Ryne, Derek and I had 32 dogs at the tests yesterday. Everyone did so well, even the youngsters. These tests are required for all dogs that run in the Iditarod. Aliy and Ryne will get the results back with in the next week or so.
As we were rotating dogs into the Official Iditarod Blood Draw and EKG tests, I had to laugh. Most people have never had an EKG in their lives. And if they are anything like me, it’s been years since I had a full blood panel. As I looked at Bullet laying on the table, I realized that she has had one EVERY year of her life!! Very cool!
I'm so terrible with doggie I.d…is that Mac and Boris?!
Great points, Kaz!
Even for those of us who are familiar with SP Kennel, it's hard to grasp the fantastic life of these dogs. They are treated not only like the superstars they are, but even like rockstars!
They get THE BEST food — both premium kibble and exotic wild meats.. They have THE BEST homes — including fresh straw bedding, massages and room service… They get THE BEST medical attention — both routine and specialty…
Forget about "going to the dog park" once in a while!… These dogs get to run in the Alaskan wilderness five days a week!
Plus… They travel in style, stay at the fanciest hotels and even have receptions in their honor!
Seriously, in my next life I'm coming back as an SP Kennel Alaskan Husky racing sled dog!!!
I've always wondered if the vets give a price break to mushers for all these tests. Having a dog who has to have blood panels and other stuff twice a year, I know what I pay and would hate to have to multiply by 32 (and that's for only 1 race!)
It must all add up to a lot.
Does the Iditarod or Yukon Quest cover the price of these tests?
Beautiful, competent Bullet! 🙂
The tests are part of the entry fee for Iditarod. The Vet crew from the Iditarod and the Quest are amazing. They rely on lots of volunteers to work with their highly skilled paid staff.
Yea Bullet! Hoping this means she shows up on Ryne's roster for her rookie run – what a great addition she'll be for her. I think all of us are anxiously awaiting the "big reveal" of the 16 Red Team and 16 Red & Black Team dogs. Every SPK dog is a superstar in their own way and we love watching their progress in training and racing.
Always proud to be a fan – such a classy, dog-first, wonderful group of people.
My gosh all 32 dogs at the tests, hope you had lots of help. But I am sure SP kennels are used to this sort of thing. Will be Cherring you all during the Iditarod. GO SP KENNEL GO. Really enjoyed following the Yukon Quest this year for the first time. Still watching to see the last two mushers come in to Whitehorse.
Maureen W from Comox, BC
Since tests are given as a part of the Iditarod entry fee, then SPK covers the cost for any dogs who actually race, but are not tested during this blood draw – correct? If my memory serves, there are changes from the celebratory run to the actual race and even changes as to who goes up to the departure to Anchorage.
How do you manage all that?
BTW, word is the trails are a soggy mess around the starting line … snow predicted for next week, but hope for more!
BTW, Jeff – At first I thought the markings fit Scooter, but I "think" that is actually Spoog. Am I right?
I am fortunate to be a retired SPKennel dog. You should see the test my human, Tom, has to have for his physical (howl……)
Received the answer to my question .. YQ dogs are in Wasilla being tested now, so Aliy and Ryne will have many dogs to choose from in forming their teams.
Thank you Aliy and Ryne for sharing the pre- Iditarod vet check information. IIt is good information to share with my students.