Faces of The Last Great Race on Earth

by Amy Strine

What is your passion in life? Have you asked yourself that question lately? Dr. Al Townshend of Eagle Pack Pet Foods, Inc. did several years ago. His answer may have even surprised himself.

Dr. Townshend had a private veterinary practice for 33 years in Maryland. In the late eighties he happened to catch a clip from the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Martin Buser had just come in to a checkpoint after having lost a dog due to an unforeseen hazard on a treacherous trail. Dr. Townshend was so moved by Buser’s commitment to his dog and team that he couldn’t help but get involved in the “Last Great Race”.

Martin’s actions inspired him to become a volunteer veterinarian, and four years ago he sold his practice to become a full-time staff veterinarian for Eagle Pack Pet Foods, Inc.-one of Martin’s sponsors. As staff veterinarian, Dr. Townshend oversees changes made to the food based on independent research, develops protocols for adding ingredients, answers sales representatives’ questions, and presents at numerous veterinary schools throughout the year.

Dr. Townshend is adamant about the vet’s role on the Trail. “The welfare of the team is our primary concern,” he stated. There are six to eight vets per checkpoint between Anchorage and McGrath. “Vets are on 24/7 until the race spreads out.” This is due to the large numbers of teams arriving within a short period of time of one another. “As the field spreads out, so do the vets. There are at least four vets per team beyond McGrath.”

Prior to the race, veterinarians are responsible for conducting a number of tests on the canine athletes. They perform over 40 different analyses of the blood, run EKG’s, and make sure dogs are dewormed for specific parasites. The canine athletes are also micro chipped at this time. All information must be submitted the Wednesday prior to the race, as dogs receive final “vet checks” at Iditarod Headquarters in Wasilla. At the final checks, canine athletes are examined thoroughly once more. The veterinarians have one goal; advocating good health for all canine athletes.

The goal of checkpoint veterinarians is to “examine all dogs”. Vets watch for limping, collapse, respiratory distress, and a slack in the gangline (line used to attach dogs to the sled). Mushers are required to show a “Vet Book” at each checkpoint. New rules for the 2008 race include both the musher and the vet signing the “Vet Book”. Keeping the dogs healthy before, during, and after the race is an important goal to strive to meet. To read the race rules, click here.

All dogs dropped from the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race are eventually returned to Anchorage. (Dropped means– the dog remains at a checkpoint with the veterinarians.) There are at least two veterinarians scheduled at all times in the “dropped dog lot”. Dogs are dropped under a TAG system. “White” tagged dogs are responsive to treatment. They may be tired or have completed a specific purpose on the Trail. “Blue” dogs may be dehydrated, not eating, or have a slight sprain. “Red” dogs require immediate emergency attention. If a canine athlete is tagged “Red”, a bush plane is pulled from other duties to get the dog to Anchorage and then on to emergency care.

As staff veterinarian for Eagle Pack Pet Food, Inc., Dr. Townshend is also responsible for determining whom the company will sponsor. He bases his decisions on presence, ability to generate interest, and respect for canine athletes. Some of the mushers that Eagle Pack has sponosred are Martin Buser, Hans Gatt, Dee Dee Jonrowe, and Aily Zirkle. There is little doubt in long distance racing circles that Eagle Pack and Dr. Townshend have made good choices.

All Trail veterinarians are there voluntarily. They decide to commit to the “Last Great Race” because of the passion they feel for both the canine athletes and their mushers. Where will your passion take you this year?