A common access point for mushers and riders looking to head west on the trail is Willow.
This area is also home to the annual Iditarod Race in March and many large commercial sled dog kennels operate outside of town.
Recently, while returning from a snowmachine trip out to the Skwentna Area, signs of blood were spotted on the trail leading up to the Little Willow Creek.
The trail was recently groomed by musher support crews and did not show any signs that other animals had traveled on its surface. The only tracks appeared from dog team and sled.
Many Iditarod dogs suffer ulcers from stress and abuse of NSAID’S given to them throughout their training season.
https://www.peta.org/features/suffering-dogs-used-iditarod/
Upon further review, it appeared that the animal who left the blood on the trail was suffering greatly from blood loss and was not relieved from running in harness with its dog team.
Please do not support commercial mushing activities of any type. Races, tours, dog farms, chaining and culling of sled dogs is an archaic and outdated practice which needs to end.