The Fan Hitch, the official publication of the Inuit Sled Dog International, is published 4 times a year.  It is available to those who do not have access to the world wide web by subscription for $4.50 USD/$8.00 CAD to cover the cost of printing and mailing.  U.S. subscription requests should be sent to Sue Hamilton, Editor, The Fan Hitch, 55 Town Line Road, Harwinton, CT  06791, USA.  Send Canadian and international requests to Geneviève Montcombroux, P.O. Box 206, Inwood, Manitoba, ROC 1PO, Canada. * Contents of The Fan Hitch are protected by international copyright laws.  Neither photos, drawings nor text may be reproduced in any form without written consent.  Please forward these requests to the Editor at qimmiq@snet.net * The Fan Hitch welcomes for publication your letters, stories, comments and suggestions.

Barry Salovaara bikejoring with his dogs
                             Montcombroux photo

Seasons Greetings from the Toadhall Inuit Sled Dog Interpretive Centre

As the year draws to a close, let me wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.  This past Fall, Toadhall Kennels was reborn as the Toadhall Inuit Sled Dog Interpretive Centre to reflect its emphasis as a resource to educate the public all about the Inuit Dog.  Indeed many more people come to the Centre for this experience.  Besides potential owners and others simply curious about the Inuit Sled Dogs who stopped by, many illustrious working dog people visited Toadhall as well. Paul Schurke of Wintergreen Dogsledding Lodge, and kennel helper Tim, dropped in on their way back from Ellesmere Island, camping at the Centre with sixteen dogs. Former NHL player Barry Salovaara came to enjoy the snow and discover bikejoring - being pulled by a dog while staying upright on a mountain bike. Tim Socha, Director of a music school in Switzerland, came to North America to learn about the ISD, both at Wintergreen and at Toadhall, before acquiring  two pups. Minnesota mushing couples Terry and Scott Miller brought their team along when they picked up a female pup, and Brian and Linda Fredericksen also came to fetch the newest addition to their kennel. Silu Connelly, from Rankin Inlet, brought husband Richard and their four children to see the dogs. And finally, Joan Lewin, the Godmother of the ISDI, came for a dog holiday. 

In addition to receiving visitors, both Toadhall dogs and Foundation dogs have gone to winter festivals in the area to give sled rides to children, and they have also gone to schools to teach youngsters about the Arctic, its people and their dogs. 
 

         Geneviève