All tuckered out

James Totten, 14, nuzzles Laverne, one of handler Art Mahar's dogs after the Wooden Nickel 30 dog race in Belding. Mahar said Laverne got tired during the first leg of the race and had to ride on the sled with him. He said his dogs were too excited to eat or drink enough before the race, so they got a little tired on the trail. But all-in-all, he said, the race was a good learning experience.