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Zuma's Paw Prints
Dear Friends, Have you been noticing the race standings? Of the 16 rookies, or first timers on the Iditarod, 14 are running in a row toward the back of the pack today. Even though they are not in the lead, we need to cheer them on! It is an accomplishment to even enter the Iditarod, …
Dear Friends, You may have noticed that we sled dogs do not mind the snow getting onto our fur. We are well adapted for cold conditions because of our two layers of hair. The soft, blanket-like hair that is next to our skin keeps us warm. This is called the undercoat. Our coarser hair that …
Dear Friends, How does your school desk look? Is it stuffed full, or organized with only what you need? Sometimes mushers’ sleds get messy and full of things they just toss into the sled bag. They don’t have much time to organize their sleds during the race when they only stay a few minutes in …
Hello friends, While I’m writing this I know many of my K9 friends are on their 24 hour layover. It’s a little confusing, however, if you just look at the standings. This is because if you notice the check-off column, it says “24 Completed” so the box will be checked when they leave the checkpoint. …
Hello friends, Day two of the Iditarod and already there is a big story that includes a moose. Moose can be dangerous animals on the Iditarod Trail as they are enormous animals that can crush a dog team and the human. This particular moose was blocking the trail for a few other teams who managed …
Hello friends, The training is behind them and the trail is in front as 38 teams left the starting line today in Willow, AK. Dog teams were so excited as they were lead to the banner, all of them barking and leaping to get to the start. The countdown begins 10 . . . 9 …
Hello friends, Educators from across the US are coming in for the 2024 Iditarod Educators Conference. There are teachers everywhere! While they are all special, there is one extra special teacher here from Houston, TX. Meet Kate Newmyer. Each year the Iditarod Education Committee chooses a Teacher on the Trail™ to send out lessons and …
Hello friends, 101.4. I’m not howling about a K9s average temperature (which is 101.0 – 102.5). 101.4 is the number of inches of snow in Anchorage as of January 29. After a few years of minimal snowfall this is great news in the mushing world. The snowfall isn’t the only weather news out of Alaska …
Hello friends, The Iditarod Trail International Sled Dog Race™ is less than 40 days away. In dog days that means it’s coming soon! There are 43 teams signed up this year – men, women, rookies, past champions, local Alaskans, lower 48 states, and other countries are all represented in this year’s field of competitors. Find …
Dear Friends, Some people think that sled dog teams and their drivers, or “mushers,” just pay $4000 and sign up to race in the Iditarod across Alaska. That isn’t true. There is a rule that says: ROOKIES: report card/assessment forms and rookie reference must be included in order to enter the race. What? Mushers need …