Cross-country dog sled mush visited Walker County as part of dream journey

A homeless man decided to find inspiration and follow his dream by traveling cross-country on a makeshift dog sled and part of his journey led him to Walker County.

Georgie Cutwright, a homeless man from Mattoon, Illinois, began a journey in Knoxville to go cross-country on a makeshift dog sled he crafted, with his two rescued husky dogs named Lobos and Sarah.

Lobos had a tough time his first few years and was not very approachable. Sarah was scared of people, but now, Cutwright said, his rescue dogs are happy.

They arrived in LaFayette early Friday evening, March 31.

Cuttwright’s sled is made from a skateboard and a folding chair. He plans to travel to California and is ready for a yearlong trip to complete his goal.

Cutwright poured his last bit of money into getting his van fixed and began to travel around on his makeshift dog sled.

After encouragement from a friend to take the trip, he decided to follow his dream.

“It doesn’t matter what you’ve done in life, what situations you’ve been through, or where you’ve been. You are right here, right now. Live for right now. If you have a dream, follow it. Don’t give up. Don’t give in and if you don’t make it, it is okay. When you are 90 years old and on your deathbed, you can say, ‘I tried,’” Cutwright said.

He planned to camp at Cherokee Farms in LaFayette and stopped in to get supplies at Walmart.

He hopes to find folks to help him as he continues his crosscountry trip, especially when he reaches the desert and would need water for himself and his dogs.

“Help people” and “be kind to each other” are his messages to everyone.