22 Responses

  • Catch 'em Aliy ! Stay strong body and mind . . . doggies too. Keep up the good work. Wooooo Wooooo Woooo!!

    I continue to watch from afar, good wishes are coming your way. Hang in there. I can hardly get away from the computer watching you. I am wringing out some of my strength and sending it up to you.

    Go Aliy Goooooo! Go Ryne tooooo!

    Best, Trish

  • That is poetry in motion. What a spectacular race Aliy & Ryne are having! Stay safe and strong ~ we are rooting for you ~ go go go!!

  • This photo shows something that I also noticed on the Insider video of Aliy coming into Koyuk. No rush to answer, but sometime if you get a chance to tell us, I'd be cool to know: Aliy talks about not using necklines on her dogs and often times you see photos and that is the case – no necklines. But in this photo and the above mentioned video, there are necklines on the dogs. How does she decide when to use them vs. not use them? Also how do the dogs seem to "feel" about sometimes running with them and sometimes running without? Of course if I'm misreading the photos and use of necklines, then by all means correct my mistaken impression.

    Super photo too – should have said that first. Look at those peppy, happy pups! Go Red Team!

  • Love this picture! I think that it is one of the best doggie pictures that I've seen so far this Iditarod from any source.

  • My work and my sleep are on the back burner watching this exciting race! the most exciting racing season in years! Go Aliy and go doggies! and great photo of the team!

  • Dear Aliy,
    Your picture is graet! I am Cassanda, 8 years, your number 1 fan at the American School of Madrid (Spain). We follow the race with great interest and I am lucky to report your success in my daily Iditarod book. How could you send home such a cutypie like Viper? I miss him. "Goooo Aliy!"
    Kind regards,
    your #1 fan Cassandra

  • GO ALIY!!! Wow!!! Red Team red-leggings power!!! Not only are they in hot pursuit but are looking so chic – the photo shows I think Dingle in lead listening to Olivia behind him give tips!!!

    My fingers are crossed as I type this back in Southwestern CT – so very far away but thanks to the DogLog, so close!!!

    Woof!!!

  • Aliy,

    Wow, what a race! Between you and Allen, you've given SPKennel fans a very exciting year.

    There are so many fans are out there urging your green #14 rectangle across the GPS map…

    Go Aliy! Go DAWGS! Go Aliy! Go DAWGS! Go!!!!

  • What a team, what a musher; we are all rooting for Aliy, she is such a great ambassador for this race. It's a nail-biter for sure. She has run the trail like a true champion, dogs first. Power to the Pups, Yay, Aliy!

  • Watching the race from Austin, TX through the website of course. Decided to follow both Aliy and Dallas and some well known others but, have quickly become Team Aliy with her great attitude, sportsmanship and zeal! We are routing for her all the way to Nome!! These last 24 hours are going to be very exciting I think.

  • Greetings all!… I'll try to answer your questions:

    1) Quito is in lead… Fantastic dog!… She is clearly the next-generation ChaCha; Dingle running next to her, not quite as fast, but a supremely solid, steady dog whose experience makes him a reassuring co-leader; In swing are Chica and Scruggs, both exceptional young dogs in the "power" position… This means, of course, that crazy speedster Olivia is cruising somewhere back in the team, perhaps "on deck" for the race to Nome!

    2) Neck lines — I'm not entirely within my knowledge base here, but I can tell you this: The "half-harnesses" that SPK uses have the advantage of giving the dogs more freedom of movement than traditional, full harnesses. This is especially good for the dogs when they are in difficult terrain, because they can be more agile to avoid dips, holes, etc. The disadvantage is that the dogs don't get as much "power" out of the half-harness configuration… they can "pull to the side" rather than straight ahead. By using the necklines from time to time — especially on the long, straight, flat runs — you help the dogs stay in line better and get a little more efficient straight ahead power. There may be more to the story, but that's as far as I can go with confidence!

  • I have watched the Iditarod for the last 3 years via the internet (I live in SW Arkansas and used to be a nationally known breeder of Great Pyrenees dogs) and the SP Kennel website has been an important part of my Iditarod experience, especially this year. I wanted to comment on your picture – this is an extremely good picture – good enough to be framed.

  • Just like you said.. Stunning picture – one for the wall.

    Gooooo you wonderful Red team. Be safe but ohhh how this family (mine) would love to see the bouquet of flowers around those wonderful SP Kennel athletes.

    Regardless – you are winners to us. So proud of you all!

    Smiles, cheers and warm thoughts your way.

    Marie Collins
    Anchorage

  • Yes, you can imagine the joy that this photo has brought to Indigo!
    It will be framed and on the SP Kennel wall in her room.

  • Aliy, you are looking great. What a fabulous race you are running! I am a new fan of you and your dogs. Thanks for a super exciting Iditarod.

    Bea Weaver
    Penn Alum, Class of 1965

  • Aliy, you are looking great. What a fabulous race you are running! I am a new fan of you and your dogs. Thanks for a super exciting Iditarod.

    Bea Weaver
    Penn Alum, Class of 1965

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