Every year, I get asked a lot of questions about me personally. I hope that this answers most of your questions. If you have other questions, you can always e-mail me at zuma@iditarod.com.

I was born in Wisconsin on August 29, a day when the sun was shining and it was nice and warm. I have four sisters, Crystal, Ruby, Topaz and Opal, and 3 brothers, Nugget, Silver and Nickel. In the world of dog language, we are what is called “littermates.”  My parents were called, mamma and pop.  Our humans called them, “Good Mama” or “Sweet Lady”, “Good O’l Boy” or “Champ”.   Those are the names I know them by….

I am a female and have been told that I am very attractive by humans and males of the K-9 persuasion. I have been known to flirt with the guy dogs including having a short romance with Martin Buser’s famous lead dog, D-2. Alas, D-2 was fickle and the relationship soon faltered. We are still friends, just not the boyfriend/girlfriend kind of friends.

I have many friends, K-9 and human.  I am 6 years old and shall always remain forever young.

I decided quite early in life to become a journalist. I attended the K-9 University of Alaska in Anchorage (K-9UAA) and received my degree in K-9 Journalism. I was hired right out of school by the Iditarod Trail Committee to write a column for their website. I named my column Zuma’s Paw Prints. The column has become popular among mushing fans world wide and I receive a lot of e-mail from all over the world. I am able to type on a specially built larger key board using my nose and my paws.

I do not run the Iditarod or any other race, but I do sometimes go out with some of my friends on training runs. Even though I am quite famous now, I have not forgotten my friends both K-9 and human. Friends and family are more important than being rich or famous.

My favorite food used to be pizza. But since being back at K-9 University working on my advanced degree in journalism, I am learning all about healthy living choices. Boys and girls, it is important for all of us to learn about what we can do to stay healthy and live a long life. SO, I am working hard at eating exactly what a young K-9 journalist my age should be eating— more canine meals and less, less, less human food. I’m thinking about nutrition, getting proper exercise, and getting enough rest. I want to live a long, long, long, and very happy life. So far, this renewed diet is working, too! As far as exercise goes, I’m trying for 10,000 steps a day! I’m getting plenty of sleep! I love my ‘dog’ naps. The right food choices and the right exercise makes a big difference! I feel GREAT!I also like to travel and fly around the state in small aircraft. I often go out in the bush with the humans to fish. I have to teach them the best methods for landing a fish and then they do just fine.

I love children and puppies. Last summer, my best K-9 friend, Lakota, had five puppies and named me as their God-Dog. I would spoil them rotten if Lakota didn’t stop me. My friend Joanne, has Boston Terrier named Holly who has come to the office most days since she was a little puppy. She is cute, but I don’t think she would be of much use as a sled dog. Her legs are only about 8 inches long!

I love to travel. When I am not in school or reporting along the trail in Alaska, you’ll find me traveling any chance I can to any place I can. Although ‘Alaska’ is my official home, my home is where I am at the moment. Taking the advice from Martin Buser, my favorite place is where I am at the moment.