Lydia’s Travel Fund

Hi there! Guess what? I’m going on an adventure!

Moira has invited me to come live with her in New Zealand.

She has been a big fan of mine ever since we met when I was eight weeks old. Moira took me on my first race as a yearling in the Two Rivers Solstice 50 and has been there for most of my other races including the Iditarod, Yukon Quest 300s and Copper Basins.

We’ve hung out lots over the years, most recently I led her team up to the North Slope and navigated through glare ice, overflow and tundra. She was really impressed.

Since my “Official Retirement” is a kennel decision, SPK has opened this ‘Lydia Travel Fund’ page. Many dog fans and enthusiastic SP kennel supporters have enjoyed being part of my entire life – from Puppyhood to Rock Star racer – so why not continue to support me on the next step in my adventurous life?

Aliy and Allen have agreed to help me with the entire rigamarole of my emigration. It is rather exhaustive. What exactly will it take for me to get to NZ? The paperwork, vet checks, more vet checks, correct travel crate, even a Pet Carrier Company. There are a lot of health tests and vaccinations for me. NZ has very strict biosecurity rules and even through I know I’m fit and healthy, now we have to prove it. North Pole Vet is going to also help me with that. It will take at least three months to step through the process, including 10 days quarantine once I arrive in New Zealand.

I am sure that some of you would like to be part of my journey and help me get there. And since I hear it is quite an expensive process, I’ve had my people design some travel themed gear and have set this page where you can donate to my Travel Fund.

For different donation levels you will receive either an exclusive specially designed luggage tag, so I can travel with you day to day, or a travel mug for your favourite hot or cold beverage on the go.

For the maximum donation  Moira will post you a special Maori bone carving pendant from New Zealand. The design is the koru and it denotes “new beginnings” which is really appropriate as this is my new beginning. (It will be similar to this pic but each one is slightly different so this is indicative only.)

Over the next few months – May, June, July and August – I will update you on the details of my move and what steps I have left to go. Of course, I will let you know when I have arrived safely at Moira’s house. I know she is pretty stressed about this whole endeveour… but I think it will be a breeze! 

Thanks for your help. Whether you donate at the $50 “Thank You” $75 “Luggage Level”, $150 “To-Go Mug Level” or the $500 “New Beginnings Level”, please know that any amount means so much to me! I can’t wait to visit the famous New Zealand beaches, run around the tropical fern and palm covered parks and lay on Moira’s couch (and maybe even her bed). That’s what retirement is all about. My secret dream is to meet the NZ national rugby team… the All Blacks! Maybe someday. 

Don’t forget to go to the Travel Fund page and help me get to my new home!