The team has been off the trail for over 12 hours and in that time they have all consumed huge quantities of calories and fluids, and spend many hours sleeping to aid in the rapid recovery from the race. Every few hours the crew let them out of the truck to stretch their legs, pee and receive soothing massages. Karolyn said she got to spend some fun time with each dog, individually, after their ate this evening and they are all looking great!
Allen has been resting also, restoring his body to peak before Quest kick-off in just 18 days. He will try to quickly get back into a regular rest schedule before it is turned upside down again!
Kelli Kramer, DVM, one of the amazing volunteer vet team for the race sent us this picture of the team leaving Sourdough. Thanks Kelli, both for the photo and also the care and attention you and the whole team showed every canine athlete in the race.
In Allen’s finish line interview with KCAM this morning he told us he had carried “his heaviest dog” for the final 50 miles of the race – and eagle eyes saw just ten dogs cross the line in the finish video. Five was the one who hitched a lift – he is doing just fine now but he got a little dehydrated on the final leg and Allen decided that instead of pushing him he would rather carry him. The vet team gave him a thorough physical exam at the finish line as a precaution. For those watching the tracker that noticed a marked decrease in speed – it is likely that is why. An extra 63 pounds in the sled and one fewer dog on the line will have that effect on a team. Of course, Allen does not regret carrying Five even if it potentially lost him a place or two.
After another good night sleep tonight and through the day tomorrow, the dogs and Allen will likely be getting restless and busting a gut to get back out on the trail. The Finishing Banquet and Prizegiving is tomorrow evening at Ernesto’s Grill in Glennallen then the crew will drive home to Two Rivers, ready to get going again on Wednesday. The dogs will have a few days of shorter, recovery runs before getting back into serious training for their next race.
SPK is always “dog first” and that’s why we love ya! Five appreciates it too I’m sure! 18 days away?! OMG time flies! It will be fun to see this Team again on the Trail….plus the Red Team on the YQ300!
I’m glad everyone is recovering well from the race and I am very excited to watch the Yukon Quest coming up very soon!
Great job Black Team!
WOOF WOOF WOOF
Get well Five – woof woof woof. And one more “woof.”
So happy to hear how things are going with 2 and 4 legged team members!!!
Amazing YQ is coming up so soon!!!
Fantastic picture of the team and Allen! Heard on KCAM that Allen mentioned
carrying a dog but suspected it was either Rodney or Five. Get Well Five!!
Lots of love from the SP Crew will get him Well Soon! Quest is coming fast!
Thanks a bunch for the info!!!
Wow, Kelli Kramer, DVM, what a gorgeous photo of a beautiful team!
That deserves to be made into a poster.
I heard Allen’s interview and wondered who had hitched the ride. I’m thankful everyone is doing great and resting up.
Great teamwork Allen, dogs, handler crew and everyone at ‘home’ that supported getting the team to the race! So much experience represented in the teams in the race so I’m sure it was a good competitive field out there for Black Team to move with. Next, the Quest (300 and 1000). Can’t wait!
Thanks for mentioning what happened to the 11th dog. I remember when five and his litter mates pulled through after scary times and he was the littlest! Funny how the runt sometimes can do that, isn’t it?