HUMAN

Name: John Ober

Age: 56

Residence: Candor, New York

Occupation: Veterinarian

Years involved with Iditarod: This is my first year

Iditarod Role: Trail veterinarian

Current Location: Iditarod Headquarters, Wasilla, AK

Date of Photo: 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 when I was at a continued education meeting and met a veterinarian who had come here for 10 consecutive years, every year, because he enjoyed it so much. And he was a pretty smart, funny guy and I thought if it was interesting for him, it would probably be interesting for me as well.

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

I’m here today and involved with the Iditarod because I’m an endurance athlete myself and I cannot keep up with my dog. And because I enjoy people who are capable of surviving extreme conditions.

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

One of my most memorable Iditarod experiences was trying to imagine all the factors and conditions and circumstances I might endure in the course of these two weeks. And figuring out how to be prepared for them before I got here.

What in life do you know for sure?

What I know for sure in life is; love, laughter, and loyalty are more important than anything else.

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