Well if you have been following us on Facebook, you know I (Jodi) am down in Willow with 14 of the Dew Claw dogs preparing to run the Northern Lights 300 Sled Dog Race. Here is what’s happened so far-
Dogs happily camped out at Odaroloc
Ready – 2 days of packing, both for the race and the trip. Drop bags needed to be carefully planned for and prepared. But I also needed to pack for our time down here. We stay with our good friends TC & Dave at Odaroloc Sled Dogs. It is great fun staying with good friends, but I have to make sure I have all the dog food and gear to care for the team while I am here. We had the pleasure of taking a few fun runs on the local trails, a perfect way to keep the team stretched out and in prime shape for the upcoming race. Also had to do some pre-race related chores, like turning in our drop bags and paperwork, and…
Topaz getting her exam
Vet – the vet check. The vet check is a very important part of our pre-race routine. Nothing but the best for Dew Claw dogs, so we drove into Anchorage to visit our friend Kate Van Duine at VCA Alaska Pet Care Animal Hospital. The dogs are thoroughly checked for any conditions that might effect their ability to race safely. In addition it is a great opportunity to have a trained profession give your team a total wellness check. The Dew Claw dogs passed with flying colors and are healthy and ready for the adventure ahead.
Yuki relaxing after her exam
It is no secret how I feel about the wonderful Vets who help us take care of our team. “My not so secret Love Affair with Veterinarians.” And I have had the pleasure of working with Dr. Van Duine before, I appreciate her care and concern, and can not thank her enough for all she has done to help me and our team.
Pepsi making friends with the vet tech
Dew Claw at VCA Alaska Pet Care, doing the best I can to park the trailer
Action – and now the dogs have had had a big supper and are settled in for the night. All my gear is packed in the truck so I can wake up early and head to the race start. Joining me for this adventure are (in no particular order) … drum roll please….
Thistle ChaseUm
Sweet Pea Ribdon
Hans Sue
Topaz Pepsi
MK Gremlin
Wizard Alfalfa
Janet Yuki
As always my goal is to run the team in front of me to the best of my ability. Please wish me and all the racer happy healthy dogs and good trails. You can follow the race at the race web site, Northern Lights 300 or on Facebook.
And as always I want to take a minute and thank all the wonderful people and businesses who sponsor Team Dew Claw, there is no way this would be possible without you!!!
