Hello friends,

I was in Iditarod Headquarters today and realized that the The Last Great Race is only about 5 weeks away.  Yips! There is a lot happening at headquarters to prepare for the race so I’m trying to keep my 4 paws out of the way.

One special person getting ready for the race is this year’s Teacher on the Trail, Annie Kelley. My sled dog friends and I have 2 layers of fur; an outer layer called the guard hair to keep us dry, and a soft underfur that helps keep us warm. Since Annie doesn’t have these special adaptations, she will need to stay dry and warm in several layers of winter clothing. Long underwear, wool socks, snow pants, turtlenecks, sweaters, boots, and jackets . . . bow wow, give me fur any day. 

Our owners, the mushers, are making similar preparations.  As they pack their sleds and drop bags, they need to be aware that the weather will change along the trail and proper clothing will be needed to survive in the freezing arctic temperatures. We need them to feed us so it’s important that they take care of themselves while on the Iditarod Trail.

Tail wags to all of you,

Zuma