ID: Drop Dog Update - Olivia

We've just got back to the kennel but first things first: I know you all so well that I’m certain the first thing you want to know about is who was dropped from the Black Team in Manley.

“Big O” (Olivia) rode in the truck with us from Manley back to the kennel. She has tweaked her left pectoral muscle and so cannot continue with the race. Coming into the checkpoint Allen noticed she was favoring her left leg so upon arrival he massaged her with Algyval and wrapped her leg in vet wrap and, as she seemed happy to stay for a while, he let her rest with the team in the sunshine. Shortly before the team left the checkpoint he completed the paperwork with the veterinarian staff, who were very attentive and kind, and left her with us. She enjoyed her sleep, stretched out in the sun and was a bit confused about leaving the team.

As she was being examined by the vet crew away from the team a group howl went up, which she joined in on. We think they were saying “See you later Big O!”

On a regular Iditarod year, handlers are not able to take dropped dogs from any checkpoint. They are normally all cared for by veternarian staff and volunteers within the checkpoint and transported back to Anchorage or forwards Nome, depending where on the race they are dropped. On this race we were able to take them from both the Nenana and Manley checkpoints. From Tanana onwards all the dogs will go to Anchorage or Nome as normal.

It is nice to have Olivia home already and back at her house starting her rehab. She was able to tell her near neighbour, and daughter Lydia, all about how her siblings are getting on. Allen was extremely sorry to have to leave her as she is such a superstar but, of course, she could not continue and it is best for both her and the team to drop her.

Thank you for your caring and concern.