Return to Transcripts main page

CNN Sunday Morning

Virginia Sled Dog Racer is Thankful for Winter Weather

Aired January 06, 2002 - 07:26   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.
MARTIN SAVIDGE, CNN ANCHOR: That blast of snow in the South last week was a headache for motorists. And it was a treat for children and also for some four legged racers.

Joe Flanagan from CNN affiliate WVEC in Norfolk, Virginia explains.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JOE FLANAGAN, WVEC REPORTER (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 a dash in the real thing for once.

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

FLANAGAN: And off they went. Now, Phoebe 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, just down the road from Celebration of Lights back on the bike paths and fire trails. So right now, they're fairly built.

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, Pablo is raised 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 in 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.

(END VIDEOTAPE) TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com