This evening we were able to pick up Felix, Barista and Sanka. They are with us here at Barbara’s house, have had a good meal and are bedded down in their home away from home in the back yard. We will be driving back to the kennel tomorrow and they will enjoy being at their own houses after such an adventure: riding in planes, meeting lots of new people and staying with Scruggs and Molly.
Barista had already had a big day so when we got there she was fast asleep. She had run as far as Takotna before she got tired and wasn’t having fun any more. We’re really proud of her. I sat with her a while as I waited for her paperwork and she fell asleep in my lap. She is pleased to be back with her team mates.
Felix had a sore shoulder when Aliy left him in Nikolai. After a couple days rest out at the checkpoint is almost back to himself. When we arrived at HQ he was snuggled up in a stars and stripes blanket with a new canine friend from another team. Immediately he jumped up and wanted a butt scratch!
Sanka was left with the vet team in Rohn. She had a sore tricep but, like Felix, with a few days rest out at the checkpoint she seems to be just fine now. She was very happy to see us as we arrived to HQ.
Ginger, in the meantime, has claimed Barbara’s house, all her furniture and the toys as her own.
We have also had word that Aliy has left Cayenne at Iditarod checkpoint due to a sore wrist. It may take a couple of days to get Cayenne back to Anchorage as Iditarod is a remote “ghost town” checkpoint so she will likely need to be flown to a hub checkpoint. We’ll keep you informed as we know more.
Thanks for the update on the returned dogs. You KNOW how us SPK Fans worry….its just cuz we care so much for these awesome and lovable atheletes!
Barbara has provided for an awesome “home away from home” place for the SPK dogs! Im sure Scruggs and Molly liked the company too! Ginger….how cute are you!
Bummer about Cayenne….but half way aint bad for a Rookie! She has quite the career ahead of her…just part of the learning curve.
The soft trail is doing a number on wrists, shoulders and triceps. Great job Sanka! So proud of you! You are learning lots right now. Enjoy the ride home with your kennel buddies and I know you will be happy to get back to your own space at home. Ginger is too funny! Felix & Barista you are awesome too…and Cayenne!
So glad all the crew is back with their buds. That will also aid in their healing. Good doggies, great showing.
And Ginger has had entirely too much lazing around! She may not want to leave the house!!!
LOVE LOVE LOVE…all the posts about the dogs and the pictures. While I’m an “iditarod insider”. …I also love to be a Barbara’s house insider too!!
Barista, I am so proud of you! Congrats on going farther than you ever did before! I hope you really enjoyed yourself. Well done, all of you athletes!
Thanks for the update. It is always a relief when the pups are back where they belong. What an adventure these young dogs have had. It seems Ginger doesn’t mind being a house dog lol…too cute!! I am sure Felix, Sanka and Barista are happy to be reunited and back with you, although smart Felix seems to have been formulating a “Plan B” just in case!! Thanks, Barbara, for giving these hard working athletes such wonderful accommodations. Safe travels!
I looked through the past couple posts and didn’t see any mention of why Barista was dropped. Could you fill us in? Thanks!
Never mind. I must have totally skimmed over the part about her being tired and not having fun anymore.
Andy, I edited it after I read your comment. I realised I had left it out so thanks for asking!
Thank you to all who take such awesome care of our SPK family members.
I love your wears Felix.
🙂
Prayers for Cayenne’s safety.
Thanks for the info Moira and keeping us posted on things. Am an Insider but like the kennel
updates and tips. A big Thanks to Barbara for you hospitality and care for the dogs! Give
Scruggs a hug from me! Go Red & Black!
Thanks for the update on the dropped dogs. I’m glad all dogs are doing well and are safe. The picture of Ginger is adorable!
What a simply marvelous description of the adventures of the dropped dogs!!! Thanks so very very much!!!
Tough conditions this year, or should I say “non-racetrack conditions.” Just think how creative these dogs have to be – the comparison to conditions on the recently completed YQ (straight up and down mountains and 60 degrees below) is staggering!
Will this Iditarod be a race of attrition – and luck?
FWIW – The scoop on Barista I picked out of the post above: “She had run as far as Takotna before she got tired and wasn’t having fun any more.” SP Kennel policy: DOGS FIRST
Thank you, Moira, and especially thank you for the photos of the dogs with their houses and your fond discussion of Ginger’s adaptation to house life!