I have Ginger with me here in Anchorage. Allen left her in Finger Lake due to a sore shoulder. She tweaked it in the deep snow and in order to keep it from turning into a major injury, Allen left her with the vet crew there.

She is just fine and it is nothing that a bit of massage and time won’t fix.

As soon as we saw that Allen had left a dog I phoned up the Dropped Dog Coordinator to let them know I was coming down. We got to the Iditarod HQ at the Lakeside Hotel to find her being cuddled by Dropped Dog Volunteer Joan, who has been volunteering for ten years, having arrived a little earlier via small airplane.

As we waited, the veterniarian thoroughly examined all the dogs that had arrived then the volunteers put out some straw and blankets for the dogs. Once a dog is released the straw is raked up and disposed of and fresh straw used for the next dog.

The dogs cannot be released until they have been fed – the vet needs to see the dog is eating. Ginger was served with her kibble in warm water while laying in her bed. She ate every last scrap of it so once all the official paperwork had been completed they released her into my care.

Thanks to Tracey and her team for caring for our returned dogs.

We are now at Barbara’s house with Scruggs and Molly. Ginger is laying on the couch with me, asleep, as I write this post! She will be just fine, thanks for your concern.

12 Responses

  • Thanks for the wonderful update. I was so hoping that little girl would make it all the way to Nome but I suspect she isn’t minding all the TLC she is getting!!

  • Wow, a warm dinner in bed! Ginger you are a lucky girl…except for the sore shoulder. Rest-up and enjoy the pampering!

    I love hearing tidbits of information like the Vets wanting to see a dropped dog eat before they release it. It makes sense, but something I wouldn’t think about otherwise. Very cool. Go SPK!

  • Awww good girl Ginger! I worked with Joan 2 years ago on the dog lot. She is so awesome and knows how to love on and care for the dogs.
    Go teams go!

  • I’m glad Ginger is well. I’m sure she doesn’t mind the extra love! 💕 Good dog, Ginger.

  • Good Girl Ginger!!! Enjoy the extra TLC!

    Joan has a GREAT and important job….thank you for taking care of her and making her feel safe!

    Great post….sounds like returning dogs is a very organized operation….nice to know the Vets check them all over again and they get a good meal in them before being released to go home! Well done all the way around.

    Chemo says Hi Uncle Scruggs!

  • Sad for my “baby” to be hurt even if not bad. Now she has to miss the big run that her brothers will make and razz her about! It’s okay, Little Girl, I am still your fan and know you will get well and make other big runs! Virtual pats and treats. Such a sweet face; she is eating up the extra loving. I had a few good moments with some dropped dogs last year and know they get super awesome care. Thanks SPK for always taking care of your partners.

  • Thanks to Joan for her loving care till Moira picked her up. Ginger looks so comfortable!
    The ITC really cares for the dogs and their return. Get Well Ginger!

  • Moira,
    I like your new look.
    Thanks for keeping us all informed and for taking such wonderful photos.
    Enjoy your stay in anchorage.

  • Thank you Moira. You know we love all of the SPK pups and like knowing they are cared for every step of the way. Get better soon, Ginger.

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