If I had to describe today in one sentence I would have to say, today was all about the love of dogs!  As I walked around watching the mushers prepare for the ceremonial start I came upon Lance Mackey 4 time Iditarod champion.  Lance had brought some young pups to help him travel down 4th Avenue.  For the ceremonial start mushers do not have to use the dogs they will use for the actual race.  Lance’s pup had never been to the ceremonial start before and was not sure he liked all the attention.

Lance bent down and spoke to the pup for several minutes.  He spent a few minutes talking to the young pup and coaxing it out from under the truck.  After placing the harness on the pup, Lance spent some more time loving on the young pup.  This was a common theme that I experienced throughout the day.

Scott Janssen, the Mushing Mortician, walked up and down his entire line of dogs.  Each dog not only received a bunch of pats but quite a few hugs and kisses.  He spent a great deal of time with each dog prior to the ceremonial start.  It is amazing the bond these mushers have with their dogs.  They are just like family and they treat them as such.

Ugly is Nicolas Petit’s lap dog or I would call him a chair dog.  When I walked by Nicolas’s dog truck I noticed Ugly sitting in a chair.  Nicolas told me that Ugly would be helping pull the sled for a few miles but then we would go into the bag with the Idita-rider.  Ugly does not live up to his name at all.  He is actually quite adorable and loves to snuggle.  It was truly evident how much Nicolas cares for Ugly.

It was amazing to see how each and every musher put their dog needs above anything else today.  This sport truly is all about the dogs.  These amazing athletes are Michael Jordan, Dale Earnhardt and Steve Prefontaine all wrapped into one.  All in one lovable furry package!  This race truly is all about the love of the dogs!