Between 18,000-32,000 years ago, humans domesticated wolves and created what we know today as the domestic dog. Since then, dogs have changed humans and have had a major impact on our daily lives. Our relationship with dogs is not only important but constantly evolves as we find new ways to coexist. A Life of Dogs is a podcast that explores these remarkable relationships that we have created with dogs. Our podcast is unique in that it is not designed as a “how to” or as a training resource. Our podcast shares canine and human interest stories and sheds light into some mesmerizing connections between humans and dogs. A Life of Dogs is released monthly and is made possible by support from Highland Canine Training, LLC.
https://alifeofdogs.com
episode 4: The Iconic Race of the North
Cast your mind back to March 2020 for a moment.Across the world, only one topic is dominating the news cycle. The threat of a pandemic is looming larger with each passing day. A deadly virus – with the potential to drastically alter our long-held, cherished routines – is getting closer.Yet in one corner of the globe, Covid-19 is not the center of attention. Far from it. Here, the air is crisp. The ground is laden with snow. And in this place, there is one long-held, cherished routine that will not be altered.It’s March in Alaska, and that means one thing – the greatest sled dog race in the world is about to begin.The Iditarod is here.
In the coming weeks and months, we’ll be releasing a series of episodes focused on the Iditarod. This iconic sled dog race takes place throughout Alaska each March, running from Anchorage to Nome. Mushers and their team of sled dogs battle challenging terrain, sub-zero temperatures and heavy blizzards in their attempts to reach the finish line in first place. Winners typically battle for eight to nine days in these hazardous conditions.At A Life of Dogs, we were very fortunate to capture the magic of the Iditarod when we traveled to Alaska to cover the 2020 edition. It was an experience we will never forget – and we can’t wait to bring some amazing stories to you in our upcoming episodes.
Introducing the Iditarod
So, you may have heard about this famous sled dog race – but how much do you actually know about it?In our first episode, you’ll learn a little about what makes this race so special.Whether it’s the sheer amount of preparation it takes for mushers and their teams to succeed in this treacherous race, or the tradition of the ceremonial start in Anchorage, or to what some mushers describe as the almost spiritual experience of traveling out on the race route with a pack of sled dogs – there are so many interesting stories surrounding the Iditarod.
Musher interviews
Riding through the harsh Alaskan landscape with a pack of sled dogs isn’t for the faint of heart. As you may imagine, it takes a special type of person to compete in the Iditarod.