HUMAN
Name: Mackenzie Ellison
Age: 28
Residence: White Cloud, Michigan
Occupation: Veterinary technician
Years involved with Iditarod: 3
Iditarod Role: I work with the ECG program, drawing blood, and doing ECGs on the sled dogs before they run the race.
Current Location: Wasilla headquarters of Iditarod
Date of Photo: Wednesday, March 1, 2023
Temperature: 17 degrees
What, who or how and when did you first get involved with the Iditarod?
I first became involved with the Iditarod in about second grade. One of my teachers, we actually had a reading contest and learned a lot about the Iditarod, the mushers, and the dogs. And since then it’s always been a dream to be a part of it. And so, about three or four years ago, I found out that I could come up here as a veterinary technician and that was kind of it. I’ve been here for three years and it’s been great just working with the dogs, meeting the mushers, and just being in the Iditarod environment.
What is your Why? Why are you here TODAY and involved with the Iditarod?
I am here today and involved with the Iditarod because I think that it’s important to make sure that the dogs are in tip-top shape to run. I also just love making connections up here. Everybody is so nice and I think that’s great.
Tell me about just one of your most memorable Iditarod experiences.
One of my most memorable Iditarod experiences was seeing the race start for the first time. Just everybody coming together, watching it, and seeing the dogs just ready to go. They go crazy, seeing them jumping up and down, it was an overwhelmingly exciting experience.
What in life do you know for sure?
What I know for sure in life is if you are always kind and give to others, you’re going to be happy. So, whether that’s giving back to your community or volunteering your time, it’s going to be good for you. And you’re also making an impact for others, which I think that’s the best feeling in the world.