HUMAN

Name: Caroline Griffitts

Age: 59

Residence:  Loveland, Colorado

Occupation:  Veterinarian

Years involved with Iditarod: 30 years, since 1993

Iditarod Roles: Trail Veterinarian

Current Location: McGrath, Alaska

Date of Photo: March 9, 2022

Temperature: 34F Outdoors & Snowing

What, who or how and when did you first get involved with the Iditarod?

I first became involved with Iditarod in 1993, basically because I knew about sled dogs and the Iditarod. And I met somebody who knew that I liked traveling and doing different experiences. And he knew the head vet at the time and got me in touch. And the rest is history, as they say.

What is your Why? Why are you here TODAY and involved with the Iditarod? 

I’m here today and involved with Iditarod because I’ve continued for 30 years with sled dogs, both here and all over the world because with dogs, first of all, the amazing athletes, and then also all the people that I meet and the places I get to go.

Tell me about just one of your most memorable Iditarod experiences.

One of my most memorable Iditarod experiences was actually at the checkpoint at Iditarod. And it was an evening. We were seeing mushes coming in. The Northern lights were overhead, the pinks and greens and yellows, just amazing. And then there were wolf packs on either end of town that were howling back and forth. So very memorable Alaskan experience.

What in life do you know for sure?

 What I know for sure in life is sled dogs are amazing animals and sled dogs have the ability to bring people together from all over the world, both here at the Iditarod and at other bases in other countries.