What a great event! The Anchorage Heart Walk was today in downtown Anchorage. Literally thousands of people and hundreds of dogs did the 5 kilometer Walk in the name of Heart Health Awareness. Some people walked as heart attack/ stroke survivors, some walked in memory of family members with heart ailments, some people walked to support a team, company or individual who is passionate about the American Heart Association.
Allen, Aliy, Quito, Scruggs, Chica, Malibu and Scout walked for many of the reasons above. A SHOUT OUT to Matson for being a principal corporate supporter of the event. And a huge thumbs up to our very good friend, Kenny Gill, for making it his mission to inspire Heart Health in Alaska and energizing the Matson Relentless Force Team. As a survivor, Kenny personally raised over $24,000 for his inspirational Heart Walk after 25 months ago checking into Queens Medical Center on the verge of a massive stroke. WAY TO GO Kenny!
What we enjoy more than anything is getting out into the Alaskan community. Thank you Alaska for being so supportive of Aliy, Allen and the SPK sled dogs! Our five dog team of huskys – Quito, Chica, Scruggs, Scout and Malibu – pulled a real dog sled (on wheels) with either Aliy or Allen riding and the other leading the route. The team walked in and around hundreds of people and dogs and enjoyed every moment. Thank you all for the greetings, the cheers and support of our mushing endeavors and the many “offers” for dog loans for next’s years Iditarod and Yukon Quest. We will take all of these offers and suggestions into account: Yes… every corgi, pitbull, retriever, golden doodle , mastiff, cocker spaniel and chihuahua. We love all of your dogs and you never know who might be helping the SPK next year!
Of course a huge thanks to the dogs on the SPK Matson team today. Like always… they did all the work. All five of these dogs are retired from racing. Scout and Quito live at SPK in Two Rivers. The other three live in homes in Anchorage. Chica lives with Leslie and Don, Scruggs keeps a close eye on his Mom, Barb and buddy, Molly and Malibu takes very good care of Mary-Beth and a couple cats. Linda and Midnight were the SPK Crewing Crew. Thanks to all.
What a day!
Even off the trail, Quito has her ears pricked up so as not to miss a thing. Looks like a great day and a great cause.
Wow, Quito, Scruggs, Chica, Malibu and Scout must have been so excited to get out and participate in the walk.
Thank you Aliy, Allen and Matson!
What a wonderful post!!!
Thank you so much for being the really, really best folks on the planet and sharing positive vibes!!!
For what it is worth, your dogs are so smart and so well trained, OF COURSE they understood what it said on the sign “Heart WALK” – even though they might have wondered about the sled on roller skates!!!
Loved this, thanks again so very much and looking forward to supporting the SPK Teams and racers again!!!
Thanks Aliy, Allen & SPK for always supporting outstanding causes & the sport of DOD mushing. Thanks for keeping us fans included.
So nice to see even the retired dogs–Thanks owners! Quito & Scout are in their forever home even
tho it is SPK! Thanks to MATSON for support in so many ways! Great job Allen & Aliy!
I love your choice of canine teammates for this event! Queen Quito is forever the elegant professional! A shout out to my new friend, Scout! It looks like the group of 5 as well as their humans had a great time walking for a great cause. Way to go SPK!!
What a good-looking SPK Team! And to be led by Lead Dog Emeritus Quito! Classy!!
What a good-looking SPK Team led by Lead Dog Emeritus Quito! Classy!!