Happiest dog-biker in the world in Wesley

A handful of dogs get to experience the sights and smells of RAGRBAI from trailers behind their owners’ bikes, but Pip Squeak has it even better. The 18-pound whippet/wire terrier mix rode in a harness strapped to his owner Kristi Bacon of Waterloo – the perfect place to feel the rush of wind in his face.

The pair has tackled the ride five times, and it seems to suit them well.

“This is my solution to separation anxiety,” said Bacon, who works for John Deere and has two dogs at home that each weigh about 100 pounds, which unfortunately disqualifies them from harness privileges.
Pip Squeak usually rests his back paws on a padded cushion Bacon wrapped around her bike’s crossbar and rests his front paws on the handlebar. He pants a little when he’s happy (other riders often assume the sound is a squeaky wheel) and turns around to lick his owner when he’s ready for a break.

“That’s when I know it’s time to find a gravel road,” Bacon said during a stop in Wesley.

— Michael Morain

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