My name is Sanka Wusha. The name,Sanka, comes from the character in “Cool Runnings,” the movie about the Jamaican Bobsled Team and Wusha is Ethiopian for dog. My birthday is in the middle of May so I’m about 5 months old right now.

I was born at Rayme Redington’s kennel just a few miles away from Iditarod Headquarters. Anyone who hangs out at headquarters, knows Rayme; he’s the musher who brings his dogs to HQ everyday to give tourists cart rides. I came to headquarters many times when I was just a little puppy. Those tourists, young and old alike just love to hold and cuddle the puppies and it helps us get used to being around people. Zuma and I almost met at Iditarod Headquarters, but I was taking a puppy nap and missed the introductions.

The Redington name is pretty special in Iditarod history. Ramey’s Dad, Joe Redington, Sr. founded Iditarod along with Dorothy Page way back in 1973. Joe ran Iditarod many times – even when he was 80 years old. Ramey has run Iditarod many times and now his son; Ray Jr. continues to raise dogs and runs the last great race. Seems like raising sled dogs and racing is a way of life for the Redington family.

When I was just 8 weeks old, I moved from Knik, Alaska to Eau Claire, Wisconsin. That’s right, from Alaska to Wisconsin! My new family came to Ramey’s kennel looking for a good female Alaskan Husky to join their dog team. They picked me – I was so excited! It was a great adventure getting from Knik to Eau Claire. I flew to my new home with my new musher right IN the plane. Yup, they put me in this little soft-sided kennel and I fit right under the seat like carry on luggage.

Before getting on the plane, I wondered how I was going to get through security. I saw everybody taking their shoes off and putting their belongings into bins and running them through the X-ray machine. Thankfully, my musher carried me so I didn’t have to go through that scary machine all by myself.

It was a nice ride on the plane. I got to sit on lots of laps, everybody made a big fuss over little ole’ me and the flight attendants really loved me. I had plenty of food and water although I was a little too nervous to eat very much.

Zuma and I have something very special in common. Zuma was born in Wisconsin and moved to Alaska; I was born in Alaska and moved to Wisconsin. We sort of “traded” homes! When I grow up, I’d like to be as smart as Zuma. Not only do I hope to be a smart dog, I’d like to be a lead dog! I have so much to learn and experience. Let’s all be friends and trade stories.

I like to write and tell stories, but more than that, I’ve taken a shine to taking photographs.  I really want to help you see the race, too!  Look for ZOOM LENS – my photos and information to help you and your students get a visual still shot of the Iditarod.

Sanka W. Dog