Uncategorized
March 12, 2016 by

Thank you all for your thoughts, concerns, well wishes, light, prayers and love.  Our thoughts are also with Jeff King and his team.  The sorrow he must be feeling right now!

We don’t have a lot of new information to share with you, but we are keeping an eye on the story as it develops.  Iditarod has said that the person suspected of attacking Aliy and Jeff is in custody and off the river.  The Alaska State Troopers were due to arrive this morning to continue the investigation into this incident.  Click here for the official press release from the Iditarod in case you haven’t seen it yet.

We don’t know who it was from Aliy’s team that she left in Nulato.  We know from the press release that he or she has non-life threatening injuries and for that we are thankful.  The video of the team coming into Nulato didn’t show anyone obviously injured and in the shots of them leaving it was difficult to tell for sure who was missing from the line.  We’ll let you know once we find out more.

In the meantime, we hope Aliy and her dogs have found some peace on her run to Kaltag.  They arrived into the checkpoint at 10:44.  They made good time getting there.

Allen and the Black Team are into Galena and he will have been apprised of the situation.

Recent Posts

58 Responses

  • Aliy and Allen, greetings from Puerto Rico. Mike and Jean send prodigious wishes of encouragement.

  • Guts – plain, pure… Being a former horse trainer – getting back on immediately is pretty much the only way…

    I sent a note to Jeff's kennel as well. Watched his thousand yard stare with his eyes glazed.

    Unless one has lost an animal to senselessness – pretty hard to understand it – just the thought of it, makes it cringeworthy and beyond.

    Heart aches for all.

    BETTER & MORE safety, speed & health – PLEASE…

  • Aliy fights off an attack by a maniac on a snow machine with trail markers, and continues on her race, with 14 dogs headed toward Unalakleet.
    Aliy you are beyond amazing.
    You have already won!
    We are so lucky to have you in our lives.

  • I thank the higher being that is looking out for Aliy and her team as well as the other mushers. Glad she and the pups are doing ok. So Sad for Jeff and his pups. Continuing to send good vibes her way and will continue until the end of the race. Stay strong Aliy!!!

    Will officials let Aliy and Allen talk with each other if they each are in a check point at respective times??

    Heidi

    • That would be great, but it is doubtful Allen will catch up to her. He is currently in Galena, 84 miles behind Kaltag. Maybe in White Mt.

  • I have no doubt that the incredible courage and composure Aliy displayed as she fended off this horrific and senseless attack, are what saved her and her team……and then her courageous decision to lead her team on to Nome in the face of what had to have traumatized her to the bone, is amazing and inspiring. She is a hero and a role model second to none! Well done Aliy-girl! Well done!! Our continued prayers are with she and her awesome dog team, especially the poor baby who was injured!
    Your loving and devoted fans, Debbi and David Robinson

  • I hope they really throw the book at that idiot. I really think he should be charged with attempted murder and cruelty to animals

  • Thanks for Your information's.
    Aliy & the team, please found some peace, .Sending thoughts and prayers, be SAVE to Nome.
    Hi, from Florida,Brita

  • Aily is one tough lady. To pick up a trail marker and use it to defend herself and her team…amazing. I pray that her injured baby is well and she and her team do well proving that she will not let one sick individual deter her or her team from doing what they love. Mush on, Aily and team!

  • Glad to hear that Alyi and the rest of her team have continued on! Still sending prayers and love to them for this must have been so shocking!!! And the dropped dog must be feeling lonely and shocked as well!!! Praying for him/her as well!!!
    Sending prayers and love to Jeff and his team!!! 💜
    Thank you for the update!!! 💙💖💚❤️💜🐾🐾🐾🐶🐶🐶💙💖❤️

  • Praying for you and your team, Aliy. We were shocked, heartsick and just wanted to give you big hug when you arrived in Nulato. May you have a great race from here on out!

  • I heard the news on the radio. I am so sorry. I cannot think of anything else to say. My prayers are with both Aliy and Jeff.

  • Just heartbreaking! Sending best wishes to Aliy, Jeff and all their 4 legged athletes to have much better experiences as they continue down the trail. Sending good thoughts to Allen and all the SP Kennel family & support team members who are also rightfully concerned and upset by the events. That said, Aliy is still running a great race and I remain ever proud to cheer her on to the finish. Go Red! Go Black! Go Dogs!

  • Absolutely unbelievable that this could happen. I am truly in shock, as must be so many others.

    I just saw the video from Jeff King describing the attack and he describes the driver of the snowmachine as "she", also that he believes alcohol or drugs were involved.

    I've also read some pretty pathetic "journalism" reports the last hour and can't believe the utter ignorance some reporters have to the love, support and dedication these mushers give to their canine athletes. To be compared to the Kardashians in Hollywood is an utter insult to the mushers and their dogs who run these races.

    I better stop here, wishing all the best to Aliy and Jeff and all dogs for a full recovery, it may take awhile.
    Ingrid and family

  • Hi Aliy,

    I know you are strong enough to deal with this. There are those who do good things and those who try to stop them doing good things. We can't let them succeed. As Churchill said, "Never give up – never".

  • Aliy is even more amazing than we fans ever knew! Thank you for being so strong…a true inspiration to all. Like others I was simply sickened at this incident. I am so happy that my 10 year old granddaughter in Zimbabwe is following the race and seeing the courage of a really strong woman. Of course, it is terrible for Jeff King to have lost a dog to death and 2 badly injured. All the best to both of you as you head to Nome and the finish.

  • Thank you so much to the bloggers at SP for keeping us abreast of the situation. I am heartbroken for Aliy, Jeff, and the doggies, most especially Nash. My thoughts, prayers and tears are with them. I also feel very sad and sorry for the person in the snow machine. I cannot confirm this, but I read at least one report that names him, and says he came forward and apologized. This report claims that he was inebriated at the time. If all this is true, it makes it even more sad.

    I left a comment at the start of the race, but I'm not sure it got posted. Regardless, it is even more appropriate now. Godspeed and God bless Aliy and Jeff. You showd incredible courage by continuing on. May it never fail you, and may your Teams carry you safely on to Nome!

  • My 11 year old daughter and I follow the race and each morning we are so excited to log on and get updates. It has been, like each year, a wonderful time spent together and our smiles and cheers can be heard as we see the posts, see photos and live vicariously through all the teams. This morning we stood in disbelief at the news and cried over the shock and loss. How hard these teams work – doing amazing athletic feats – dealing with demands most of us could never imagine facing only to be physically and emotionally side-swiped by some cruel unhealthy person. Our life-lesson today to talk over is: powering through the tough times and never allowing someone to take your hard-won strength and never give up. Thank you for such grace and strength in a time of utter craziness. -Nancy & Zada

  • Dear Aliy. Glad you and the dogs are all okay. We have been following your webpage all year. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Go Aliy.

  • Is Clyde the injured dog? I didn't see him in the video of Aliy in Kaltag. Poor, poor baby…..whichever pup it is.

  • I swear,that is beyond the pale.So sorry for Jeff and Alyi.Glad that #%^**€$¥ has been arrested.God bless and protect all the mushers and their dog teams!!!!

  • I just don't know what to say. Other than this is sick. This shows bad internationally on Alaska and the Natives of Alaska. The natives are working hard to change their reputation and in front of the world this happens. Aliy is one tough woman. She works so hard to care for her dogs and I am so sorry for this idiot. I know she is hurting bad inside.

  • We don't care where you and Jeff place Because when you go under the burled arch at Nome you will be the real Champion in our eyes for your courage and strength ..Go the🔴⚫️❤️👏🏻👏🏻 Denali and Joanne xo 🇦🇺

  • Thank you so much to SP for the continuing coverage throughout the Iditarod through this blog, and especially for keeping us updated about this situation.

    I am truly heartbroken for Jeff, Aliy, and their incredible doggie teammates/best friends. Most especially, poor poor Nash. My thoughts, prayers, and tears go out to them. I also feel terribly sorry and sad for the person in the snowmachine. I cannot confirm this, but I read one report which claims he came forward and sincerely apologized, feeling awful about what he had done while inebriated. If this is in fact true, I feel great sorrow for him as well.

    Aliy and Jeff have shown great courage by continuing on. It is a courage that has served them both extremely well in past Iditarods. May it never fail them.

    The software I'm using to dictate apparently doesn't like this website, because I've tried posting this message before, but never get to see it come through, so I will try once more. I posted the sentiment for Aliy and Allen before the race started, but now it's even more appropriate. Godspeed and God bless Aliy, Allen,Jeff and all the teams on the trail. May your dogs and sleds carry you swiftly and safely to Nome.
    Love always, Katie from Illinois.

  • Thank you so much to SP for the continuing coverage throughout the Iditarod through this blog, and especially for keeping us updated about this situation.

    I am truly heartbroken for Jeff, Aliy, and their incredible doggie teammates/best friends. Most especially, poor poor Nash. My thoughts, prayers, and tears go out to them. I also feel terribly sorry and sad for the person in the snowmachine. I cannot confirm this, but I read one report which claims he came forward and sincerely apologized, feeling awful about what he had done while inebriated. If this is in fact true, I feel great sorrow for him as well.

    Aliy and Jeff have shown great courage by continuing on. It is a courage that has served them both extremely well in past Iditarods. May it never fail them.

    The software I'm using to dictate apparently doesn't like this website, because I've tried posting this message before, but never get to see it come through, so I will try once more. I posted the sentiment for Aliy and Allen before the race started, but now it's even more appropriate. Godspeed and God bless Aliy, Allen,Jeff and all the teams on the trail. May your dogs and sleds carry you swiftly and safely to Nome.
    Love always, Katie from Illinois.

  • Thank you so much to SP for the continuing coverage throughout the Iditarod through this blog, and especially for keeping us updated about this situation.

    I am truly heartbroken for Jeff, Aliy, and their incredible doggie teammates/best friends. Most especially, poor poor Nash. My thoughts, prayers, and tears go out to them. I also feel terribly sorry and sad for the person in the snowmachine. I cannot confirm this, but I read one report which claims he came forward and sincerely apologized, feeling awful about what he had done while inebriated. If this is in fact true, I feel great sorrow for him as well.

    Aliy and Jeff have shown great courage by continuing on. It is a courage that has served them both extremely well in past Iditarods. May it never fail them.

    The software I'm using to dictate apparently doesn't like this website, because I've tried posting this message before, but never get to see it come through, so I will try once more. I posted the sentiment for Aliy and Allen before the race started, but now it's even more appropriate. Godspeed and God bless Aliy, Allen,Jeff and all the teams on the trail. May your dogs and sleds carry you swiftly and safely to Nome.
    Love always, Katie from Illinois.

  • Jeff had a measured response about the attack (since he was doing his 8) and I'm sure Aliy will have one too. Jeff mentioned ACT – Alaskans Changing Together. You can donate to a village. I made a donation to Nulato as a positive response to this senseless tragedy.

  • The guy is officially in custody, only 26 years old. Geez! The Trooper report video is on ID website. I hope Aliy & Allen's family are doing okay, especially Aliy's parents. Aliy is a class act and I love the comments above about young girls watching a strong woman and seeing their role model go through a very rough time and handling it with integrity. You all at SPK are so kind to let us know what you know.

  • omg – how awful. So glad that Aliy and Jeff were not hurt……my heart breaks for the loss of Jeff's handsome Nash. The news of the non-life threatening injures was a relief.
    Travel safe mushers & dawgs. Sindy from Michigan

  • It is terrible to think something like this could happen. Thoughts are with the entire team. Perseverance and strength in adversity. Remembrance and gratitude for the gifts we have in our lives. My thoughts are with all members of the mushing community, but especially with Aliy and Jeff. I hope all the two and four-legged athletes stay safe on the trails, and for those unable to continue the race, recuperate fully. To Nash, you will be remembered.

    I did watch a brief video of Aliy into Kaltag on the Iditarod site and it seems the team is down one of the blond athletes (Willie or Clyde. I think I saw Waylon). SPKennel does such a fantastic job letting us get to know their stars that they feel like one of our own family members. It is hard to wait for any news about the injured one. From my family members, a double woof woof (courtesy of my 15yr old dog-child) to the SP Kennel family. We will be thinking of you all.

  • Many Prayers for Aliy and Allen and all the SPK dogs and people. So thankful Aliy was able to fend off the attack, pull herself together, gather support from her dogs and friends, and continue. God bless!

  • I hope Jeff's dog Nash is up in dog heaven right now and playing with all of our other 4-legged friends who are there. I am sending thoughts of care and strength to both Jeff and Aliy…even though he may not see this; Moira if you see him please tell him that there are SP fans that are thinking about him, too. The tragic stupidity and cruelty of it all. What senseless horrifying attacks. Aliy – as always through the years – I admire your courage, strength, class and spirit. To get back on with your race after such an attack takes more than just guts. Like others have commented – you are a champion over and over in our eyes and in the eyes of the mushing world. Big hug going out to you and the SP Kennel dogs.

  • Wrapping love around them and praying for guardian angels to watch over Aliy and the rest of the Red Team. So proud of their strength and courage. Sending comfort to the Black Team as well. I saw Jeff's interview before he left Nulato. He had calmed down but you could tell how hurt and distressed he still was yet he was not at all malicious or vindictive, blaming substance abuse issues. A good man and not deserving of this at all. I just added a new phrase to my vocabulary. There is "cowboy up" and now we have "musher up" to honor this spirit and strength. My K9 family sends woofs and yips to the twenty five brave dogs still on that trail! This will go in my book about the lady mushers, you can bet on it.

  • Allen @ m550 with 9.5m/h speed, Aliy resting just 3m ahead of Dallas, only 4m to the rear of SAss, who could know that fact only by word of mouth…while he already took 2h's rest there. How exiting can a race be? Hopefully there is this small old woodden chest still @ "Old Women"s into which one can spit all the cursing and angry breaths and shut it tight, smile and leave lighter and enlightened. Is it? Does anyone know?
    Surely the dogs enjoy some snooze in the sun there. Good spot. Thanks Aliy for beeing you and all admiration continues towards you. Great!
    Thanks SPK for updating! Who was left in Nulato? Enjoy the rest of this weekend!!!

  • Seems that the whole pack of front runners have decided to "rest" all at the same time.
    Aliy was the last to rest, although a few miles from the others.
    Funny, the mushers are not too far from the last CP. Strange.
    Best to all
    Ingrid

  • Its amazing these 2 Mushers continued….but it doesnt suprise me…another "life and death" mushing experiance they once again endured. I am at awe at their grit and determination! My imagination has been running wild today….picturing Aliy defending herself and her team with nothing but trail marker stakes. I took Chemo's tags from the display cabinet and have been wearing them all day….makes me feel closer to him and the Team. Thank goodness more beloved Team members were not harmed. Love and Light to you all!

  • Allen @ m550 with 9.5m/h speed, Aliy resting just 3m ahead of Dallas, only 4m to the rear of SAss, who could know that fact only by word of mouth…while he already took 2h's rest there. How exiting can a race be? Hopefully there is this small old woodden chest still @ "Old Women"s into which one can spit all the cursing and angry breaths and shut it tight, smile and leave lighter and enlightened. Is it? Does anyone know?
    Surely the dogs enjoy some snooze in the sun there. Good spot. Thanks Aliy for beeing you and all admiration continues towards you. Great!
    Thanks SPK for updating! Who was left in Nulato? Enjoy the rest of this weekend!!!
    Kodiak?

  • I watched the video of Aliy coming in and saw Clyde running differently heading to where they were going to rest. In later videos I no longer seeing Clyde in wheel, Sandy is still there. I just hope you get him back real soon, that he is ok, and needs extra love.

    Schmoe must have paid all the camera people. He's getting his closeup at all the rest stops. Go Schmoe dawg!!

    Looks like Aliy has stopped to rest 25 miles out of Kaltag. I hope she can relax and find comfort in the dogs and doing what she loves doing.
    Aliy is an inspiration on how she handle the situation. I personally would have had all kinds of f-bombs coming out of my mouth (more except able here in the northeast). None of that came out of Aliy's mouth and she even apologized for saying freaking. Aliy one that I would recommend anyone look up to.

  • I am sooo sorry Aliy. Jeff too and Nash especially. I hope the injured pup will have a full recovery and Aliy too. My heart, thoughts and prayers are with you all. What a strong woman you are my dear. Wishin I could give you a big hug right now. Love and hugs to you.

  • Thanks Kaz for this update. What a horrific, uncalled for act. Aliy you are amazing. Am glad for your fortitude, strength, courage in fending off the attack. Please draw strength, love, encouragement from all your fans and supporters. We love and admire you. Clyde feel love and heal quickly. I left a more detailed post earlier, but am so sad about Nash & Jeff's 2 injured dogs. Aliy am praying that you stay safe and channel that anger traveling down the trai!l

  • I, just as everyone has stated, have been in such sorrow and heartbroken all day. I just can not grasp such senseless behavior of this person. There is just no excuse. I don't know how Aliy is managing to hold together. I have had tears thinking about how tragic this could have been.

  • Prayers, best wishes being sent your way wrapped in love and admiration.
    Sending the Lord's Spirit to shadow you and travel above and in front of you

  • So sorry and sad, but sending prayers and hope. Be strong, and hold on…
    You and Jeff are both a class act, and the heartbreaking attack is inexcusable and unforgivable, and I know this man will be dealt with one way or another. Hold on to your faith, and keep pressing forward.

Comments are closed.