We have just had word from Allen in Grayling. Firstly, the dogs are great. It is Allen himself that is not well.
Allen woke up from his nap with a high fever and turns out he has picked up an infection. He has been in contact with his daughters Bridgett and Jennifer who are both a nurses and they, in turn, have been in contact with the health aides and veterinarians in Grayling. He has been given appropriate antibiotics to treat it and he is going to wait around 24 hours in Grayling to allow the medicine to kick in before he makes any further moves.
He is physically able to care for the dogs and has said he has plenty of food and supplies to stay that long. He will feed them every six hours while they are there and they will be just fine.
He said he’s feeling okay but this is a really sensible call to stay put for a while as things can quickly head south with infections. We will keep in touch with him and see how he’s feeling and what the next steps are. We’ll update you when there is something to share.
Aliy will be appraised of the situation as soon as possible.
Some pics we received from Grayling to show you he’s okay:
Allen also said that Willie is a rockstar! Good ole’ Willie!
You know how we keep saying “Anything can happen”? Well, yeah, anything can happen.
Oh my gosh, I have been wondering what was going on! I am so sorry to hear that Allen isn’t well and hope those antibiotics kick in fast!! Sending best thoughts and prayers to Allen and the team. I am so glad you updated us on Willie….I’m not gonna lie I have been concerned about him at his “mature” age in this difficult race. That boy is all heart! Thank you for the update.
Oh Allen, please take care of yourself. We are glad that he has some expert advice from Bridgett and Jennifer and has access to antibiotics to help him recover. This is a wise decision to stay. We all know what happened to Jason in the Quest and do not want a repeat here. Get well soon wishes from your Straw Ladies.
Thank you for this update Moira. I thought Allen had stopped for an unusually long time, even for a rookie team, and hoped everything was okay. Hope you feel better soon, Allen!
Allen does look fine and since he had been sick on that flu with a virus, I do feel better knowing he can be treated with antibiotics. He and the dogs just may be little bored though.
Aliy is doing great – I am just waiting to see if she stops on the portage and where. She has a strong team and can probably do it, but so far begin careful has done her well ..
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Healing thoughts heading your way Allen! This has been an unusual race …keeping our eyes on the tracker b/c yes …anything can happen especially on the coast.
go SPK!!
Allen’s such a tough man that whatever illness he has would probably put most people flat on their backs. This is definitely a race to remember. Take care of yourself, Allen.
It would probably be a first if the Yukon Quest winner ended up with the red lantern on the Iditarod! Sorry Allen, that sounds terrible. We will be sending good vibes your way.
Thanks for letting us know, Moira. I was getting a little worried there. Hope and pray that Allen is soon feeling on top of this and is able to continue if that seems best.
Meanwhile Aliy is doing great!
Love my SPKennel teams and everyone there who keeps all the fans well informed. You’re the best!
Here’s hoping the medicine works and Black Team leader Allen can finish the race in style!!!
WOOF WOOF WOOF for WILLIE
Sending healing thoughts to Allen from the Adirondacks….hope you feel better soon!!!
Thanks for keeping us up to date, Allen is looking good in the pictures….let those meds kick in and hopefully he will be back on the runners in no time!
Willie IS a Rock Star…..good boy! Bet the kids dont mind the extra rest and relaxation!
Yes – thanks, Moira – for letting us know. My god. What a shit sandwich. (Sorry folks – it’s crude but it’s the truth.) Allen – I don’t even think he can read these comments but – ALLEN! IF YOU CAN READ THESE, KNOW THAT WE’RE ALL BEHIND YOU AND CARING ABOUT YOU AND WISHING YOU A SPEEDY RECOVERY FROM A HORRIBLE VIRUS/INFECTION/FLU BUG!!!! Ugh. I hope that Allen can feel better soon. Please, universe and modern medicine, make it so!
Aliy is doing great. WAY TO GO, SPK!!! Out of Kaltag and on her way to Unalakleet. I was bummed that Commando got dropped but I’m sure it’s for a good reason. SPK takes care of their dogs – dogs are their number one priority (unlike other racing kennels – sorry – but true) so we know if Commando was dropped, there was something going on. Aliy, we love you and we are cheering you on. Safe travels. God’s speed. Go, go go! No matter what, SPK is a TOP LONG DISTANCE RACING KENNEL! and we can all be proud to support them.
Allen so glad to here you and the Team are safe in Grayling ,and your Daughters can give good advise and line up medicine for your quick recovery.
You are the Best take your time and enjoy the rest of the race.
you are in our Prayers
Hope you don’t have that crazy flu thing. Thoughts are with you to get plenty of rest!
Sending healing thoughts and prayers for Allen. Glad he was in a checkpoint so he could get antibiotics. Thanks for keeping us up to date Moira.
God bless you,Allen.Do not push it. Take care of yourself and the dogs.Listen to your body and your daughters clinical assessments. Godspeed to health!!
Here’s hoping Allen gets to feeling better. This flu season has been tough and can head south
quickly. Allen is in fantastic shape so hoping you can continue. We all know you will make
the best decision for you and the team. Thanks to SP Crew for keeping us informed.
Take Care!!!!
Take care of yourself, Allen. Us–er–middle aged folks don’t have quite the bounce but we have wisdom and serenity when need-be. The dogs are good and that is critical. Hope you all make it to Nome but scratch if that is needed. Pulling for the Black Team and SPK with prayers and good energies!
Sending positive thoughts that Allen feels better soon. I’m so sorry to hear that he is sick. I hope the antibiotics help.
Hope you feel better soon,..I was sick in carmacs one year. Not much fun. Goog luck to alli ..
Rum’ honey, and strong tea. Won’t cure anything, but you won’t care.
Happy trails,