…is how you get to Nome.
Thistle and Orchid are happy to hear about their new sponsors.
MUSH THANKS to our new Checkpoint Sponsors and new members of Team Dew Claw!
- Betty & Frederick Porter
- Melanie Hennigan
- Cynthia Lawrence Calkins & Family
- Ev Vykin – sponsoring Elim
Ev pointed out to me that Elim spelled backwards was Mile. - AND we were very honored that Iditaskate 2014 in Bethlehem PA was skating for the Dew Claw Kennel dogs. These skaters worked hard to support the Dew Claw Dogs and sponsor the Rainy Pass checkpoint.
Dan and I and the dogs are all in Anchorage. We had a safe trip and are now camped out with our dear friends Theresa and John. The dogs had their vet check today and passed with flying colors, in addition to numerous compliments on how very friendly our dogs were! *insert huge proud grin here* Earlier this month the race dogs all got EKG’s and blood work done. The pre-race testing and vet checks provides mushers with valuable information and insight that helps us make the best decision we can about which of the dogs in our race pool will ultimately make the final 16. Tomorrow Dan has race meetings and briefings all day. So I plan on spending some quality time with the team. More massage, some grooming, and a little run to let them stretch out and have fun.
It will not be long till Dan will be making the decision about who to run with, packing his sled, and heading out on the Iditarod trail. And he will not be out there alone, we have some great people on our team. But there are still a few checkpoints on the Yukon that are not sponsored. Interested in learning how you or your organization can be there to support the Dew Claw dogs on the mighty Yukon, learn more.
So who is in contention? Well we brought 18 dogs down to Anchorage, and that was the first hard choice to make. We have some excellent dogs this year. The Rascals are the newest addition, and that have made us proud. But ultimately we decided that it was in their best interest to wait a year before a challenging 1000 mile race. In spite of the fact they trained with the main race team and have basically the same miles on them, the extra year of growth and maturity is something we hope will benefit them in the long run. (every pun intended) So it was decided that Alfalfa would make the trip with us, to see the Anchorage start first hand, but the rest of the Rascals are still at home. Which gives us……
drum roll please~
Who will make the Iditarod race team?
Orchid
Sparrow
Ribdon
ChaseUm
Sweet Pea
Bluebarb
Thistle
MK
Pepsi
Topaz
Wizard
Gremlin
BedBug
Cricket
Alfalfa
Ripper
Pingo
Bravo
