March 7, 2004 Race Day & Our Sponsors

6:00 am Race Day

Well, the training and planning is done, the bags are packed, the dogs are ready – it’s time to leave for Nome!

Much has happened in last 4 days and I hope Mark has the time to catch you up on some of it in the next while. I’ve just run out of time!

I did want to take this opportunity to thank my sponsors. It is because of all of you that I can step on the runners today and head on this most amazing journey. Despite the butterflies in my stomach this morning, I love the life I lead and I know it just wouldn’t be possible without the support so generously given by so many. Words can never properly express my gratitude – but from the bottom of my heart – THANK YOU!!

(And Mark will have to fill you in on the final 16 – I STILL haven’t made that last cut!!)

Talk to you all in 12 days!

Karen

Lead Dog Sponsors Dawne Deeley & The Tsarshadow Gang - Sidney, B.C Natalie Norris - Willow, Alaska Doug and Donna Finner - New Hampshire Westlock Vet Clinic - Westlock, Alberta Denise Linley - Farmington, B.C.

Swing Dog Sponsors Janet Yeager-Elliot of Atascadero, CA Morna Murray - Calgary, Alberta Team Dog Sponsor Bob Ford - Champaign, Illinois Wheel Dog Sponsors Mary Curtis Horowitz & Irving Louis Horowitz Cheryl Liddle, Selina Topete and Fresca - Concord/Pittsburg, California Dogbooties.com Gwen Ross - Langley, British Columbia John and Jona Van Zyle - Eagle River, Alaska  Our Other Sponsors! Edna Swift - Beaverton, Oregon Bonnie Wyatt - Calico Rock, Arkansas Siberian Husky Club of Metro Dallas Siberian Husky Club of Greater Chicago Deborah (Deb.) Bok Quebec Chapter of the SHCC Karen Yeargain / K-collars - Oregon Big Lake Susitna Veterinary Hospital - Alaska Joan Bryner - Willow, Alaska "Our Memorial for Orion" Zel Warner, Alice Uehling,Mark Pullen, Kathy Laberge,  June Price, Barb Bennett, and Marlene Daniels, MLG Happy Feet Sponsors Marcie Yont - Calgary, Alberta 'The Kuerbis Family - Fort McMurray, Alberta  Phyllis Frick - Westlock, Alberta  & Sponsor-A-Dog Sponsors(Includes pictures of dogs and brief descriptions)

Karen