Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 05/26/2011 - 08:52

Hello. I think the caribou are really cute. About the Willow Ptarmigan, where do they normally live? Do they migrate? How do you tell between male and female? I really love Biscuit. I would love to have a dog like that. I wonder how the dog system really works though. It's had me intrigued. How do the dogs become leaders? Also, what do they do with the dogs that aren't fit for sledding? Do people just randomly give you dogs to take care of too?

John Wood

Thanks for the questions. You always have some good ones. The Ptarmigans don't really migrate. Their feathers turn white in the winter so that they blend in better. The males look different with more colors and red above their eyes. The females also look a little smaller to me. The dogs are great. To be a lead dog you have to gain the trust of your people and be able to follow directions, but even the lead dogs spend time in the back. The dogs that can't pull are sold or given away to people who may want them for pets. We try and find a good home for everyone.Mr. Wood