Patch Up Porky

Porky, a vital part of the Stoney Creek Kennels sled dog team in Tofte, MN, broke his leg while running the Copper Dog 150 Race this past weekend. Recuperation to bring him back to his racing-self will include surgery, and a long period of trips to veterinary care 5 hours from his home. 

Porky was given to Rita & Bill Wehseler, owners of Stoney Creek Kennels, when his original owner thought him a bit too small to be a sled dog for their team. Upon learning that Rita was interested in taking Porky home, they gladly traded the little pup for a chocolate cream pie and (with Rita's reputation for her delicious baking well known in on the North Shore) thought they had gotten the better end of the deal. 

With the stubborn love that Rita puts into all she does, soon Porky started to flourish and show his true colors as a ready and eager young sled dog. 

Fast forward a few years (and a few miles), and the little dog that could not, ended up not only running with the team, but finishing three Copper Dog 150 races, The Klondike, and saw his team to a 2nd place victory in the Beargrease 120 this past January. 

Porky has a spiral fracture of his humorous, and the Stoney Creek Kennel team was forced to scratch from the race due to his injury.

An unexpected 'underdog,' Porky's absence on the line will have ramifications not only on the other dogs on his team, but on the financial state of his owners.  Trips to the veterinarian, surgery, and recovery are not considered optional for Rita & Bill on Porky's behalf.

In the words of his handlers, "Porky is the little dog with a big heart, who can run with any big dog."

Please help Porky! The surgery alone will cost approximately $6000, let alone the cost of missing work hours, travel, and recovery prescriptions, and this amazing musher (and human) needs your help!