MARROWSTONE ISLAND — Every year when Vern Starks packs his bags for his spring vacation, he worries that the temperature will be too warm.
“I just pray for snow and cold weather,” Starks says.
Starks is one of 30 volunteer veterinarians who brave the Alaskan wilderness in March to care for the canine athletes competing in the 1,100-mile Iditarod dogsled race from Anchorage to Nome.
“We’re there to monitor the dogs’ health and for emergency care,” Starks said.
“It’s a lot of fun, but it’s physically demanding.”
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