Here’s a sweet little follow-up video on YouTube from the researcher who visited SP Kennel in January. The “Little Pup” is Scruggs, the first dog you see when you drive into the Kennel. He takes his job as the Kennel’s “Greeter” quite seriously and goes out of his way to … Read More
I just found this video on YouTube, posted by one of the researchers who visited SP Kennel in January to do physiology research. The description reads: This past January I went to Fairbanks, Alaska to do a research study on sled dogs. Their ability to cover long distances with minimal … Read More
In reviewing my recent posts, I realized that I’ve given you bits and pieces about the selection of dogs for SP Kennel’s Iditarod teams. It’s a complex process, so I though I’d give you a fuller explanation all in one place. Iditarod rules require that every dog who will run … Read More
Good morning! Aliy blew through McGrath at 3:57 this morning, spending only one minute to check in with race officials before pulling her hook and heading on down the trail to Takotna. I hope her dad was standing right there to give her a kiss and send her on her … Read More
Aliy is on her way out of Nikolai with 15 dogs and Allen is on his way in with the same number. I can’t tell you the teams’ strategy, but I can tell you that tomorrow will be a big day for decisions! We got a call from Aliy’s dad … Read More
I caught this shot as I was leaving the Iditarod Start… I’m making it part of the Iditarod 2009 coverage by giving it the title “Future Racers?” The truth is that I don’t think there’s anything cuter than Husky puppies and I just wanted to share this photo with you!
Amy Wheaton — one of our fantastic “dog care” support people in Anchorage — just called to say that she had picked up Allen’s dropped dog. Sorry to say, it’s Heeler! Heeler’s wrist has been acting up a bit lately, getting a little swollen during some training runs. Every time, … Read More
Aliy just called in from Nikolai and reported as follows: She and the team are all doing well, resting comfortably for a few hours. Her main leaders right now are ChaCha and Stormy, with JJ and Rose looking solid in “reserve” for lead. The “big boys” — Biscuit and Tatfish … Read More
As you can see, Aliy has just pulled into Nikolai! At this early stage of the race, the mushers’ “positions” are really not a very useful basis for evaluation. You can’t tell how much total rest they’ve taken, where they are compared to their strategies, etc. What is a more … Read More
Okay! Here’s my footage of pre-race activities for the “Official” Start in Willow on Sunday. While it shows some of the same pre-race action we’ve been showing you all season, it also shows some things that are unique to the Iditarod. Take a look! With this video, you are now … Read More
