The Iditarod Awards Banquet was held tonight in Nome. We already knew Allen had won the Sportsmanship Award for saving Karin Hendrickson’s life. It was an open & closed nomination. Here is the article telling what happened.http://www.newsminer.com/view/full_story/12400261/article-Two-Rivers-musher-helps-fellow-Iditarod-racer-in-need?We didn’t know Aliy was going to win the Humanitarian Award for Excellent Dog Care. The Veterinarians of the Iditarod vote on the musher who took the best care of her dogs on the race. This is the second time Aliy has been honored with this award.Here at SP Kennel, there is no greater award or win than taking care of our dogs and being a good sportsman. We are SO proud of both of them.

31 Responses

  • Congratulations on winning such special awards! I had noticed the story on Allen helping Karin and hoped that he would get the award for that. I know that Allen saved her life because it was the right thing to do. I am glad that you got special recognition for this.

    Aliy, how awesome is that to be given the Humanitarian Award!

    Proud of you both! And thanks to whoever posted this story — you scooped the Insider!

  • It is so heart warming to see that
    the awards committee saw what we all saw as you traveled… excellent dog care and excellent
    sportsmanship… you represent the very very best of what mushers are
    and should be. So well deserved,
    congratulations.

  • Kudos to both of you for showing the true spirit of the Iditarod… saving lives and exhibiting love and care for the dogs. There is more to a race besides winning, and SPK can be proud of this year's run… way to go!

  • Congratulations!!! Wonderful news… I'm proud to say I've been following you guys for years! That's what it's all about.

  • SP Kennel rocks! Congratulations on being recognized for your care of dogs & care of fellow man! I am proud to have met you & Bonita & her teammates.

  • Two fitting tributes to recognize what our community already knows: That SP Kennel is run by a group of dedicated, competitive people who place others and their canine athletes before themselves! Proud of you!

  • Congrats to you both!!!
    I can't think of more deserving recipients for both awards!
    Hugs and belly rubs to the pups!
    Happy Trails,
    Kit

  • Everyone on the BSSD mushing forum was listening to the banquet in our ustream chat room. Lots of cheering and crying when we heard of the awards you each won!! CONGRATS!!

  • I had goose bumps when hearing the news. Congrats to both, well deserved and earned. St. Louis area is so proud of the SP Kennel teams!

  • This kennel, all of those involved, are examples of what this sport is about. People and dogs and the never ending interdependence between them. If only the rest of the world could learn from SP and their team it would be a better place.

  • I stayed up as late as I could and was able to see the Insider video of Allen receiving the Sportsmanship award. I am becoming so sentimental; it brought tears to my eyes.

    As I went to bed, I thought about the Humanitarian award; I thought about Aliy stopping for two hours in Elim – two hours for the dogs and time for Ken to pass her. I thought about her discipline on the trail and how no matter what they were given enough time to rest and she made it with 11 dogs. Then I thought – other mushers took care of their dogs; surely John Baker took care as well; the vets probably won't notice.

    I am glad they did. Good job, Aliy. It's ridiculous that I feel so proud of the kennel, considering I do so little for it, but I feel that way anyhow.

    Thank you guys for living up to my expectations of what human beings should be.

  • So fitting.

    Besides agreeing totally with all of the excellent remarks above, which say it much better than I could, I would like to point out that SP Kennel Blog and Aliy's video report on the trail get an award from me!!!

  • I am so moved by your honor and spirit for Humans and Dogs. Thank you both. I was in tears reading your stories & about your awards.THANK YOU

  • Allen and Aily are two of the warmest, best, caring people on the planet. It's only fitting that they won these two prestigious Iditarod awards. I'd say congratulations to Allen, but he'd say that anyone would have helped someone in such serious trouble, which is true, but Allen added his unique brand of special care and concern. The same is true for Aily and her superb dog care.

    Good Stuff, my friends.

  • Congratulations to Allen and Aliy and three cheers for all of your wonderful dogs.

    But also, a huge thank you for the work you do to let us "see" the mushing lifestyle through your eyes.

    Your blog remains the single best source of information about the dogs, the sport and the races. Please enjoy your "spring break" knowing how much we appreciate your efforts.

  • Such wonderful news! This is an outstanding way to cap-off the season. Congratulations hardly seems like a strong enough sentiment to express how happy I am for you both. Terrific, simply terrific.

  • Congratulations on winning these awards. It is thrilling that you won these awards. It is brilliant news. It makes us feel awestruck that Mr Moore saved someone's life. We would have chosen Ms Zirkle for her award. She does astounding work with Quito and Chica. We hope you are lounging on the couch and drinking a lot of coffee. Well done.
    From Indigo and Chloe

  • I've been watching the Iditarod from Maryland for many years. You two do so much for the sport, that it is totally fitting and awesome that you won what I consider to be the two most important awards of the evening. Congratulations! I hope some day I'll get to visit your kennels. In the meantime, Aliy, you go girl!!
    Eileen

  • All of the above! On top of which is this wonderful blog which allows all of us a glimpse into your mushing lives! Much appreciated far away from Alaska!

  • Very big congratulations Aliy and Allen on your awards. Your dedication to dogs and the sport are outstanding.
    The entire SPK team was great!

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