Hello Boys and Girls,

I know many of you, at least those of you in the northern hemisphere, are on summer vacation.  I hope that you are having a wonderful summer and that you are staying safe.  Summer is a great time to relax, but it is also a great time to read a book—  or to check Iditarod’s website to see what is going on.

It is tourist season here at Iditarod Headquarters.  Many motor coaches arrive each day, bringing people from all around the world to our museum and our store.  It is fun to watch the folks get out of the bus, take pictures, shop in our store, and go for cart rides.   People of all generations are enjoying their visit to headquarters.

Of course, one of the most fun parts about visiting is going for a cart ride.  Raymie Redington’s energetic sled dogs make many runs around the track each day.  My fur friends love getting their exercise this way.  They also enjoy all of the attention that they get from the visitors!

Did you know, Boys and Girls, that while you are enjoying the summer months, my fur friends are enjoying their summer, too.  But, they don’t get to go to the public swimming pool, go to the public library like you do, or go on a family vacation.  They don’t get to help with the summer chores that you help with, like helping to take care of the garden, mow the lawn, or other summer ‘human’ chores.   My fur friends don’t get to stay up late or sleep in like many of you do.  They don’t play baseball, soccer, or spend time on the Internet. My fur friends are busy and happy doing what they like best.

“What’s that?” you say.  They are busy and happy being sled dogs.  They eat healthy meals, exercise, and get plenty of rest.   They are in training for their next race.

Some of the sled dogs go to the glacier for the summer.  There, they meet lots of tourists and give rides.  This is all part of keeping the dogs in shape and healthy.

Other sled dogs stay at home at their kennel and although we don’t have snow in the summer, they pull wheeled carts.  Some of them give tourists rides.  Of course, many of them are on a less active training schedule, but it is important for athletes to stay in shape all year long.

Boys and Girls, now is a great time for you to explore Iditarod’s website.  There is a lot of information that you can read so that when the next race starts, you have all the information you need to enjoy following the race.

Watch for articles from Sanka W. Dog, Gypsy, Libby, and me over the next few months.  We’ve got lots of story ideas ready to share with you.  We can’t wait to start writing again!

Lots of Tail Wags,

Zuma