Iditarod is family coming home. 

 I watched from the windows of the Iditarod 50th Race Gala as a family was dog mushing in a park in Anchorage.  I realized that they most likely are mushing with their dogs because of the Iditarod Race.  If Joe Redington Sr’s vision to preserve the sled dog by holding a 1,000 mile race in 1973 did not happen, (along with preserving the Iditarod Trail) that family might not be having fun with their sled dogs tonight. 

Now that 50 years has past, when people hear the word Iditarod they think grit and determination, adventure athletes, dog whisperers and spiritual transformation.  And that is why the Iditarod community comes together to celebrate the 50th Iditarod Sled Dog Race.   

Dog care, human efforts and pride of the arctic peoples way of life has created a tremendously strong community of mushers, volunteers, supporters and most importantly, healthy and happy world class dog athletes.  That is what makes the Iditarod community inspiring and strong. 

The late Susan Butcher was honored at the gala as a key person who positively influenced the sport of dog mushing and the health and care of dogs to this day.  Susan Butcher’s daughter, Tekla Monson, honored her mother and radiated joy as she shared she is joining the dog mushing community as she is working on her qualifying races so she too, can race in the Iditarod. 

Iditarod.  It’s about being outside…… the dogs……and coming home.  

Teachers:  Develop the Iditarod spirit of honoring others by checking out these writing prompt ideas. 

• Have students write a letter or postcard thanking a person who has made a positive impact on their life.
• Put a piece of paper on each students desk and have students go around the room writing how that person has positively influenced them.