Martin Buser on Front Street at the end of his 39th Iditarod. Photo credit: Jim Deprez

Meeting Iditarod legend Martin Buser. Photo Credit: J. Westrich

Today the IditarodEDU Teacher’s Conference had the great fortune to visit Iditarod legend Martin Buser’s Happy Trails Kennel. Buser, who completed the Iditarod 39 times, and won 4, talked about racing and raising sled dogs. This is the first year that Buser is not racing the Iditarod since 1986, and a new phase in his career. This pre-race week must bring up a lot of feelings for this legendary Iditarod veteran. When asked about his thoughts around this year’s race Buser replied,” I provide everything that my dogs need. Thirty-nine years ago I couldn’t…I was still learning, you know. You’re just kind of green and you’re still learning an awful lot.”  He spoke about the arc of his mushing ability – evolving as you gain experience; being a mentor, artistic musher, and reaching intuitive instructor. He concluded with, “And then all of a sudden you don’t do it anymore. My accumulation of physical ailments, of course, are very thankful I no longer run the Iditarod. I say I’m retired from racing, not retired from life. I got lots to do.”

Mike might be driving a bus instead of a sled, but he loves his retired sled dogs! Photo Credit: J. Westrich

So if a retired musher has plenty more to do, what do the sled dogs that are too old to race do? Buser’s dogs go to loving homes to enjoy their retirement years with people committed to their care. It turns out the bus driver for our trip to Happy Trails, Mike McVee, has adopted three of Busers dogs. The first one welcomed into their home was Orion and in the years since Mike and his wife have welcomed Fava and Garbanzo, too. Buser isn’t cavalier about who gets a dog, but he did say he requires they provide “a tv, a comfy couch, and air-conditioning.” I’m pretty sure he was completely serious! 

Buser admitted it is difficult to let the dogs go to a new home, and sometimes it is struggle to let go. He currently has one senior dog, Roll, at Happy Trails. This lovely, sweet, and cuddly 12 year old dog is enjoying his own space, and gets just as excited as all the other dogs in the yard when a sled pulls in.  

Roll, retired sled dog, takes a stroll around the dog yard at Happy Trails Kennel. Photo Credit: J. Westrich

Roll, watching for the dog team to return from a run, and hoping for a pet and snuggle. Photo Credit: J. Westrich

The race may be over for Buser, but the enthusiasm for the sport hasn’t diminished.  His next chapter includes expanding his bed & breakfast, running dog sled tours, and enjoying a new role as grandpa. When the race ends, it is just a new chapter for musher and sled dog, both still have a lot left to do.

Library Learning: It has truly been an honor and a gift to be the 2023 Iditarod Teacher on the Trail. I have learned so much, met so many amazing people, and definitely pushed outside my comfort zone. I am the 24th Teacher on the Trail…who will be the 25th?

QUESTION: Right now three amazing educators are here in Alaska at the Educators Conference as Finalists for the 2024 Teacher on the Trail.  Which states do they hail from?  Read about what their students have to say in Why Should Your Teacher Win? by Gypsy, a member of the K9 Journalist Team.

ANSWER for March 1: This year the Trail Mail design was created by Tom B, age 10, from California.

Trail Mail envelope design by Tom B. Photo Credit: Iditarod