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CNN Live Saturday

Southern Snowstorm a Treat for Sled-Racing Dogs

Aired January 05, 2002 - 16:27   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CATHERINE CALLAWAY, CNN ANCHOR: Well, the first blast of snow in the South was quite a headache for drivers out there, but a treat for children and some four-legged racers. Reporter Joe Flanagan from our affiliate in Norfolk, Virginia has more.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JOE FLANAGAN, WVEC CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Here are six reasons why John Moody has been into sled dog racing so long. His white Samoyeds who normally run in dry weather were getting a chance to dash in the real thing for once.

JOHN MOODY, SLED DOG RACER: But as soon as the weather really turned here into the last few days and the first snowflakes started coming down, they just feel like this at the house all the time. They just want to go. That's what they want to do.

FLANAGAN: And off they went. Now, Feebie and Chrissy are the leads. Sonny and Trudy are the points. And Scott and Tasha are in the right and left wheel position, in their element.

MOODY: I've been training over at Newport News Park, down the road from celebration (UNINTELLIGIBLE) on the bike paths and fire trails. So right now, they are fairly filthy.

FLANAGAN: Samoyeds are originally from Siberia in Russia.

John and Suzie Parsons like to run them three to five days a week.

SUZIE PARSONS, SLED DOG RACER: At this time of the year, probably three to six miles per day, early in the morning. You only do it when it's under 60 degrees.

FLANAGAN: Over the years, Suzie has owned over 40 dogs, and John more than that. It really has become their passion over life.

(on camera): And so, this winter storm that was a hassle for some people, has been absolute paradise for six Samoyeds out here in Chesapeake.

Joe Flanagan, 13 News.

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