We’ve just got back to the kennel but first things first: I know you all so well that I’m certain the first thing you want to know about is who was dropped from the Black Team in Manley.
“Big O” (Olivia) rode in the truck with us from Manley back to the kennel. She has tweaked her left pectoral muscle and so cannot continue with the race. Coming into the checkpoint Allen noticed she was favoring her left leg so upon arrival he massaged her with Algyval and wrapped her leg in vet wrap and, as she seemed happy to stay for a while, he let her rest with the team in the sunshine. Shortly before the team left the checkpoint he completed the paperwork with the veterinarian staff, who were very attentive and kind, and left her with us. She enjoyed her sleep, stretched out in the sun and was a bit confused about leaving the team.
As she was being examined by the vet crew away from the team a group howl went up, which she joined in on. We think they were saying “See you later Big O!”
On a regular Iditarod year, handlers are not able to take dropped dogs from any checkpoint. They are normally all cared for by veternarian staff and volunteers within the checkpoint and transported back to Anchorage or forwards Nome, depending where on the race they are dropped. On this race we were able to take them from both the Nenana and Manley checkpoints. From Tanana onwards all the dogs will go to Anchorage or Nome as normal.
It is nice to have Olivia home already and back at her house starting her rehab. She was able to tell her near neighbour, and daughter Lydia, all about how her siblings are getting on. Allen was extremely sorry to have to leave her as she is such a superstar but, of course, she could not continue and it is best for both her and the team to drop her.
Thank you for your caring and concern.
We are sad to learn that Olivia won't be able to join all her talented kids (including Junior, or course) on their run to Nome this year. Get well, O.
–Cliff Michel & Family
Good healing Olivia!
I bet Olivia chimed in for the howl! I hope she howled for them to make it all the way to Nome, especially Junior, Kodiak, Dutch and Commando. Come back with a big story for Momma O pups.
Get well Miss O!!!
thanks for the update. so sorry Ms "O" a great leader and so confident and happy. she will be missed by pups and Allen. Cant wait to see who steps it up in this race. ??
run doggies run.
padee santa rosa ca
A big pat👋 and cuddle for big O hope she is not to disappointed to be off the trail. I am pleased she got to go straight back to SPKennel and didn't have to wait it out in Anchorage . We love the updates woof woof from Denali and Joanne
Thank you for this information and the best to Olivia and the two SP Kennel teams ! ♥
Thanks so much for letting us know about the Black Team drop – and my doesn't Olivia have perfect timing – it is so nice that she didn't have to suffer the indignity of being "dropped" and shuttled from place to place…until she could get to her own house!
Get well Olivia, woof, woof, woof!!!
Glad to hear Olivia is safe and recouperating off the trail and in her own bed! Its nice she didnt have to go to Anchorage to meet back up with you all!
Oh no, I'm so sorry about Big O!!! The good news is that she was able to go back home with the crew and is now resting comfortably among her loved ones!!!
Get better soon Olivia! You will run all the way to Nome next year! 💖🐾
You rest up, Big O. Tell all the kids about your trip so they're ready when it's their turn.
Thanks again – this time I'm wide awake and so very pleased to see Olivia's beautiful face and sharp leggings (matching her Elizabeth Taylor eyes)- Woof!!!
–Margaret
All the love and best wishes of all the guardian spirits to the red and to the black team. A big hug to Olivia and wishing her good recovery!
Ingabritt
Sad… Get well soon Olivia, you're my favorite sled dog!
Good luck at the race red team and black team!
Olivia, so sorry you had to leave the team. Tell all your kennel mates about your trip.Am glad you are back in you own dog house. Heal quickly. Good luck to both Aliy & Allen in the rest of the race.