Artwork by the amazing lornsky

Story below!

Working in some of the most inhospitable, far removed, and wild territories in Alaska takes a toll on even the very best sled dog teams. Even the fluffiest and strongest of canines need a place to park and warm their cold bones. Along some of the lonely trails are the essential Roadhouses. A welcome sight for anyone after a hard journey of being in the wilderness for so long. Some of the buildings are small quaint homes, others are big and can have stables or a rowdy saloon, but they all try to cater to the basic needs of their travelers.

Among their customers, the sleddog teams are their most important. They are vital to not only the roadhouse, but the surrounding communities for supplies, travel, and other essential logistics. The mushers and teams that find success in this role are some of the most respected members of the community they interact with.

Even on the path to Noam, at the very edge of where human civilization can reach, these establishments make sure to have every accommodation they can for teams. It’s not only important for them to keep the mushers happy, but their dogs too! And It’s the very best team that commutes along this trail. Champion dogs, like Star, Nikki, Kaltag, and even... Steele. It wouldn't be the first time this dog was able to provide a useful service for the group. Everyone who lived this far out pulled their weight to help the entire team, sleddog or not.

North had a great way of connecting with all the dogs that came through. Being social, friendly, and eager to help the other tired canines and their masters had made him quite the popular dog to visit. He had built enough of a reputation that he was often referred to as "The Service Dog" outside of his home. Hearing that made his tail wag every time. He loved the name his master gave him, but knowing others remember him in such a way made him blush. A little shepherd being important to all the other dogs and mushers? Nothing could make him happier!
Well, except for one thing. It felt like a greedy thought, a little bit selfish maybe. He was very interested in Steele, no... enamored with him. He was a very divisive personality with canines despising him for his brutish and egotistical demeanor, or admiring him for his strength, leadership, and championship accomplishments. However, no one could deny his magnetism. He was a beautiful handsome beast and if rumors were to be believed, commanded a hefty studding fee.

Between fame, fortune, and their continuous adventure across the land, the team practically had access to all the bitches in the land. A pup sired from that team would be highly sought after, so who among all the dog owners would try to stop their in-heat canine from getting tied up with that gang? More importantly, what chances would a little male shepherd have with him?

However, North was a creative dog and good at reading others. Where other dogs failed at trying to get Steele to let his guard down or try and tame his behavior, North did not. These busy dogs want to get straight to business, and he knew they both liked the role Steele played.

North had just the thing in mind to forgo the words and get straight to the point. A piece of furniture at just the right height, repurposed for what he had in mind with Steele. A gift for him and any other dogs he wanted to share it with. "Hey, Steele. I might have some of your equipment in the back. Do you mind helping me check it out?"

North was already thinking about how his transaction with Steele would go. Bound and spread apart, muzzled up and put on display, helplessly at Steele’s service all night. Without any dancing, flirting or words, the stud would immediately know what was on the table and telegraph one message:

“Don’t hold back with me, and please… come back for more!”