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Four Thousand Paws

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

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About this listen

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.

©2024 Lee Morgan (P)2024 HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books Animals Biological Sciences Dogs Equestrian Sports Outdoors & Nature Pets & Animal Care Science Alaska Inspiring
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I have read, and listened to, several books about the Iditarod race. This is told from a unique perspective, and it’s both a fun and tender memoir. The writer’s sense of humour and optimism, combined with his love for adventure and true passion for the dogs are simply infectious. There’s a warmth throughout this story, reflected in the performer’s expressive voice. You will smile, chuckle, gasp; you will feel emotional. You will gain a full appreciation of what, and above all who, makes this event so special. I will definitely listen to this book again!

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