Huskies pull in large crowd at Morton Arboretum

It was great weather for the Siberian Huskies who enthusiastically dragged their mushers around in circles during Sunday's Husky Heroes event at the Morton Arboretum.

For the humans in attendance, though, it was somewhat tough sledding.

It took aggressive layering and the fortifying influence of hot coffee and hot chocolate to bolster them through the event, which included demonstrations of the dogs and their equipment, as well as photo opportunities with the huskies for families.

Even those riding behind the dogs allowed that conditions weren't ideal.

"We don't have enough snow to really run sleds, and it's too slick to run rigs," said Jen Adelman-McCarthy, who was among those giving demonstrations Sunday.

But even with less than ideal conditions, attendees said they enjoyed the event.

"They are beautiful animals," Matt Butler of Downers Grove said. "They have those amazing blue eyes. Very intelligent animals."

Diana Fischer-Woods, special events coordinator at the Morton Arboretum, said this was the 12th year for the Husky Heroes. In addition to the demonstrations, dog runs and photo ops, Adopt A Husky was on hand to provide adoption information, she said.

"They have always told me that this is probably their best event in which they get adoptions," Fischer-Woods said.

The event has been known to attract 8,000 people to the Lisle arboretum. On Saturday alone, she estimated there were 4,700 people in attendance.

Adelman-McCarthy showed visitors the harnesses and other equipment used for dog sledding, and explained that the huskies have high amounts of energy.

"These are the dogs that run the Iditarod," she said. "These dogs are capable of running 100 miles a day for 10 days in a row. How many people here can run 100 miles a day 10 days in a row?"

Among the first-time attendees Sunday was Michelle Aumann of Algonquin.

"I love it. I have a Husky myself," she said. "This is definitely a great experience."

Sherrie Magnini from Roselle said her son owns a 2-year-old Husky named Thor. She said Sunday's demonstration gave her some insight into Thor's energetic behavior and the need for an occupation to keep him busy.

"Now we understand why Thor has a mission. Thor has decided his duty is to guard the house," she said.