Snow Pup in Siberia

The forecast on this January day was miserable - subzero, dangerously gusty winds, and blizzard potential.  The report aired while David was in mid-flight from California to Siberia for an expedition planned long before wintertime.  He was accustomed to consistent warm weather in sunny Southern California, so he was nervous to exit the plane when it touched down hours and miles from home.

David was a paleontologist following a lead from a dig he was granted in the California desert to the frozen tundra of Siberia.  "I have a reason for being here," he thought to himself throughout the whole of the plane ride.

When he exited the plane and directly onto the tarmac, he was greeted by a local on a dog sled that fit two people and six grown dogs...and a puppy in training.

"Hello!" David shouted over the howling winds and driving snow.

"How can you tolerate such harsh winter conditions?!"

The local looked at him, directed him to his place on the sled, and ordered the dogs to run.  The local did not speak English.

As they raced through feet of snow to get to David's destination as soon as possible, David examined the dogs.  He personally never had a dog as a pet growing up or now as an adult.  He did love dogs, though. 

The breed of the pack looked similar to his college mascot - Go Huskies!  The markings and build were an exact match to the Husky breed, as far as he knew of course.  The puppy, on the other hand, was sheer snow white but did have Husky eyes - sharp blue.

A snow pup in Siberia, David laughed to himself.

The local finally slowed the pack to a halt when they arrived at David's destination - a winter worn building acting as a makeshift work station and living quarters for David and the team he would be working with.  Just as the local and the dogs began to part ways, the puppy freed itself from the pack and jogged toward David.

"Wait!  You forgot the puppy!"

The local, who was within earshot, turned to face him, smiled, and in the barest of the English language replied,

"Snow pups know leaders."

He waved goodbye and ordered the dogs to run.

David looked down to the puppy.

"Hmm.  You know, I actually am co-leading this expedition.  Do you see me as a leader?"

The snow pup barked happily.

David lightly laughed at the response.

"I lead a team of graduate students every school year - far away from here.  Do you see me as a leader for this?"

The snow pup barked happily.

David laughed once more.

"Well little guy, will you help guide me while I am in Siberia?"

The snow pup looked deeply into David's eyes.

"When I leave for home, do you want to come with me?"

The snow pup happily barked.

"Paw five, snow pup!"

They met hand to paw, creating a lasting bond in Siberia and back home.