Putting the skis before the dog

"Putting the carriage before the horse" is an old English idiom that signifies doing things in the wrong order. For me, this is a fact of life, as evidenced by my latest snafu: Making plans to go skijoring before actually securing the necessary equipment to do it.

"I have skis. I have a dog," I thought. "All I need is a towline and harness. Surely I can order that online anytime I'm ready."

Yes and no.

I started looking before Christmas and found the Web sites of numerous out-of-state outfitters. I could have ordered everything then and there if I knew my dog's harness size and wanted to pay more than a $100 for the complete "skijor package."

But, like I said, it was before Christmas, and, like everyone else, we'd tightened the reins on our holiday spending.

So, I looked some more and found a link to Nooksack Racing Supply in Oxford, which is about an hour from Portland, and figured I could get everything I needed from them for less than $70.

"Sweet!"

I still needed to know Saber's measurements.

But they said customers could stop in or call for advice.

Did I mention that the owners are professional skijor instructors and athletes?

Nobody was there. My message has yet to be returned. They're probably "on tour" all winter.

Then I found a link for Mountain Ridge Sled Dog Equipment in Shirley and began searching their online catalog.

"At last," I thought. "A place that accepts orders online and not just by mail, phone, fax or e-mail." And, as I continued reading, "Dude! The harnesses go by small, medium and large. I don't even have to measure the dog!"

I added a large padded tracking harness, a skijor belt and a towline to my shopping cart and prepared to check out. I entered my mailing and shipping address and credit card number and waited for it to authorize.

After several minutes, an error message appeared on the screen: "Null."

I tried again.

"Null."

"You have got to be kidding me," I thought as I tried another card.

"Null."

They must have been experiencing technical difficulties.

I guess I can relate.

For skijor equipment that's made in Maine by dog sport professionals, visit: Mountain Ridge Sled Dog Equipment, Shirley, padded tracking harness for skijoring $24, skijor belt $30, towline $18; Nooksack Racing Supply, Oxford, harness $13.95-$16.95, skijor belt $35, towline $15; or Perry Greene Kennel & Outfitters (Mainely Dogs), Waldoboro, harness $22, skijor belt and towline $50.