The Future Home of Iditarod Dreams: October 5, 2010

The Future Home of Iditarod Dreams: October 5, 2010

Nicole and her dog team at 3 years old

I was sitting here listening to an interview that I conducted with my daughter, Nicole, that was 12 at the time and soon realized that this is what dreams are about. While I am here in Alaska doing my best to follow my own dreams I sometimes forget what is important in life and that is my kids.

Listen to the show here: The Dog Doctor Radio Show: Dog Doctor Jr. Nicole.

As Nicole talked (we affectionately call her the Dog Doctor Jr. because she is so much like me) I really listened and heard passion in that little girl’s voice. That voice also conveyed confidence and security. My little girl whom used to hang out with us in the dog kennel when she was only two is growing up so fast.

Pretty soon she will be in college and have a family of her own. I am not ready for that. Are we ever ready for that? In the picture above Nicole is three years old and competing in he first dog sled race. Its a one dog-100 yard dash, or something like that, in Casper Wyoming back in 2001.

I remember that day like it was yesterday. It was freezing cold, well below zero and she was so excited to run her “dog team”. I remember sitting there and saying to myself that’s my little girl!

I can only imagine what is to come in the years ahead with boys and school dances and driving lessons in the family truck. I can only cringe at first crushes and and late night dates. I am scared to death of wedding plans and college graduations and grandkids someday. But do you know what? I am so glad to be a dad and that is what was meant to be, for all three of my kids. You know why,

Because that’s what dreams are made of.

I welcome your comments and suggestions. Please comment below.

Robert Forto | Team Ineka | Alaska Dog Works | Mushing Radio | Dog Doctor Radio | Denver Dog Works

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Dr. Robert Forto is a musher training for his first Iditarod under the Team Ineka banner and the host of the popular radio shows, Mush! You Huskies and The Dog Doctor Radio Show