Ideal Bite

Think "mushing" is just for Alaskans?

Submitted by tmeronek on Fri, 03/09/2007 - 3:01am.

The Bite:

Nope - dogs rule and cars drool. "Urban mushing" lets you hitch a pollution-free ride from your dog using a scooter and harness. Seriously. Read on.

The Benefits:

Good exercise for your canine. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, as many as 40% of dogs are overweight.
Cleaner air. In the US, cars are the second-largest source of the greenhouse gas CO2, just after coal power plants.
You get a free ride (up to 3 miles).

Personally Speaking:

Poor Cricket got so excited when she heard about urban mushing. Too bad she's just too little to pull anyone besides her cat brothers... she often takes them for a ride around the house (albeit by their tails).

Wanna Try:

Two things: 1. don't mush in hot weather, 2. mushing's not for shih-tzus (or any small dog).

Dog Powered Scooter - the original, championing a solid design and decent price ($540).
Chalo Sulky One - for more of a sleigh-ride effect ($300-$1,200).
Diggler Alpha Dawg - for use with a tugline ($75-$750).
Urban Trails Harnesses and Tuglines - make your own mush machine with a harness and rollerblades or foot scooter ($25-$38).
Google Video - check a video of the scooters in action.

Mark Schuette