Karolyn and her team will start the YQ300 wearing bib 63. Don’t be alarmed – there are not 63 teams! The YQ300 bibs start at 51 to distinguish them easily from the YQ1000 teams, so they will leave the chute as number 13 – at 3:36pm AKST (tbc).
Karolyn shared a great story about why number 63 could be a lucky number for her and have some good karma attached. Shortly after she adopted her Shepherd Rey, the Humane Society called her asking if she wanted to or knew anyone that wanted to adopt a sled dog that was wearing a YQ tag with the number 63. Allen helped her figure out, via the YQ, his original owner who had adopted him out. A short while later she received an email from his original owner saying they were working with the Humane Society to get him home again. Karolyn said “So hopefully that’s good luck 😬 plus lucky 13”. We reckon that earns Karolyn heaps of brownie points and good vibes for the trail.
Earlier in the day Karolyn and Aliy took her squad to have their veterinarian checks by the volunteer vet crew. The YQ300 dogs undergo the same extensive vet exam as the YQ1000 dogs to ensure they are fit and healthy to start the race. As with the 1000 milers, they will also have vet checks throughout the race to make sure they remain fit and healthly. Lisa was there to grab some pictures and you might recognise Karolyn’s Dad there also – family have travelled up here to support her in this race.
Lisa also captured part of Junior’s vet check – this is the physical exam, heart and lung check. Junior’s weight, temperature and microchip was also checked. You’ll hear the vet giving Junior a “hefty 5” body score – for a dog that came off a COLD CB300 and into a cold YQ300 that is great body condition. She is definitely “Olivia Junior” in that respect as her mum Olivia was often mistaken for being pregnant during races, such was her ability to hold onto body condition.
Thanks ever so much for this wonderful post – so glad Karolyn’s parents from New Hampshire made it out to see this exciting adventure
No worries, with Junior on her R&B team, everything will be as smooth as can be be!!! Junior is a great leader!!!
WOOF WOOF WOOF
GO R&B TEAM!!! GO #63!!!
I just read through Andrew Pace’s post, “Why Run”, on the YQ Armchair musher site – gorgeous, lyrical prose.
Sweet video Junior’s vet check. I haven’t seen a thorough on site vet check before – very thorough.
Yay! #4 and #63, Allen and Karolyn, your fans are behind you!
Way to go Junior. A hefty 5, LOL 😂. I’m going to start using that term for myself. ! Love it!
It’s very cool to see the vet check on Junior.
Go SP Kennel!
We are very excited for Karolyn….her first big race! Go 63!!!! We will be watching!
Thanks for the video. Sweet Olivia Junior looks is great shape and a true leader. I have guessed the 2 teams dogs and will see how close I come. Go Karolyn! Nice to see your dad there to support you–daddy’s girl!! Mush on Saturday, you can do it!