Akiak dog team nearly killed by rapid Kuskokwim River bank erosion
Just as it was getting dark Saturday evening, Akiak resident and dog musher Mike Williams Sr. stepped outside to see his dog lot falling into the Kuskokwim River and seven of his sled dogs being pulled into the water, according to a story by KYUK Public Media.“They were beginning to…
Progress 3: Iditarod leaves long-lasting impression on Camanche teacher
When Erin Montgomery looks back on her teaching career, there will be one achievement that stands out among the rest — taking part in the Iditarod dog sled race.It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the Camanche Middle School teacher, and one she said wouldn’t have happened without support — support…
Montreal SPCA wants Quebecers to stop chaining their dogs
The Montreal SPCA says tying up a dog outside is inhumane, and it’s asking the province to step in and ban the practice.The organization launched its new campaign on Tuesday, called Cut the Chain.”We know that dogs, who are social animals, suffer severely from spending their lives at the end…
Study uses dog sledding to demonstrate benefits of adapted physical activities for children with cancer
A team of sled dogs racing through the snowy forests of northern Canada conjures up the timeless spirit of exploration. But the intrepid youths on the sleds may not be exactly what you are picturing; they are young girls and boys with cancer.A common perception of the pediatric cancer patient…
School named for Iditarod legend Joe Redington Sr. opens in Wasilla
On Monday, a new junior-senior high school named for the late mushing pioneer — known as the “Father of the Iditarod” for overseeing organization and fund-raising for that iconic sled dog race — will open a few miles from the Redington home. “We’re blazing a trail to greatness here just…
Can you still call yourself an adventurer if you use a GPS safety beacon?
As the line between civilization and wilderness becomes increasingly thin, do true adventurers still exist?Technology allows climbers to tweet from the top of Mount Everest. Antarctic skiers can instantly upload selfies from the South Pole. Anyone can obtain an inexpensive device with a panic button that allows them to request…
Iditarod veterinarian’s devotion to sled dog well-being wins honor
Dr. Stuart Nelson Jr. (Missouri ’76), chief veterinarian for the Iditarod, received the AVMA Meritorious Service Award during the AVMA Annual Convention’s Keynote Luncheon July 11. The award is given to those who have contributed to the profession through activities outside organized veterinary medicine and research. Animal athletes have always…
Dallas Seavey’s Refrigerated Treadmill
Check out Dallas Seavey’s latest innovation to keep him at the top of his game. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOJK1e0PiNQHis “refrigerated treadmill” is a way for him to keep his dogs active in the offseason (over the summer). He believes this treadmill will help him shatter the Iditarod speed record.
Kusko 300 sled dog race announces bigger purses, offers help to Willow mushers
BETHEL — Competitive mushers, take note: Purses for Kuskokwim 300 races will again go up in 2016.Prize money for the main event, the Kusko 300, will top $130,000, the biggest purse in the race history, race manager Zach Fansler announced. The Bogus Creek 150 will pay more than $30,000 and…
Nome Neighbors’ Lawsuit on Sled Dog Noise, Smell Dismissed
A lawsuit between Nome neighbors that centered on noise and odor from one household’s dog lot has been dismissed—and is no longer set to go before a jury this summer.Since 2012 neighbors Kevin Bopp and wife Lynn DeFilippo have been in a legal tussle with mushers Nils Hahn and wife…