When dogs are dropped by mushers at a checkpoint, they stay in the custody of the veterinarians until a flight arrives to transport them to a location where handlers can claim them. Today a flight cam in from Manley with dogs. The dogs find temporary lodging at the Millennium Hotel in Anchorage. It’s a dog yard with a view of the lake not to mention plenty of people who are willing to give these athletes lots of attention. and vets who provide expert care.

Dogs are transported from the airport to the Millennium in a large dog trailer. As soon as they arrive, they are scanned for their micro-chip and then re-examined by the vets in this dropped dog lot. They get straw and blankets then they’re served kibble and water.

One young dog from Rohn Buser’s team was pretty interested in everything that was going on, people and planes coming and going. Other older dogs with a little less puppy energy were interested in this new place but also realized it would be nice to nap in the warmth of the sun.

The dog to handler ratio was just about one to one. There was a lot of loving going on. It was clear the handlers were happy to be there with the dogs and it was just as clear that the dogs loved the attention they were receiving.

In a large box set back from the dog line were lots and lots of dog sized blankets. A couple of years back, a Teacher on the Trail finalist took on the project of organizing a campaign to provide blankets for the dropped dogs, plenty to go out to each checkpoint and plenty for the dog lots in Anchorage, McGrath and Unalakleet. Zeus, belonging to Becca Moore (#47) is modeling the work of students from Mrs. Paige’s class in Massachusetts. Other dogs appreciating the blankets in Anchorage today belonged to Travis Beals (#56), Jim Lanier (#13) and Rohn Buser (#31).

All the dogs seemed fascinated by a plane that taxied past the Millennium dock and took off from the lake. Yard with a view and lots of entertainment.