HLM – Chapter 890 The Sled Race

In regions of Europe close to the Arctic, such as Finland, Norway, northern Canada, Switzerland, and Sweden, dogs are considered part of the family.

Not just pets—they are truly a part of the household.

Before the Industrial Revolution, dogs were household laborers in these areas. They didn’t just guard the home; they also helped with work. For example, Labrador Retrievers assisted fishermen in hauling nets, and Newfoundland dogs could fish in the water.

This tradition continues even today. Even though dogs no longer need to work, people still regard them as family members.

Dog sleds are a common mode of transport in Arctic villages. After snowfall, when people go shopping, they often have their dogs pull sleds loaded with goods.

After the parade ended, night fell. Wang Bo glanced at the time—it was not even 3 PM, and in New Zealand, the sun was still shining brightly.

The streets were brightly lit, with many dogs pulling sleds along the roadside. Most were Alaskan Malamutes, with some Huskies, Samoyeds, and Eskimo Dogs.

Because Wang Bo had volunteered as Santa Claus to hand out gifts, he received a reward and chose a lightweight wooden sled.

Accompanied by Zhuang Ding and the Queen, he walked onto the street. The surrounding dogs were very quiet, with hardly a bark to be heard, which reflected how well-trained they were.

Especially the Labradors—they remained calm near their owners, huddling together for warmth. Only when strangers came to take photos or play with them would they wag their tails and show some activity.

Zhuang Ding’s arrival changed everything.

Seeing so many beautiful girls on the street, Zhuang Ding got excited and started barking: “Awoo, ooo, woof woof woof!”

Dale quickly tried to pull him back, then let go, covering her face shyly as she exclaimed, “Ah! Zhuang Ding’s little thing is showing!”

Wang Bo was helpless and had to personally restrain Zhuang Ding, only to be dragged sliding across the street.

Finally stopping him, Wang Bo looked down—sure enough, a big red carrot had emerged from under Zhuang Ding’s belly.

As Zhuang Ding barked, the street became lively. A group of Huskies jumped and howled, impressively mimicking wolf howls with heads thrown back.

Contest participants scrambled, trying to calm their dogs.

Seeing the chaos, Wang Bo dragged Zhuang Ding into a corner. Zhuang Ding still tried to leap toward a female dog, so Wang Bo kicked him on the rear: “Bark all you want! Do you know you’ll get eaten if people see this?”

After the reprimand, Zhuang Ding finally calmed down, sulking and burying his mouth in the snow.

Seeing him so dejected, Wang Bo felt a pang of sympathy and was about to comfort him, when Zhuang Ding suddenly lifted a leg and started happily licking his balls.

Eva’s face turned pale in shock. “Watch him! He’s trying to mate!”

Wang Bo had no choice. He wanted to leave with Zhuang Ding—the race seemed impossible now. But then the whistle blew, signaling the participants to start.

Walking down the street, someone handed Wang Bo a number—14. This was his race number.

Fortunately, Zhuang Ding had calmed down considerably. Seeing a pretty female dog, he only wagged his tail and flexed his muscles, without the previous leaping and barking.

The race took place on the main streets of Rovaniemi, divided into seven or eight lanes with banners.

Wang Bo was set to compete in the second round. The race was formal, with crowds lining both sides and media setting up cameras.

They went to verify their information. The official looked and asked, “Where are the other three dogs?”

Wang Bo asked, “Is it okay with just two dogs? We just want to participate.”

The official shook his head firmly. “No, absolutely not. Two dogs pulling a sled is too much pressure—we cannot treat them so cruelly!”

A nearby girl complained, “Your qualification is canceled. This is a friendly dog race, meant for fun, not for competition.”

Eva stepped forward to negotiate. “Please allow us to explain. We understand the purpose of this race. The sled is driven by a child. A child weighing less than fifty pounds—two dogs are more than enough.”

“And here are Zhuang Ding and the Queen. Look at them. Do you think two dogs like this will be under pressure pulling a sled?”

The Mastiff is a large breed, holding many national dog weight records. Zhuang Ding is the alpha of large breeds, well-fed and muscular.

Seeing him, the official was startled—he truly looked like a small lion, not a dog.

As for the Queen, the Rottweiler is smaller than the Mastiff but strong, with glossy fur that shone brightly under the lights.

Seeing these two dogs with a tiny little girl, the official hesitated, then stamped their entry form.

The first round had already started. Because the dogs are scared of gunshots, the race used lights instead—red light turned green, and the race began.

The course was 2.5 kilometers. By the time Wang Bo arrived, the dogs were already sprinting, and he didn’t know their exact results.

Entering the track, on the left were five Siberian Huskies, the famous “Husky trio.” On the right were Samoyeds, the so-called “smiling angels” of sled dogs.

Seeing only two dogs pulling a sled, a Husky owner laughed: “Hey, buddy, that’s a disadvantage for you.”

Wang Bo smiled confidently: “Once we’re on the course, don’t think we’re going to bully anyone.”

He then hugged Zhuang Ding and instructed: “Listen, kid. You behave and run properly. No messing around, understand? If you misbehave, I won’t take you out again!”

Zhuang Ding reluctantly tore his gaze away from the Samoyeds, rolling his tongue to lick away his saliva.

“You’re giving the wrong kind of command. Dogs have limited intelligence. Your instructions should be short and easy to understand,” the Husky owner added.

But he seemed more like a chatterbox; his advice, though, was reasonable. Wang Bo just smiled politely in response.