Section Four: #9 Response to Controversy

The dog represents all that is best in man.

-Etienne Charlet

In applying for the position of the Iditarod Teacher on the Trail I understand the importance of
being able to communicate effectively to anyone and everyone about the reality of the Iditarod
and how these sled dogs are treated along the trail. Our staff at Eanes Elementary was touched
by the dropped dog blanket project. Our students learned so much by making them and sending
them off for the race, and most importantly, they learned that every dog, even ones that cannot
finish, are given great care, love and comfort in the smallest ways.
Attending the Teacher Winter Conference was an amazing experience, and also very educational.
What impressed me the most was the dedication of every vet tech, volunteer, musher,
photographer, and community member that came into contact with the sled dogs. Our team was
most impressed by the intense scrutiny the dogs had during the veterinarian mandatory checks
before the race. I was watched as the veterinarians and assistants ignored our photo snapping
and intently examined each and every dog thoroughly with the musher kneeling close by. You
could see the dedication and passion they had for the care of their sled dogs. Later, we attended
a special talk given by the head veterinarian for the Iditarod about the great lengths that are taken
along each check point to examine each dog and make sure every animal was happy and healthy.
This access gave me great insight into not only what happens at each checkpoint with dog teams
and dog care, but the importance is placed on taking care of each and every animal.
I was fortunate enough to attend the voluntary dog handling class, and I was thrilled to have my
certification. During the intense training, the musher stressed that during our practice run for
certification, stepping on dog toes was forbidden, and would result in being asked to leave! I

came to expect nothing less. In Anchorage on the morning of the ceremonial start, I was thrilled
to be given the opportunity to help handle a dog sled team to the starting line. As we left the
volunteer group to find our teams, we were reminded once again, that the dogs came first, and If
you fall.....roll over and get out of the way! The dogs come first!
Having had these experiences in Alaska, I would feel confident in telling anyone that my
personal time at the Iditarod race proved to me how much care is given to each and every sled
dog. I feel confident that they are treated with love and care and dedication from the starting line
to the finish line in Nome. My superintendent, Dr. Leonard, my principal, Mrs. Villemaire, and
the head of our curriculum and technology support this project 100%, and they are in full support
of me if I am chosen to represent the Iditarod.
One of my goals as the Teacher on the Trail throughout the year would be to highlight the care
that the dogs receive before, during, and after the race. I think this would be an important piece
of communication that can help with this issue. I would make it an important piece of my IditaKid News show as well, so children around the world can understand the dedication for dog
care during The Last Great Race and be great communicators about the issue themselves.