Luan Ramos Marques, 22, was born and raised in Macae’ –Rio de Janeiro, BRAZIL. He is a dog trainer and owner of Eu Curto Cuida Pet Shop in his hometown. The do primarily obedience training. “When the opportunity arose to train and qualify for the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, I jumped at it. I am grateful for an exclusive sponsorship from Matt Comotto, who has graciously made it possible for me to race the Iditarod. Last season, I qualified by successfully completing the Knik 200, the Northern Lights 300 and the Yukon Quest 300. I raced the Copper Basin 300 until they canceled it due to extreme weather and no trail. I am back to race the Iditarod with dogs from Vern Halter and Dream a Dream Dog Farm. Art Church, Jr. took many of these same dogs to Nome in 2012, so they have recent Iditarod experience. This winter I intend to run many more miles and do more racing in preparation for the Iditarod. My goal and dram is to finish the Iditarod with a great looking team! In the future I want to go to Veterinary School and start a farm where I can build a kennel and breed dogs.” Luan lists his hobbies as his pet shop, hiking and horseback riding.