Vern Ott has come all the way from Kansas City to be a part of the Iditarod – not as a competitor, but as a volunteer veterinarian – and this is his fourth year doing so. The race depends on countless volunteers like Ott; vets, in particular, serve a crucial role, since they keep the “real athletes” of the Last Great Race in good health.
Our Iditarod reporter Laureli caught up with Ott in the Unalakleet checkpoint (as he was helping with a few race-related chores). He talked about what’s brought him back to the race and commented on how well the dogs are looking this year:
