Libby Here!

It’s so exciting to spend time at the Iditarod Race Headquarters at the Mllennium in Anchorage because there is a very special area behind the hotel that is set up for very important guests.  These guests are the “Dropped Dogs” of the Iditarod.

“Dropped Dogs” is the name given to the dogs that are left in checkpoints with the veterinarians.  Mushers leave dogs in the checkpoints with veterinarians when it is decided that the dog should not stay in the race.  Most of the time, reasons for leaving a dogs with the veterinarians is due to a very small and minor factor.  Maybe a dog just doesn’t seem to have the running spirit, perhaps it has a slightly sore paw, or a little bit of a cough.  Once the decision is made to leave a dog in a checkpoint with the veterinarian staff, the dog is soon flown back to Anchorage and spends a little time at the Race Headquarters. Dogs are first met at the airport and returned to the Millennium.  The veterinarians perform examinations on the dogs, keep record of the findings, and take good care of the dogs giving them plenty to eat and drink.  Most of the dogs are picked up within a few hours and taken ‘home’ to their family. 

Just spinning some De’tails’!

Libby