arrived it seemed Mother Nature wasn’t going to cooperate. It was a light winter and there wasn’t enough snow on the ground for the dogs to pull the sled. The Westminster family’s scheduled ride was cancelled and the daughter, Ravel, 9, was heartbroken. It was her Christmas wish to get a sled dog ride. Then, that night, a Christmas miracle occurred as snow began to fall. Steve Peterson, chaplain for the ranch, located south of Granby, and the director of the sled dog program, received a call from Christine LaBerge, Ravel’s mother, who explained their situation. Peterson worked with the family to set up a special ride for Ravel and came in on his day off for the occasion. “So I said I’ll tell you what I’ll do, typically I’m off on Wednesdays, but I’ll come in on Wednesday and I will take her out, just a special ride just for her and we’ll go for a really long one,” Peterson said. “So we did that and it began this amazing relationship; it had this profound impact on her.” Since that fateful holiday, Peterson has stayed in touch with the family. They even sponsored one of his huskies, Zenyatta, so when he found out she was pregnant, it was an easy decision to name one after Ravel. “It just began a really fun relationship,” he said. “Now I’m sure there will be a long-term relationship there.” Earlier this month, Zenyatta gave birth to six puppies. Unfortunately, only four survived, three boys and one girl. Of course one was named Ravel and the others named Wyatt, Weston and Ruthie. Two other puppies are also named after children who had a special connection with the program. Peterson said he thinks participants are particularly impacted by the uniqueness of the program, which they try to make a “family-friendly, whole experience.” Christine LaBerge said their experience was made special by Peterson’s efforts and his continued support of Ravel’s love for dog sledding. “I think so much of it comes down to Steve,” she said. “He’s a very inspiring person and (there’s) an incredibly positive energy to him. He was so supportive of Ravel and he went out of his way to help her have this experience and to connect with her.” Ravel’s experience had such an effect on her that she covered her bedroom wall in pictures of Peterson’s huskies and even decided her school science project would be to try and teach her neighbor’s dogs how to pull a sled. With some consultation from Peterson, she was successful and won first place at the science fair. The LaBerges have since returned to Snow Mountain Ranch a few times, even featured in a YMCA promotional video this summer. They plan to make a trip back soon to meet the puppies. “(Ravel’s) absolutely thrilled,” LaBerge said. “She’s extremely honored and we’re so excited to meet the puppies.” The sled dog program at Snow Mountain Ranch started eight years ago and has been popular since its inception. Peterson estimated that the dogs take about 1,500 people on rides each winter. From mid-December to April, participants can choose from a short and long sled dog ride, as well as a group option and a full moon ride. Before the rides, there is a presentation on dog sledding. “It’s a very values-based presentation,” Peterson explained. “It isn’t just about dogs and racing, it’s about life. … It becomes a really great teaching tool for young people about responsibility, respect, communication and teamwork, integrity.” In the summer, the ranch offers the Hanging with the Huskies program at its dog park, which allows participants to interact with some of the 18 huskies Peterson owns and learn about dog sledding. Kristen Spronz, brand manager for the Snow Mountain Ranch-YMCA of the Rockies, said one of the program’s goals is to familiarize people with the sport and help dispel its myths, such as it being inhumane. “A lot of people may think it’s inhumane to run the dogs the way (we) run them,” Spronz admitted. “But if you see the dogs, ours are much more social than most. They’re super friendly and loving like pets when they’re hanging out with everyone before they sled, but as soon as they’re hooked up in a line, all they want to do is run.” Peterson’s huskies also still get a chance to compete in races. He said that, though the dogs’ main job is at the YMCA, he tries to race at least once a year. Growing up in Minnesota, Peterson developed a love for sled dog racing because it combined his passions. When he moved to Grand Lake, he brought with him only three huskies, one sled and a few other pieces of equipment. When the YMCA approached him about establishing the program, he was glad for the chance to share his love for the dogs and the outdoors. It’s an opportunity he has cherished ever since. “I tell my students if you discover your passion and something you have skills at and a human need, when those three things intersect, wow, it’s magical,” Peterson said. “That’s kind of what happened to me with this program.” Some of the petS at NuzzleS & Co. lookiNg for love These animals are available to be seen at the Nuzzles & Co. Adoption Center and Rescue Ranch. Our Adoption Center is open Monday through Friday from noon to 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. It is located in the Tanger Outlets in Kimball Junction. Our Rescue Ranch is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and closed Sunday. The Rescue Ranch is located at 6466 N. Highview Road in Peoa. Grace Murphy Roxie Theona Grace is a 3-year-old Shar Pei mix. She LOVES to play and has a lot of energy. She prefers a home without cats but is good with other dogs if properly introduced. She would do best with a more submissive and easygoing canine pal. Grace would love an active, fun-loving home! Meet Murphy, a 1-year-old Shepherd mix. This happy dog is full of energy! He needs a patient owner who can help him overcome his fears. He is dog-selective but ignores cats. He also prefers a home without small children. He’s an active guy who will make a great companion! Roxie is a friendly 2-year-old Pit Bull Terrier. This energetic girl needs an active family! She’s dog-selective and not good with cats so may need to be an only pet. Roxie’s eager to please and needs her owner to give her the time she needs to be the best dog she can be! Theona is a 3-year-old Chihuahua mix with lots of energy! She loves to go for walks. Theona gets along with some other small dogs and doesn’t pay much attention to cats. She would do best in a home with older kids and an owner who can help her with basic obedience skills. Dontay Ninja Siren Zorby Dontay is a 7-year-old grey tabby and white Domestic Shorthair. He is a relaxed and friendly cat who enjoys the company of people and loves to curl up on your lap. Dontay does well with some other cats, and he is sure to be a wonderful companion for years to come! Ninja is a handsome 2-year-old Domestic Shorthair with a sleek black coat. He’s an outgoing cat who gets along well with other cats and loves people. Ninja will show off his moves while chasing the elusive red laser dot, and he’ll curl up for snuggles after he’s played to his heart’s content! Siren is a gorgeous cat who will lure you in with her beautiful black coat and lovely gold eyes. Unlike her namesake, though, she is sweet and friendly, and she only wants your love! Siren is about 6 years old. She’s a relaxed cat who is looking for a loving forever family! Zorby is a 2-year-old blue Domestic Medium Hair, and he’s one sweet cat! He’s a friendly guy who loves to spend time with people and gets along well with other cats, too. Zorby would love a forever home where he can relax and have lots of fun! WaNted: voluNteerS These Organizations are looking for volunteers. If you would like to include your group in this section, please email information to copyeditor@parkrecord.com. Please limit your entry to no more than 75 words Park Silly Sunday Market Join the Park Silly Family this year and be a part of Utah’s first zero waste, free street festival every Sunday from June 3rd – September 23rd. Volunteer for one Sunday or more, stay for the morning or stay all day. Bring a buddy, a grandchild, or a neighbor and qualify for fun prizes and a free lunch while you serve your community and make new friends. It’s the best volunteer gig in town! Call Beth at 435-649-5151 or sign up at www.parksillysundaymarket.com/apply/ volunteers. language learners or adults with limited literacy develop skills and confidence to live and thrive in our community. Tutor conversational English, English grammar, reading and/or writing. Morning, afternoon, evening and weekend sessions are available and the time commitment is approximately 3-4 hours per week. For more information contact Judy Tukuafu at 435-615-0216 or jtukuafu@pcschools.us. PCCAPS Mentors PCCAPS, the successful business and education collaboration for Park City High School juniors and seniors, is seeking mentors with skills in software and web development, business, digital design, and engineering for highly motivated students completing real projects for local and international businesses such as RAMP, Rockwell-Collins, Adobe, Skull Candy and many more. Help develop students for success in the 21st century global workforce. Participate once, weekly, or monthly, your choice. Visit parkcitycaps.com, contact lyanderson@ pcschools.us or call 435-659-4847. Peace House Peace House is seeking volunteers to assist in their efforts to end the cycle of violence and domestic abuse within Summit and Wasatch Counties. Volunteers are currently needed for special events, fundraising, marketing, administration, English to Spanish translation, childcare, mentorship and more. Come join our team of caring individuals and help us create more peace through healthy human relationships. Call Volunteer Coordinator Jill Smith at 435-776-6036 or email Jill@peacehouse.org for more information on how you can become involved. Visit our website www.Peacehouse.org to learn more about the exciting things we are doing. PCSD Good Neighbors Program Park City School District needs volunteers to help adult English For a full list of volunteer opportunities, visit parkrecord.com/ volunteers B-7 1990 28 2018 2018 Committed To DEDICATED TO PARK CITY FOR 28 YEARS (435) 649-8322 theteam@parkcitytitle.com 1670 Bonanza Drive • Park Record Building |