Hello Zuma,

We are Cannelton Elementary Media Club and we have a few questions for you.

1. Have you ever been in an Iditarod Race and if so what years were you in?

Hello Boys and Girls,

Thanks for writing to me.  I’ll try and answer your questions.

I have not raced in any races.  I am not a racer, I am a journalist.  I love to explore and visit with humans and K9’s.

***and, what was it like to be in the Iditarod?

Since I haven’t been in the race, I can only tell you that my fur friends tell me it is very important to keep a focus when you race in Iditarod.  You have to pay attention to your job and do your best.  You have to pay attention so you stay safe on the trail and don’t get injured. It is fun to race, of course, because the team dogs love to run, run, run!

2. Who was your musher if you did the Iditarod?

I don’t have a musher but I cheer on all of the mushers and teams!

3. Did you compete in any other race besides the Iditarod?

I haven’t competed in any races.  I enjoy watching others race, though!

4. What information do you want to give to the other mushers?

I want mushers to know that the dogs love to run and spend time with their mushers.

5. What is it like being a reporter?

Being a reporter is a lot of work because you have to think about what stories people want to read.  You have to research topics.  You have to pay attention and be a good observer.  You have to know how to share your information with an audience.

6. What is your favorite news report that you have done so far?

I have many favorites, but my most favorite is any time I get to talk with humans and k9’s when I work on a story.

7.What other hobbies besides being a reporter do you have?

I have many hobbies.  I like to hike, fish, swim a few dog paddles, take naps, and I’m thinking about getting into some painting called, ‘swishing’, it is done with one’s tail.  OH, I also like to write in my journal and chat with my friends.  I am also learning to chat on Facebook, but I don’t have much time to be on line!

8.  We are making a website about the Iditarod for our Media Festival, and we would like to feature you. Can we use the photograph of you on the Iditarod website?

You can use my photographs!  Thanks!  (There are some on Facebook, too!)

Thanks again for writing to me.  I’m glad you did.  I hope you have a wonderful Media Festival.  Send me pictures of it and I’ll post it on the website!

Have a great rest of the school year and keep reading Zuma’s Paw Prints!

Lots of Tail Wags,

Zuma