Iditarod Dreams: A Year in the Life of Alaskan Sled Dog Racer Deedee Jonrowe

I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the incredible relationship between mushers and their dogs. Many animal lovers dream of a job where you can really spend time with your pets, mushers live that every day. As a person interested in animal welfare, I am familiar with the concerns that have been raised about the Iditarod. However, I've actually seen the race myself, and it is crystal clear that what makes those dogs run is the love of the sport itself, and an incredible devotion to the "Lead Dog" who just happens to be human. It is also clear that a love for the dogs is the primary motivation for the mushers. The life of an Iditarod musher is not easy, in fact, it appears that the "dog's life" is the easy one here! I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning more about sled dog racing or life in Alaska.

DeeDee Jonrowe is one of the few women racing at a competetive level in this sport. And I use the word "sport" advisedly. I am an Iditarod volunteer and the athleticism of the mushers never ceases to amaze me. Many run uphill behind the sled to conserve the dogs' energy. I loved DeeDee's insights into the day-to-day lifestyle of a musher. She writes of bonding with the puppies "I snuggle with them all the time. You can never waste time by sitting still and cuddling a puppy." She describes the process of training - beginning in the fall with a four-wheeler in Neutral. First they go on short runs, then longer and longer. If you've ever been pulled on your daily walk by your own dog you can imagine the pulling-power of ten or so sleddogs in harness. DeeDee writes about the satisfaction of overcoming adversity. And her commitment to her dogs. "..I have enough drive in myself to provide for my dogs, to make sure they are okay. I would rather help them than sleep. That's my internal drive." That drive was recognized by the volunteer veterinarians when they selected DeeDee to win the much-coveted Leonhard Seppala Humanitarian Award. It is given to the musher who has demonstrated outstanding care of his or her team throughout the race. DeeDee often visits schools and is a much-sought-after insprirational speaker. She is a gifted athlete and a kind and sweet person.

What a pleasure to have met Dee Dee Jonrowe. She is one of the most honest, caring persons I've ever met. How sad that critics have not bothered to meet her and learn of her love: The Iditarod. She is an inspiration to those who know her and I've been blest knowing her. The book is wonderful and should be "required reading." That's the teacher coming out in me.

DeeDee Jonrowe is one of the best known mushers in Alaska. She is a consistent top ten iditarod finisher. Her dog care is truly among the best. This is her story of what it is like to run this tough race with her friends, the huskies. Are there hardships? Yes, but those come to everyone in life. The review here by Ms. Glickman is so wrong on so many levels that one should read this book just to see how Ms. Glickman slants the truth. The Iditarod is not about dog abuse. It is about people and their dogs, training themselves as athletes, to cross the harsh Alaskan Wilderness. I found it to be most inspiring.

Dee Dee Jonrowe is one of the most-loved mushers in all of Alaska. I met her when I volunteered in Nome and in Anchorage. When I saw her book, I just had to buy it. Her thoughts on raising puppies, training sleddogs, and being on the trail out in the wilderness will charm anyone. Light a fire in the fireplace, sit back in your easy chair with a cup of hot chocolate and travel the Iditarod trail across Alaska. You'll be cozy and warm, but the book will make you feel like you are right there with Dee Dee.