The Phenomenal Transportation of Sled Dogs

It's cold outside. The snow is piled high. The darkness of winter hovers over the day. Blustery winds blow the snow, creating blinding whiteouts. Your child is sick, and you need medicine and a few groceries. As you look outside, your sled dogs bark in happy tones. They're ready, and they know what needs to be done.

Sled dogs are one of the easiest ways to travel in Alaska. Throughout history, Native Americans used sled dogs for many reasons. They were the resource of the times, proving their loyalty and devotion without hesitation. Even today, sled dogs are a source of pride and spirit. Theirs is a rich claim to history, and they deserve our gratitude and respect.

Exploring the Great Unknown

Throughout history, sled dogs have been known for their sense of direction. They seem to always figure out the best route to take, avoiding danger on the way. Sled dogs can see much farther than their owners, and they keep watch for cliffs and thin ice. Explorers of long ago trusted their lives with sled dogs, as they tried to uncover the secrets of the arctic.

Protection and Warmth

Sled dogs offer a unique form of protection in the Alaskan wilderness. They are pack animals, and their sheer number is enough to keep bears, moose, and other predators from exploring their curiosity. In the vast openness of Alaska, a pack of sled dogs is very comforting.

As if their numbers weren't enough, sled dogs are loyal. They will risk their own lives to protect their master. They will gnarl and fight to prevent anyone from harming the one they claim as leader. Sled dogs will defend their territory, and their musher.

While they are superb at offering supreme protection, sled dogs are also warm blooded animals. Should the winds pick up, or a sudden blizzard start, sled dogs offer a warming heat source until travel can continue to its destination.

Haulers and Movers

"Thar's gold in them thar hills!" Since before the great gold rush of the 1890's, sled dogs have been used to haul supplies, deliver mail, and even carry people all over the great state of Alaska.

During World War I (1914 - 1918), track was being laid for the railroad. Sled dogs were instrumental in continuing its progress, despite the many feet of snow that threatened the work. Using well established dog trails, they helped deliver supplies to the engineers.

In 1925, a tragedy occurred. Two little Eskimo children died in Nome, Alaska. They had a very serious illness that was contagious. The disease was diagnosed as diphtheria. Medicine was in short supply, and several teams of sled dogs were enlisted to help deliver the antiserum to protect hundreds of people in nearby villages.

The closest town with the required medicine was Anchorage, Alaska. It was January, in the middle of winter. Tag teams of sled dogs were set up at cities along the way, so that the antiserum could be delivered to prevent an epidemic of the dreaded "black death".

Culture and Tradition

Mushers and their team of dogs are one in the ice and snow of the great state of Alaska. They meet and face danger together, as they overcome the challenges before them. It is a unique relationship, and a special bond that began out of necessity, and flourished through sport.

While other people celebrate the victories of winning Triple Crowns in horse racing, Stanley Cups in hockey, and World Cups in soccer, people from all over the world compete with their sled dogs in the Iditarod. Their prize is a sense of accomplishment from proving their skill, ability, and determination. The last team in receives the Red Lantern, which symbolizes perseverance and a winning spirit.