foto, Gitte Alhaug with Birk av Vargevass, owner kennel Vikerkollen, NorwayHouston, '93, was described by his owner Karsten Grønås as: "One of our most happy, loyal, tough and beloved members of the kennel. When training the young dogs, Houston was sometimes running loose with the team. On one of those outings he decided to run an extra loop which we usually make with the raceteam and which passes the local sheep farm. When we went out to look for him, he was already on his way home having gone straight passed the sheep.
He was very dedicated and devoted to his task as a leaddog. Houston took the team wherever was needed, be it in vast open spaces without trail or narrow passages. He was so responsive to commands that one could turn the team on a dime. Apart from being loyal and willing he was also very tough. He would break trail even if the snow was waist deep. He kept on going even if it the wind was blowing storm force and blizzards diminished all visibility.
Karsten relayed on Houston in the Femundlöpets from 2000 to 2003 and on a great many other races, often having his team and kennel mate Amigo working alongside with him. Numerous stories are there to tell about this remarkable dog and he leaves us with many wonderful memories. With Houston's passing away, a piece of us and kennel Vargevass went with."
