Wednesday was Vet Check day at the Iditarod Headquarters in Wasilla.
Every dog that runs in the Iditarod must pass extensive medical examinations. Blood work and ECG recordings are included in the exam process. All dogs have microchip implants for identification. During the race, vets are along the trail at checkpoints to examine the dogs. Keeping dogs healthy before, during, and after the race is priority. The dogs appeared to take it all in stride.
(click photos to enlarge)
Hanging with Hugh...
I met Dick Mackey and his wife!
Joe Redington, Sr. Statue
Iditarod Headquarters
Wasilla
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After the vet check, we headed to G.B. Jones Iditarod Trail Kennels.
G.B. told us everything we needed to know about mushing in one sentence:
NEVER LET GO OF THE SLED!
Then he showed us how to stand on the runners, slow down using the drag, and, most importantly, how to brake!
I am proud to say, I didn't fall off!
What a ride!
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Happy Trails,
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30 comments:
*SIGH!*
Alaska!
Snow!!
Sleds!!!
Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra & Khousin Merdie
You sure are lookin like you fit right in up there!
Wow Ms. K. I am so happy to be sharing this experience vicariously through you. You must be having an amazing time. It's good to know there are vets along the way to make sure the dogs stay healthy and safe. It puts my mind at ease.
Hugs,
Shannon and the Gang
How wonderful, and such an experience it must have been great for you. It does look very cold.
I'm with Khyra...*sigh. You are in my heaven! I should be there pulling sleds and hanging out in the snow. Except I don't know if I would have taken the Vet visit in stride.
Suka
Woo hoo!!! Fun! Be safe, and soak up every glorious moment! SH
i have several Vet friends who volunteer for events up in northern wisconsin and minnesota...i will likely join them next year..
can't wait to hear about all the adventures! stay warm and safe!
xoxo
Hi Ms. K I feel like I'm right there with you with the wind blowing in my hair. Great pictures and information.
Mush on,
Madi and Mom
Every morning I look forward to living vicariously through you. Thanks so much for sharing.
I can see a real musher in the making! Now if only Zack, Buddy, and Sassy will pull a sled.
Liz
What a great experience plus it looks like you are having a blast!
Smileys!
Dory
Wow that looks really really fun! I don't think I'd be able to pull one of those... but all of you look like you're having a wonderful time in the white fluffy stuff.
Continue not falling off!
Sonic
You forgot to pick me up!!!! i'm glad you are having fun. I wish I was there with you. Fairbanks got up to 35 yesterday. Enjoy and post lots of pictures for us folks who couldn't go.
A couple of facts I found most interesting in the article I mentioned yesterday - the dogs are not that big and average 40-45 lbs. AND they consume 10,000 calories a day!!! To those who think racing these dogs is cruel... the VET said the dogs are bred to RUN and EAT... he sees no problem with the race.
I'm glad you're there. I feel like I have a front row seat (or at least a 1st person account!)
Snow and fun!! I love the pictures of the dogs. One of them looks like he or she is smiling really big!! I know you are having a great time and thanks for sharing it with us! Love, Debbie and Hollydog
We used to live in Wasilla, near Big Lake. I groomed dogs there for a shop called "The Soapy Dog." They have self serve dog wash facilities there too. If you're in need of their services, and they're still in business, stop in and tell Tony I say "hello."
Woooooof! You did it? Wow, we're all jealous here. Never let go, huh? Good advice.
Twink!
How cool! Beautiful pictures! :)
Mochi
Wasilla??? Sarah Palin there watchin' I wonder??? Glad you are having a grrreat time.
Wonderful photos and great comments. Your blog is excellent my old friend!
CRS - Houston
You got to ride? I'm so jealous.
Of course, it's not so easy to hang onto the sled when you're thrown off going over a frozen river! :)
How very cool that you took over the controls - whoopee, that must have been fun and very exciting! Have been checking the weather up there and see that it's about like Tahoe! Amazing! Look forward to your next installment!
Hugs xo
Sammie and Mom
Kit, Is that YOU in the red coat??? I assume it is... You are so lucky to get to learn how to be a 'musher'.... WOW--I'm impressed.
Hugs,
Betsy
Oh how wonderful - we hope you have video of that ride:)
Woos, Phantom, Thunder, and Ciara
This is really exciting! We have watched the Iditarod on the Internet in the past. You are so lucky to be there!
love & wags,
River
Can I just say how jealous I am?! Of where you are and being w/ those dogs and being able to ride the sled!! Sigh.....
WOW, Have fun!
xxoo
Deborah
What a ride and what a trip!
We watched a programme on Iditarod on TV once and were totally amazed and impressed by the participants (dogs and humans alike)!!
Have fun (and hang on tight)!
Have fun in Alaska! My mom's friend (my former vet) is a vet for the Iditarod! She's going to be stationed at a check point in the wilderness. Brrrr... My little chihuahua body is shaking just thinking about it!
Pedro
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