The 2 weeks prior to Iditarod are nail biters. These are the weeks that you cross your fingers, toes, paws or whatever appendage you have nearby and then you hope that all your dogs maintain their health, fitness and energy.
I’m overly sensitive to the sounds of anyone coughing, or broken toenails or even small pad rubs. I want to just lock everyone up in the living room on a Thermarest dog bed and not let them even run around the yard. But, alas that would help none of us. We are about to run 1,000 miles, none of us better go cold turkey 10 days out.
But I will admit that every training run we go on, I find myself hoping that no one steps in a moose hole, trips over a log in the trail or slips on an icy spot. There will be plenty of hazards on the race so we desperately try to avoid hiccups on our own home training trails.
Earlier this week we had Dr Tamara Rose out at SP Kennel to examine all my race candidates. This was my dogs’ final veterinary exams before the race begins. She commented on a few dog issues – minor ’this and thats’ and we consulted on several dogs in depth – then everyone passed their physical exams and are deemed healthy to race. We now have a pool of 20 dogs to choose our 14-dog team.
All of this Pre Race Vet Exam paperwork (with each dog identified by name, age, gender and microchip number) must be submitted to Iditarod Headquarters along with a verification of deworming certificate.
After this full body Vet exam, the dogs have two more hurdles to jump before they are approved to race the Iditarod. First they must have their blood chemistry analyzed. Two vials of blood are taken from each dog and sent to Providence Hospital in Anchorage. They will do a full blood panel analysis on each dog. The results help can find infections, liver issues, possible ulcer candidates and other health issues.
The last hurdle is that each dog will have to leap is to pass an EKG – Electro Cardiogram Exam. In other words, the Veterinarians will record each dogs’ regular heart beat and then analyze this recording for potential anomalies of the heart.
Only after all of these tests are done and passed, can a dog compete in the Iditarod.
Today, we loaded up the 20 race candidates and drove them into Fairbanks to their Iditarod EKGs and Blood draw appointment. Blood draw day is stressful simply because … it’s blood draw! Who gets happy about needles?
But the Iditarod Veterinary Technicians are so talented and professional that besides that one needle poke, the rest of the experience is delightful. The EKG ‘Cuddle Table’ along with all the pets, hugs and kisses makes the experience positive.
We also bring our yearling class to blood draw day. Thats right, Bill, Wu and Gravy, got their very first ‘Iditarod’ experience today without doing the 1,000 miles. Each youngster rode in the dog truck (they have been going on short rides for the past two weeks but this time they really got to go somewhere), got their blood drawn, hung out in the room with really friendly people, lay on the EKG table… patiently… and then came home several hours later. All Iditarod dogs must be identified with a microchip (many pet worldwide have microchips as well). Bill, Wu and Gravy also got their microchips today.
NOTE: Bill had a minor panic on the EKG table and needed a pee tepee. Don’t know what that is? Use your imagination and think about a baby boy being “uncovered” and having to wee. Yup! Tinkle stream everywhere. Sorry Tabitha.
Stressful indeed!!! Maybe you can bubble wrap them after their last training run! Then there is always the Ceremonial start/Iditarider run….jeez, remember the close encounter with the moose a few years back???!!! They sure all get poked and prodded at the vet visits, it explains why Outie, Chemo and Chena are so “whatever” at the vet! Hopefully Wu will get the hang of it!
Yeah vet checks. Coming down the final stretch. Don’t fret Bill, it happens. When we shear alpacas dang near every 3rd or 4th animal (out of 125) has a pee-nic attack. No shame buddy!
Minor cardboard box cut on my refresh finger. Getting it fixed in plenty of time for go time. Vets say it’ll be fine by race time!
Go SPK Go!
WOOF WOOF WOOF
GO RED TEAM!!! GO ALIY!!!
We are in training to follow along, rally cap at the ready…
And one more WOOF!!!
Good luck! We will be rooting for you, as we always do!
Sweet – seeing Padee cuddle her baby, Chipper. I loved the photo of Wu – so inquisitive – Seeing Wu with Allen made me think he was a big guy. I checked out his glam shot and he does seem to be the biggest of the yearlings.
I have been trolling Insider videos – sigh.
I feel anxious – which is hilarious since I am not the one who will be on the trail – and excited both.
I will be watching the tracker, doing my best to make it come alive in 3-D, trying to visualize what you are seeing as you travel.
I have always, always assumed that you will make it home with all your team. I have to assume that or I can’t watch the race, but also I have such faith in your strength and intelligence. Each year, I see more about how hard the race is and draw deeper into that well of faith.
I will also be watching my son-in-law’s spot tracker starting Sunday as he bikes that trail. Oh my – having watched your videos and those of the Insider, I am especially digging deep this year.
I talk too much some times and this is probably one of them, but I am watching the 2012 Iditarod and that was the first year the team that I will always hold dear really showed what they were made of. If I am remembering correctly, Quito stepped up into lead the year before and this year she, Nacho, and Chica rocked that race all the way to Kaltag.
Geez was it exciting to watch!
You are correct! I happened to save a jpeg of the Black Team from Iditarod 2011 and this was the year ChaCha came out of “retirement” to lead the Black Team!
Amazing what these dogs go thru. It is absolutely what the mushers needs for the care of her
precious team. Love Allen and Wu picture! Poor Bill–things happen! An anxious for the start
and know how difficult it must be to make 14 out of 20 but Aliy you are tuff and will be cheering
you all the way! Go SPK!
Thanks for the countdown update! This final week I find myself “on the edge of my seat” with a mixture of anticipation, worry and anxiety, so I can’t imagine the stress level of Aliy and the rest of the SPK Crew. I find myself preoccupied with my personal hopes- like that Decaf, Chevie and Driver are all healed and fit- that Commando is on top of his game-that YQ300 was only a warm-up for Kodiak and Junior- that Jefe hasn’t lost any of his enthusiasm- that littlest lady in the kennel makes the cut and that SPK has found some innovative way to solve Champ’s cold weather issue. Sending good thoughts and prayers your way this week SPK as you handle final preparations for race day!! 🙏🐾❤️ Best wishes Aliy for a safe and healthy 2020 race!