photos by Stephen Eginoire

Atypical day at the Durango Dog Ranch begins every morning at sunrise. Imagine pulling on your muck boots, coffee in hand, and stepping into frigid subalpine temperatures only to be greeted by 27 howling Alaskan and Siberian huskies. This is life for the Dubit family. True mushers at heart, the Dubits race, train and run sled dog tours out of their backyard in the La Plata Mountains. And with plenty of the white stuff still lingering in the hills, these dogs can look forward to a hearty spring season romping through the snow.

Hershey awaits a fresh helping of dinner. Burt ponders the security of his bowl as he slurps down dinner. A curious fellow checks out the camera. A freshly waxed sled, ready to hit the trail. After dog chores, Hayden (left) and Gretchen Dubit head back indoors for a meal of thier own.