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Four Thousand Paws

Caring for the Dogs of the Iditarod, a Veterinarian's Story

Audiobook
1 of 1 copy available
1 of 1 copy available
An intimate account-the first from a trail veterinarian-of the canines who brave the challenges of the Iditarod Few sporting events attract as much attention, or create as much spectacle, as the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Each March, despite subzero temperatures and white-out winds, hundreds of dogs and dozens of mushers journey to Anchorage, Alaska, to participate in "The Last Great Race on Earth," a grueling, thousand-mile race across the Alaskan wilderness. While many veterinarians apply, only a small number are approved to examine the elite canine athletes who, using solely their muscle and an innate drive to race, carry handlers between frozen outposts each year, risking injury, illness, and fatigue along the way. In Four Thousand Paws, Lee Morgan-a member of the Iditarod's expert veterinary corps-tells the story of these heroic dogs, following the teams as they traverse deep spruce forests, climb steep mountain slopes, and navigate over ice-bound rivers toward Nome, on the coast of the Bering Sea, where the famed Burled Arch awaits. In the tradition of Why Elephants Weep, Four Thousand Paws is an intimate look inside the animal mind, and an exciting new account of a storied race.
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    • Library Journal

      September 1, 2024

      Morgan, a veterinarian who volunteered to accompany the Iditarod dog sled race, debuts with an account of his remarkable trek through Alaska, sharing stories about the canine athletes who compete in brutal winter conditions. Morgan details his experiences adapting to the frigid climate and discusses the dogs he aided, the people he met, and the setting he grew to love. Listeners will be horrified to hear of life-threatening accidents and charmed to learn of the dogs' personalities and temperaments. Having seen a range of afflictions among the furry athletes, Morgan emphasizes the importance of a keen eye, assessing the animals both physically and emotionally. Narrator Danny Campbell effectively communicates Morgan's awe, delight, and fascination with his responsibilities during the Iditarod. He narrates with a warmth and charm that authentically represent Morgan's love and respect for his career and his patients. VERDICT Morgan's evocative retelling of his Alaskan adventures should appeal to fans of the Iditarod and those interested in learning more about the unique traits of the dogs who race in it. Pair with Kristin Knight Pace's This Much Country or Debbie Clarke Moderow's Fast into the Night.--Autumn Wyatt

      Copyright 2024 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

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