Sunday, June 15, 2008

Not So SILENT Sunday! Meet the Lergnom Dog



I generally am not a superstitious person, but I highly subscribe to the theory that there are "no accidents". Things happen for a reason, if we take the time to quiet ourselves and allow our thoughts to just flow.. often an answer will come to us.

Some of you may know that I was a contracted blogger for Animal Hubbub on AOL for almost a year. The site basically has shut down for now, but I still receive comments from folks who continue to visit the site. Animal Hubbub is still a presence on the Internet, although no new material has been published.

This morning I received a lovely comment about an Andalusion Stallion article that I had written, last December. The comment contained a link to what the commentor claimed to be his website. Being curious, but cautious, I googled it manually. I am so glad I followed my heart.

OK, I am a Jamaicaphile. If I could afford to live there, I would move in a heartbeat. I am completely enchanted by the Island, its residents and the whole culture. Whenever I have visited, I feel just like I have come home. I always enjoy good Reggae music.. it touches my soul somehow. Maybe I was a citizen of the Country in a previous lifetime.



So what does this have to do with animals? I had to search for news about pets in Jamaica as I felt I was on a journey. This comment did not just randomly arrive in my mailbox.

Did you know that Jamaica has a competitive dogsled team? The team, named Sun Dogs practice off the Island in areas that have snow, but most of their training is done on regular ground.

The team are passionate competitors! The dogs that compete are mostly an exotic breed called Lergnom. Guess what? That is Mongrel spelled backwards. Known for their strength, hardiness and survival skills - the Lergnom of Jamaica has proven to be perfectly suited for international dogsledding. A Jamaican Lergnom can and does live under some of the toughest conditions. The Jamaicans believe that their native dogs and cats too have adopted the Jamaican psyche of surviving under tough conditions.

If you are drawn to Jamaica I have two special treats for you this morning. Watch this fascinating video by BlingRhames, and visit The Bob Marley Website. When the music stops refresh the page and you will be able to hear more of Bob Marley's fabulous music.

From the sun-kissed beaches of Jamaica and tropical paradise comes a story of second chances.
Rescued from the mean streets and animal shelters, 12 stray dogs are trained to the stars of Jamaica's first dog sled racing team.
Were you surprised to learn about the Jamaican Dog Sled team, and did you enjoy the concert? Leave a comment to let us know.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Actually it should be no surprise! After all they have a Bobsled team! These are very resourceful people.

Vicki said...

I think it is just great that they rescue these dogs and use them for such a novelty. They look like they enjoy pulling the sled and are well taken care of and loved. Great idea!

Anonymous said...

Like the name :) Also, don’t believe there are accidents. Has me recalling a movie (listed as “comedy”) about a Jamaican luge team at the Winter Olympics. Tapping into the spirit(!) of living – yeah team :))

Min

Anonymous said...

Thanks for spreading the story. I see you loved the name we Jamaicans coin for our exotic breed of Lergnoms!! It might even gain more popularity as more persons pick it up.

kneadstoknow said...

Marvia,

I tried to leave a comment on your blog, but for some strange reason no "send" button was visible.

If you come back to this site, please give me instructions or how to reach you.

The story moved me so much. It was written under the "spell" of Bob Marley's music.

Jo

Anonymous said...

as usual, another GREAT story, jo. that is so cool about the name for the jamaican dogs. thank you!

Anonymous said...

That is so cool - I think it's great the dogs have a second chance!

Anonymous said...

I'm not usually an advocate of dog racing but this just looks like plain ole fun for both man AND dog. And to know these dogs were saved from the shelter makes it even more heart warming. I loved it!
Linda