AFTER WE DROP THE DOGS - Sandy

“After we drop the dogs…”

I think every sentence I’ve heard Kim utter this week starts with this phrase. Our collective schedule is now entirely driven by dog drops. They happen every four hours starting before 7:00 a.m., and twice a day it includes a meal. Otherwise, it’s all about dog potty breaks, watering, stretching, petting, hugging and observation. Kim is a watchful dog mom and can hone-in immediately when the slightest thing is off with one of her dogs. Fortunately, nothing is going on with any of her athletes (or handlers!) that a little ointment and massage can’t quickly fix.

After we dropped the dogs on Thursday evening, we all headed to one of the most festive events surrounding the race - the traditional Musher’s Banquet. This is a dinner during which each Iditarod musher draws a number from a mukluk to determine the order at the race start. Following protocol, Kim drew her number, stepped up to the microphone, and announced to the room that she would be bib #52. She then took her place at the autograph table along with other Iditarod rookies and veterans alike, and proceeded to meet, greet and sign autographs for the rest of the night!

After we dropped the dogs on Friday morning, we prepared to leave the hotel parking lot where we’ve been stationed and headed for a beautiful dog sledding trail north of Anchorage. Kim wanted to stage a dry run so all of us would know what we need to do as a team of handlers when we’re in the chute for the race start. It was also Kim’s chance to have a dress rehearsal for running with a tag sled. It is required that all mushers start the race from Anchorage with another sled and musher tied behind the main one. This is for safety, because the streets are so crowded and the dogs are so pent-up and ready to go the distance that more weight and braking power is a safety measure for everyone involved.

Our practice yesterday went very well and now it’s GO TIME…after we drop the dogs right now, we’re headed to the starting chute! Tune in to your TV’s…this is the day that gets press coverage…look for #52 and cheer for the rookie from Jersey!!!