The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1898-12-08
DOGS FOR HORSES.
A Minnesota Family Travels CIear 10
California with Six
CANNES,

Mr.. and Mrs. Blandy are Minnesota
couple who have just made a mostsre-
Jnarkable journey. Leaving their home
at Brainerd, Mimi, one year ago, with
their baby boy, four years old, they
have Travelled by dog team clear to
California, and are now in camp at
Sweetbriar, in that far-of state.
The Blandys wanted to make trip
to the Pacific coast. They wanted to
go leisurely so as to see the country.
Economy was an object, as was also an
opportunity to earn something en-
route. So Mr.. Blandy and his wife de-
tided to travel by dog team.
Dogs are used in the arctic regions ,,
argued Mr.. Blandy; why not in the
temperate zone?'
Their outfit consists of small spring
wagon with one seat, and covered with
canvas, the whole weighing 210 pounds
with the baggage of the travellers. Mrs.
Blandy and her baby occupy the seat,
while Mr.. Blandy sit in front on roll
Of blankets and tent, from which
perch he drives his dogs. These are
six in number, huge cross bred St. Ber-
Dard and Newfoundlands, powerful of
muscle and kind of disposition. In the
rear of the wagon is rack of shelves,
containing dishes and provisions, while
pots, kettles and an oil stove are hung
from hooks above the rack. The back
end of the wagon is made to let down
and, supported by sticks, serves as a
dining table.
When seen by reporter in the camp
at Sweetbriar Mr.. Blandy had tin can
and paint brush in hand and was go
ing the rounds" among his dogs. paint
ing their feet with tannate of glycerin
10 prevent sensitiveness. When travel
ing over rough roads he makes applica-
tons of this preparation every evening,
to insure his animals against suffering,
and the faithful creatures seem TO like
the operation, for they look at their
master with gratitude and affection.
Those dogs are far ahead of any
horses, Mrs Blandy said emphatically,
when some one suggested that Shetland
ponies would be preferable. "Why,
dogs will carry you through snow to a
safe, warm place. and horses would give
out on you. And didn't we travel 21O
miles on the railroad? Horses couldn't
walk ties and carry you over long
trestles a mile and three-quarters in
length as our dogs did. Iwouldn' t take
sc horses for one OF our dogs. Would T..
Bruce" and she patted a great, shaggy,
yellow dog on the head.
They Travelled at a speed that was
convenient to the character of the coun-
Try they crossed-never travelling less
than ten miles day, reaching daily
maximum of SO miles (at one time COW
ering IS miles in two days. and stopping
intowns to sell pictures or pick up a few
dollars by painting advertisements on
the canvass of their wagon.
The Blandys always leave towns amid
roar of cheers and laughter. When
they are about to start Mr.. Blandv
walks among his dogs and, STOPPING
down, adjusts all their feet so as TO pre-
vent the ENHANCEMENT of limbs in har-
ness, quickly steps into the low wagon,
seats himself on the bedding and tent,
and, with lines in hand. he calls to the
dogs and the are off. There is nothing
slow about these dogs-they trot off
at good gait, raising big dust, an6
never walk except when climbing hills.
San Francisco Call.