Granite
Have you ever been called the “runt of the litter”? Were you smaller than your siblings, or were you the last one to be picked when playing games? Have others made you feel like you just weren’t good enough?
Several years ago, a musher named Susan Butcher raised her own puppies to train and run in the Iditarod across Alaska. One spring, there were five puppies born in Susan’s barn. Perfect for dog racing, all except one. One had dull fur, and his legs weren’t quite right. The other puppies pushed him away. Visitors who came to see the puppies told Susan she should give him away for a pet. He’d never become a sled dog.
But Susan loved him. She gave him a strong name, Granite. When the puppies were old enough, she took them out to begin to train. She noticed Granite possessed that extra intelligence he needed to be a good sled dog. He learned the trails and could find his way home. The others depended on Susan. Every evening, she took Granite out to run and develop his strength. After years of work, Granite became Susan’s lead dog. He had overcome his knee problems. He now weighed 58 pounds and had the strength he needed to pull the sled and the intelligence to lead the pack.
Granite had many obstacles to overcome before he would win the Iditarod. He had to fight off a moose in the middle of a race, which left him so injured that Susan and the team had to withdraw. Later, he became so sick that it damaged his heart. Susan continued to care for Granite and believe in him just as she did with all her dogs. When he overcame the sickness, Susan let him try racing again. This time he won! He won 3 Iditarods in a row. After he retired, he traveled with Susan. He lived to be 17 1/2 years old.
Susan and Granite’s story can help children in many ways. Children need someone to believe in them, to encourage them. They need someone to train them to overcome obstacles. They need examples of others who have overcome adversities. They need to see those they look up to setting a godly example.
Susan knew Granite had a purpose. Children need to know God has a purpose for each of us. They need the encouragement to never give up because the Lord will never give up on them.
Older children might enjoy exploring the Iditarod, the weather in Alaska, and dog training.
Granite’s story can be obtained from www.trailbreakerkennel.com
Gail Cartee loves all things picture books because they encourage the best in us all.
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