These Sled Dogs Were Left Seriously Injured After Being Intentionally Hit By A Snowmobiler Head-On

Brule, Wisconsin. Racing sled dogs likely sounds like a dream, and Ryan Redington is lucky enough to work with the 40 loyal pups of Redington Mushing. 

However, a recent incident left one of his dogs in great need, and his training partner Sarah decided to start a GoFundMe to find external support.

This past weekend, the team was practicing for their next race on a training path in Wisconsin. Sarah explains in her post that the trail was wide enough “for four snowmobiles to ride abreast.” 

The team also takes precautions to ensure the dogs’ safety; “the dogs are trained to run on the right side of the trail for safe passing from either direction.” 

The trainers also supply the dogs with light-up and reflective harnesses that can alert others to the dogs when they run after sundown. 

This weekend, less than three miles from home, the team approached a snowmobile driver. Ryan later gave Sarah his account of what happened. 

“Instead of stopping or slowing down as many had done earlier, this driver sped UP and actually steered into the team,” Sarah explained.

Though it was unclear whether he meant to scare them out of the way or if he was trying to hit the dogs, there was an immediate impact. 

GoFundMe; pictured above is one of the poor injured sled dogs

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The snowmobile crashed into several dogs and caused Ryan to flip his sled to avoid a collision. Though the other driver paused briefly, he then sped away without a word.

Sarah was riding a bit behind Ryan and encountered the wild driver a few minutes later—but though he was still zooming, he avoided making contact with her dogs or sled.

Sarah later expressed regret that she could not ascertain much about the man’s appearance to report to the police.

The police and trainers transported the injured dogs to an emergency clinic in Duluth, Minnesota, for vet care.

“Willy, who led Ryan’s team to victory in the 2021 Kobuk440, survived with lacerations and a badly bruised foreleg…The wheel dog Wildfire, however, had his left rear leg broken in three places.”

Wildfire is an incredibly active three-year-old dog and had just finished an 846-mile race with Ryan last year. 

Now, Wildfire will require surgery that requires the placement of metal plates into his leg and treatment in Minnesota for an extended period. Because of this, Sarah decided to stay behind with him there. 

She explains the breakdown of any potential funds they receive, writing that it will “cover the emergency vet visit ($1,180), Wildfire’s exam and surgery ($6,500), plus care and rehabilitation of the dogs involved in the incident. Any funds beyond this goal will go directly to the team as Ryan rebuilds after this devastating incident.”

Thankfully, the fundraiser has amassed a considerable number of donations in just two days, which total more than $39,000!

This community is rooting for the dogs’ quick recovery and that Ryan and Sarah can get back to doing what they love as soon as possible. 

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