Iditarod trail reporter Libby Casey caught up with several mushers this year that are mushing with purposes bigger than winning, bigger than just competing.
In this interview, Karen Ramstead discusses her purpose:
- dedicating this year’s race to her dog Snickers, who died during Iditarod 2007
- taking Snickers’ ashes to Nome
- raising money for research into working sled dog gastric ulcers — the medical condition that ended Snickers’ life last year
Ramstead maintains a web site for her kennels and sled dog racing here.
Great interview on the part of both Karen and the reporter - pointing out that there are many important things happening along the trail (and off the trail), not just who’s in front.
Very emotional interview for me. Snickers seemed to be an exceptional dog. This series has been excellent. Love all of the interviews. good job!!
Ramstead says she was grief stricken when Snickers died. So, why is she putting more dogs at risk by racing them in the 2008 Iditarod? Surely, there are ways to raise money for research that don’t involve subjecting more dogs to suffering in the Iditarod.
Well, I gotta hand it to you, G.D. — you don’t give up. But you’re misinformed about sled dogs and the Iditarod. There’s probably no one in the race that cares more about their dogs than Karen Ramstead. Some mushers might deserve scrutiny and maybe even shaming at times for abuse (e.g. Ramy Brooks), but not Ramstead.
Thanks John for your comment to G.D. As one who has been to Karen’s home and watched and felt her rapport with her siberian huskies, I can verify her excellent dog care. G.D. you just have no idea what that kind of relationship is all about. They truly are an amazing team.
Thanks to APRN for an outstanding job doing these interviews.
I have known musher Karen Ramstead for over a dozen years. I have used one of her stud dogs, now deceased (Can Ch The Professor of North Wapiti SDU CD TT), watched her in the obedience ring, followed her on the trail, and competed against her in the conformation ring. I tell you from experience that there is NO BETTER sportswoman than this great lady. Whether she wins, places, or walks out of the ring with no ribbons at all, her dogs ALWAYS come first in her life! Their care, both physical and mental are her # 1 priority. Karen, and all the vets on the trail last year did everything possible to save Snickers life, including a dog to dog blood transfusion with Snicker’s own brother Crunchie. Losing Snickers was one of the hardest, if not THE hardest thing Karen has ever had to endure in the life in dogs, as I can attest to as we cried in our supper at a dog show in May 2007 when we had a chance to talk face to face. Go Karen, and team North Wapiti, take Snickers to Nome, she deserves to go, with her team mates, and her beloved human Mom, the great Karen Ramstead, Musher EXTRODINAIRE!