Iditarod 2006

My adventure began when I attended a required 3 day conference of the International Sled Dog Veterinary Medical Association (ISDVMA) in Anchorage the week prior to the race. As an Iditarod “rookie,” I received a crash course on the unique medical problems of sled dogs and the protocol for their treatment on the trail. This conference included a day of hands-on examination of about 60 dog teams at a mandatory pre-race “vet check,” my first exposure to working outside in sub-zero degree temperatures!

Following the conference, the adventure continued as my wife Robin participated in the ceremonial start as an “Iditarider,” braving the crowds and cameras along Anchorage’s 4th Avenue and traveling 11 miles of trail with rookie musher Kim Kittredge. The start of the race was a thrill of a lifetime for both of us, but especially for Robin.

Immediately following the start, I was whisked off to the first of 5 checkpoints by pilot Gary of the volunteer “Iditarod Air Force.” Over 2000 volunteers from all over the world save their vacation time to participate in this race, providing the support personnel for the complex infrastructure required to make the race happen.

I spent between 1 to 4 days at each checkpoint examining the teams as they passed through, caring for the sick or injured dogs until they could be flown out of the smaller checkpoints on their way back to Anchorage.

Among the most impressive things I observed during my 2 weeks on the trail was the tremendous bond between mushers and their dogs and the incredible amount of work involved under very difficult and often sleep-deprived conditions.   Time and time again I would marvel at the mushers as they attended to the physical and emotional needs of their “canine family,” always before they attended to their own comfort needs.

The Iditarod has responded to concerns by animal welfare groups over the last 15 years by improving the conditions for the dogs on the trail and instituting strict rest and veterinary care requirements. The research sponsored by the Iditarod on the unique problems of the canine endurance athlete continues to improve the health of sled dogs everywhere. In general, the care and condition of the dogs on the race was excellent!

I learned a lot about Alaska and the world of the sled dog during my stay. Now that I am no longer considered a “rookie,” I hope to return to the great North for further adventures on “The Last Great Race.”