Supai- Supai has done it again. He finished another race, and even though it was a chilly one with -40F and -50F temperatures, he crossed the finish line heavier than he started! Supai is the ultimate long distance dog, eating everything in sight and finding such enjoyment in adventure of traveling long distances. And he’s handsome- I think I’ve said that before…
Katy- Little Katy has another 1000-mile race to add to her resume! As a Quest and Iditarod finisher, she’s racking up quite a race history. Not only is she finishing, but she is recruiting several personal fans along the way. The Vet staff and volunteers remember her from race to race and are always trying to steal her away from the team. Of course it’s hard not to when she’s giving them kisses and trying to cuddle during vet checks!
Jana- Jana did exceptional per usual. She ran in swing the majority of the race, with a leg or two in lead. She always ate, kept a tight tug, and seemed to enjoy traveling the 1000 miles next to her sister Drummer. Those two have a very special bond and would occasionally glance over at each other and hop around with a burst of speed as if they were laughing at an inside joke between them.
Drummer- Drummer had one of her strongest races in her career. I think she gained a lot of confidence running with her sister Jana. As I mentioned in Jana’s blurb, the sisters often seemed to be having private conversations and really enjoyed sharing the adventure together. When temperatures dropped to -40F and -50F, I carried an extra sleeping bag that I would drape over Jana, Drummer, and Goblin- they had their own little slumber parties!
Rucu- Rucu was a powerhouse as always until about 10 miles out of Clinton Creek. On a steep drop down a bank to the river, Rucu misstepped and strained his shoulder in the sugary snow. At first I was in denial- Rucu never gets injured- but though he tried to mask it, I realized he needed to be carried. Rucu rode in the sled 100 miles to Eagle, up and over American Summit. During the process, he chewed any line close by, my sled bag, and gear in the sled trying to show his displeasure at being carried. He provided much needed comic relief.
Lefty- This was Lefty’s race. Lefty led almost all 1000 miles and did so in a calm, confident manner. He wasn’t showy or loud, but he enthusiastically took on the responsibility and was often one of the first dogs off the straw, stretching out and getting ready for the next leg of the race. His focus and determination in the footage over Eagle Summit speaks for itself- Lefty rocked it!
Fenton- Fenton (aka Daddy Long Legs) had another stellar race. Fenton has now finished every race he has started including the Iditarod and Yukon Quest. Even 800 miles into the race, Fenton would be banging his harness to run and excitedly whine in anticipation for the team to start moving. Such a stud.
CJ- The Most Improved Award goes to Miss Calamity Jane. As a yearling, CJ was the extremely distractible and often preferred chasing squirrels to pulling a sled. As a two-year-old, she finished every mid-distance race but was dropped 500 miles into Iditarod for her lack of focus. Now as a three-year-old, CJ was one of the strongest dogs on the team! Even though she was driven and focused, she still had time for her CJ antics- squirrel chasing, screaming up hills, and playing with her running partner. It would be boring with her!
Belle- Adorable little Belle gave it 110%; however, stiff shoulders caused me to drop her in Scroggie. In both Iditarod and Quest, Belle has been dropped about 400-500 miles into the race, so I’m not sure 1000-mile races are in her future. She’ll get to quench her running thirst with mid-distance races! Her bouncing, happy personality is always such an asset to the team.