Rivers: Diary of a Blind Alaska Racing Sled Dog

by Mike Dillingham

Overview

A chance encounter on a chilly, rainy day started a heartwarming adventure for a blind dog and a human. This is Rivers' diary of that adventure; becoming pain free and dealing with his disappointments while learning to interact with humans. Rivers tells of a blind dog's efforts to overcome his challenges and achieve his destiny. Rivers is a tale of the bond between a dog and a man, of courage, friendship, loyalty and adventure. It is full of positive messages for both young and old. Rivers takes place in that mystical land called Alaska, where sled dog racing is the state sport, dogs are considered athletes, and mushers are their coaches.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781888125894
Publisher:	Publication Consultants
Publication date:	08/15/2003
Pages:	160
Sales rank:	880,619
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.40(h) x 0.40(d)
Age Range:	9 - 11 Years

About the Author

Mike Dillingham was born in a blinding snowstorm in New York City. Mike's mom went into labor while Mike's dad, a New York City police officer, was on duty. The fire that night, in the first floor restaurant of the 6-story building where they lived, only added ambiance to the event of Mike's birth, and served as an omen of Mike's adventures to come. So how did a New York City kid, born in a blizzard, end up in Alaska? The dogs, the beauty, tranquility and privacy of Alaska were a natural magnet for Mike after he retiring from a 23 year career in the Air Force that took him to many places in the world. Mike's current job allowed him to travel all over Alaska. He wrote portions of this book, as well as his other books, in Juneau, Ketchikan, Bethel, Naknek, Fairbanks, Palmer, Wasilla, King Salmon, Nome and Anchorage. When asked why he wrote these books, Mike replied, "For Rivers, who continues to inspire me. For the dogs, who are my companions and gave me their unconditional love. And especially for the kids, who hold the future in their hands."

Table of Contents

	Dedication	5
	Acknowledgments	7
	Cast of Characters	8
	Foreword	13
	Introduction	15
	The Start	18
	What a Great Day	20
	Biscuits for Everyone	22
	Today is the Day	25
	Recovery	27
	Country Visit	30
	City Life	32
	Alone with Sandy	34
	The Rainbow Bridge	37
	The Cone Comes Off Today!	39
	Moose, Trails and Guard Duty	41
	The Weekend	44
	Walking My Last City Trail	47
	My Last Day In The City	50
	My First Weekend Back Home	53
	Trouble With Spot	56
	Ray's Yard	59
	A New Dog House	64
	Retirement??!	70
	The Dream	77
	Another Visit	83
	The Ending to the Beginning	90
	Part Two	97
	Halloween	102
	Missy and the Bear	107
	Rivers and His Christmas Gift	112
	Screaming Eagle	119
	PS 49	125
	The Re-Start	129
	Trouble In The Making	134
	Race Day	137
	Starting Down The Trail	141
	Restarting Again	146
	After Thoughts	156
	Back Home	158