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Dog Care Facts
Without adequate dog care, marathon racing such as the Iditarod would not be possible. These athletes receive top quality care before and during the race. The dogs are trained for months before the race season starts. They are conditioned in a variety of terrains to prepare for different challenges. These dogs receive high quality kibble …
Dropped dogs are dogs that are removed from the race for one reason or another. A dog that isn’t feeling well, has an injury, isn’t running well, is in season, or just doesn’t have the attitude to race, are ‘dropped’ at checkpoints along the Iditarod Trail. Veterinarians at each checkpoint are on duty to examine …
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 …
Mushers can leave the starting chute at Willow with as many as sixteen dogs and they must finish with no fewer than 6 dogs in harness. It’s true that some mushers finish with 16 but most drop dogs at check points along the trail. What happens to the dropped dogs? How do they get home …