The Iditarod Sled Dog Race is run primarily by volunteers. I'm volunteering as a dog handler at the restart this year. Handlers help bring the dog teams up to the starting line at the ceremonial start in Anchorage on Saturday and the restart in Willow on Sunday.
I received my handler certification training Friday morning.
Two of the most important things to know:
1. Don't step on the dogs' feet!
2. If you fall down, release the line and roll out of the way.
When the dogs hear the harness, they go crazy.
Once they're hooked to the line, they go crazier.
Since they aren't able to go forward until the musher releases the brake and gives the command, they jump straight up in the air.
I stayed on my feet during training and hope all goes well at the restart. I consider it a privilege to be able to spend time with these wonderful canine athletes.
Happy Trails,
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23 comments:
Well done!
Those dogs look sooo unhappy - I mean, they have NO interest in the fun they are about to have!
Please have fun fur me!
BTW, this Sunday will be Sassy's sponsored transport ride - it is a furry special one since it starts in GA and is fur two special khanines who khrossed in the past week or so -
I hope Sassy and Tucker will be proud of Mom fur this choice!
Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra & Khousin Merdie
Looking forward to hearing the rest of your adventures!!!!
Koda
So fascinating! While we're here enjoying the beach you're up there with the snow dogs. I will be sure to tune in each day to see how it's going. Enjoy every minute of it and thanks for sharing!
wow! you look like a pro!! so cool, loved the mishap video! way to go!!
ina said the weather is a bit warm.....
have fun!!!
xoxo
You look like a pro! I hope you will stay on your feet when it is real! Those dogs are strong and with 12 of them, they could take you down in a heartbeat! The dogs do look excited...I can't even imagine the adrenaline. Had no idea they could get tangled up. Take care and enjoy!!! SH
Oh My Word....after reading and watching this post I'm nearly as excited as the dogs!!!! Ms. K remember you are instructed to have enough fun for V, K, K, C and HiC!!! AND thus far you have accomplished those instructions.
Hugs Madi and Mom
Corretion to my post....
you are one of the K's in the list...duh you are having fun...
I meant for it to say you are instructed to have enough fun for
K, B, V, C and HiC my brain is still waking up.
Madi and Mom
We are really enjoying the whole experience through you! Thanks for sharing :)
Kisses,
Emma Rose
So very cool and exciting. Those dogs are so strong and love their "job."
Whew! And I thought herding cats was hard! Or teaching 3 yr olds how to line up at the water fountain, or climbing up an icy slope in flip-flops! What a funny video. I bet you're having so much fun, glad you are able to do this! Will look for you on the camera at the ceremonial start today!
Liz
OH MY! The excitment! Those dogs were just dancing! Loved it!
Holy moly! Talk about cracker dogs!!! Fun video:)
Oh we wish we could be there!!!!!
Woo Woooo
Shiloh, Shelby, and their Mom!
http://GonetotheSnowdogs.blogspot.com
How exciting!! I love the videos!! I bet you are having a great time and so much fun....I think it's wonderful!! Love, Debbie and Holly
Hi there Kit
Thank you so, so much for posting these videos. Miss R and I have watched them over and over and we are GOING to see this LIVE one day!!! Congrats with the certification and we are hoping that you really ENJOY the experience. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the dogs! Good luck to them all...and the special Mushers!
With love from
YOUR FRIENDS IN SUNNY SOUTH AFRICA
Oh Kit, I am so envious... You must be having the time of your life. I just cannot imagine getting to do what you are doing. How special!!!!
Thanks for sharing this with us..
Hugs,
Betsy
I'm loving this trip and all the tips and random information you feed us. A handler! So cool!!! I loved the video. It was mostly tangles, but I loved the dog on the left that is so eager to go and is leaping up and down (caught a flash of it in the end too).
Thank you
Twinkie and family (we're all participating)
Amazing and wonderful how you are involved in this race! Can't wait to hear more about the great adventure!
Hugs xo
Sammie
You are so cool!! How exciting to be a part of that :) We are so impressed and it makes me wish I could go there...
Oh my goodness K! How exciting!! I'm keeping my fingers and toes crossed that you don't fall.
That second video really showed how excited these dogs are. How thrilling. Thanks again for sharing all this with us.
Love,
Shannon and the Gang
Bonnie Drake Aloia
While reading your comments about not stepping on the dogs or falling brought back a laugh for me. My X husband and I were both dog mushers in Alaska for several years. We were dog handlers for each other. He was racing in the North American Championship. I had on a pair of hard sole muklucks that on ice it is almost impossible to walk in much less run in. I had slipped down a couple of times and he told me that I had better not step or fall on the dogs. WELL, we took off for the starting line he had 16 dogs hooked up to his line. I was about midway of the team when I slipped down. I didn't fall on the dogs, but the remainder of the team ran over me and so did his sled. I wasn't hurt, but he said that I was lucky he didn't put the break down as he went over me. LOL
I still whole the ten mile track record in Fairbanks, Alaska
Bonnie Drake Aloia
While reading your comments about not stepping on the dogs or falling brought back a laugh for me. My X husband and I were both dog mushers in Alaska for several years. We were dog handlers for each other. He was racing in the North American Championship. I had on a pair of hard sole muklucks that on ice it is almost impossible to walk in much less run in. I had slipped down a couple of times and he told me that I had better not step or fall on the dogs. WELL, we took off for the starting line he had 16 dogs hooked up to his line. I was about midway of the team when I slipped down. I didn't fall on the dogs, but the remainder of the team ran over me and so did his sled. I wasn't hurt, but he said that I was lucky he didn't put the break down as he went over me. LOL
I still whole the ten mile track record in Fairbanks, Alaska
Go Girl!!! What great footage. We are so thankful for all the great footage and info you are passing along!
Smileys!
Dory and the Mama
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