Four Thousand Paws

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

By: Lee Morgan

Narrated by: Danny Campbell

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

the care that is given to the dogs on this journey

I loved how the story is told highlighting the sport and the love the dogs have for it. how the mushers, vets, spectators, village's, all come together and create an exciting event. I attend the ceremonial start in Anchorage each year since I moved to Alaska and love to see the excitement in the dog teams and fans as they get ready for the race. I felt through the narration that I was on the journey with them. great book

Outstanding!

A great insight into the Iditarod by a veterinarian who volunteered. If you love mushing, this is a must read!

Compassion

Absolutely outstanding!!! Give this book 4000 stars for each paw examined. One of the best animal/human relationships stories I have ever read from a man who appreciates the individual dog - who listens to them and their humans without judgment.

One of the best books about the Iditarod ever written!!

Amazing insight into the race, from the unique perspective of a veterinarian. There are stories that will warm your heart, and stories that will break it. And many stories of husky antics that will make you laugh out loud. As the proud and grateful mom of 2 Siberians, I absolutely loved this gem of a book!

Good clean book for everyone

Very much so great book
Will read it again and let my daughter read it also
She wants to be a musher when she gets big enough