HUMAN

Name: Kimberly Slifer

Age: 33
Residence: Anchorage, Alaska
Occupation: I am part of an HR team with a native corporation up here
Years involved with Iditarod: 2
Current Location: Lakefront Hotel, Anchorage, Alaska. 
Date of Photo: March 17, 2020
Temperature: 28F/Outdoors

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

I got involved with Iditarod two years ago when I saw that they had posted that they were asking and looking for volunteers. I love animals so naturally the dog handler type of volunteering came to mind. Growing up in Alaska, Iditarod has always been a part of my life, so being able to actually help out, I had to jump at the chance.

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

I’m here today and involved with Iditarod because my first year was very memorable. Being able to lead teams to the starting line and then also being able to take care of the return dogs when they come back. Seeing how the dogs actually do depend on us so much for the care when they get back in Anchorage, it touched my heart, and I can’t see myself not being part of Iditarod.

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

One of my most memorable Iditarod experiences with the return dog was last year, I was kind of helping a dog bed down, giving him food, and then just was giving him a bunch of love. And when I stood up to leave, he actually took his front paw and wrapped it around my front leg and just held me there as if to say, “Don’t go, I want to still be around you.”

What do you know for sure?:

What I know for sure in life is that it is short and you should always do what makes you happy, be around those people that make you happy, and always live life to the fullest because you never know what will happen tomorrow.