The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1898-09-23
LONG RIDE WITH THE DOGS.

,H,o DN vi Nv VIE ithu
OF Minnesots-six Large 1T. Bernards.
From the Inter Ocean.
Mr.. and Mrs. Blandy are a Minnesota
couple who have lust made a most re-
markable journey. Leaving their home
at Brainerd. Mimi, one year ago, with
their baby boy, then 4 years old. they
nave Travelled by dog team clear TO Cal
ifornia, and are now in camp at Sweet
briar. in that far-of state.
The Blandys wanted to make a 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 an route.
So Mr.. Blandy and his wife decided to
travel by dog team.
Dogs are used in the arctic regions"
argued Mr.. Blandy, why not in the
temperate zone?'
No one dvanced conclusive reasons
against his novel project. and Mr..
Blandy proceeded to fit up his convey
ance. This consists of a small spring
wagon with n seat and covered with
canvas, the whole outfit weighing 210
pounds with the baggage of the travel-
lers. Mrs. Blandy and her baby occupy
the seat. while Mr.. Blandy sits i'm front
on a roll Of blankets and a tent. from
which perch he drives his dogs. These
are six In number. huge cross-bred st.
Bernard and Newfoundlands. powerful
of muscle and kind of disposition. In
the rear of the wagon is a rack of
shelves. containing dishes and provis-
ions, 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 a stick,
serves as a dining table.
When seen by a representative of the
san Francisco Call in the camp at
Sweetbriar, Mr.. Blandy had a tin can
and a paint brush in hand and was go
ing the rounds among his dogs, paint
ing their feet with tannate of glycerine
TO prevent sensitiveness. II learned
this at college," Mr.. Blandy viii tell you,
when l engaged i'm athletic sports and
my feet became sensitive" When trav-
elling over rough roads he makes APP
plications of this preparation every
evening to insure his animals against
suffering n he 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, emphatical-
ly, when some one suggested hat Shet-
land ponies would be preferable. why,
dogs will carry you through the snow to
a safe, warm place, and horses would
give out on you. And didn't we travel
.lO HllltS Oh the IdllIOdu. t1OIStS
couldn't walk ties and carry you over
long t~restles a mile and th~ree-quarters
in length as our dogs did, ] wouldn't
take 80 horses for one Of our dogs.
Would ], Bruce?' and she patted a
great shaggy yellow dog on the head.
When the Blandys set out from Brain
erd, Mimi, with their queer rig and S25
i'm cash to attempt their unusual under
taking. many people declared it was inn
fNnEGihIn No NvarapG NRsaFa made NJ
time limits were given. Mr.. and Mrs.
Blandy simply started out to do what
they were confident they could accom-
plish-namely. to be drawn across the
continent by dogs for the purpose of
seeing the country, earning their living
as they progressed. And so they pushed
along. following the Northern Pacific
railroad. and not being pressed for time,
they Travelled at a speed that was con-
venient to the character of the country
they crossed, never travelling less than
10 miles "A day. reaching a daily max
imum of 50 miles cat one time covering
Sc miles in two days., and stopping in
towns to sell pictures or pick up a few
dollars by painting advertisements on
the canvas of their wagon.
The Blandys always leave towns amid
a roar Of cheers and laughter. When
are about 10 start Mr.. Blandy
walks among his dogs, and, stopping
down. adjusts all their feet so as to
prevent the ENHANCEMENT of limbs in
harness, quickly steps into the low wag-
seats himself on the bedding n
tent. and, with lines in hand, he calls
to the dogs and they are off.
There Is nothing slow about these
dogs-they trot off at a good gait, rails
ing a big dust, and never walking eX-
cept when climbing hills. When ask
ed IL he ever walks. Mr.. Blandy replied,
1T would take a professional runner TO
keep up with my dogs" but, perhaps, he
finds the speed up hill sometimes con-
for his own walking and his
dogs pulling. At any rate, all the won
der-stricken villagers give the Blandys
screaming send-off when they are faN-
ored with a visit. You may hear some
one I'm the crowd remark that "Blandy
ought TO be arrested for cruelty TO am
but a look at the well-fed and
"A ur,,,,4l Ippg bellies these words. /