Iditarod!

[Dantilla]

Ceremonial start yesterday, today things get real.

Those that think it’s cruel to “make” these dogs pull a sled have never experienced it up close.

While in Fairbanks a couple years ago, I had the chance to take a short tour with a dog team on a training run. Got to run the team myself for a few miles.

Walked past over 20 dogs, and when I picked up a harness, every one of them went bonkers, jumping, barking, tails wagging, doggie language for “Pick ME!”.
They all know only eight or ten will be chosen for a run.

Last night, my wife and I attended a dinner with a guy who completed the Iditarod last year. Fascinating stories- Times of despair, all alone in the wilderness, winds howling at 20 below zero, doubting he can finish, or even survive, other times of elation with the stunning Alaska Beauty surrounding him.

The Iditarod is all about caring for, and managing the dogs. At one check station, another team arrived, and the lead dog turned around, came back next to the sled, and laid down.
That’s doggie language for “That’s enough. We’re done.”
That guy’s Iditarod ended, right there.

How our guy knew he did a good job taking care of his team- At the finish line, he hugged his wife and two boys, a news reporter shoved a microphone in his face and asked a couple questions for the camera, then he noticed that all of his dogs were back on their feet, tails wagging, barking.
After pulling a sled a thousand miles through the rough Alaskan wilderness, the dogs are ready to begin the next segment!

Running the Iditarod was really hard on this guy’s wife. He said she is more important than mushing, so he has sold his dog team.
Seven of his dogs are currently in the Iditarod with a couple other teams.

[Dantilla]

Iditarod Air Force

Read an article in an aviation magazine about the Iditarod Air Force.
Local pilots, volunteering their time and airplanes to take care of the dogs.
Anytime a dog appears to be in distress pilots are quick to go pick them up and fly them to the closest vet, or even to Anchorage, if needed.

When I mentioned this to the speaker last night, he told of a pilot bringing an important celebrity (he didn't give a name, and I didn't ask) to a particular check point for some event.

During the flight, a radio call came about a dog needing help.
Pilot did a 180, landed at a small village and dropped off the celebrity to go get the dog.

Don't Care who you are, the dogs come first.
They are cared for like pro athletes.

[Dansvan]

It’s quite the sight to see. The pure joy these dogs have is inspiring