HUMAN

Name: Patricia Purdy

Age: 55

Residence:  Pince Grove, California

Occupation:  Veterinarian

Years involved with Iditarod: 2

Iditarod Roles: Dog Handler/Trail Crew

Current Location: Ruby, Alaska

Date of Photo: March 10, 2022

Temperature: 15F Outdoors & Windy

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

I first became involved in the Iditarod last year in 2021. The first time I came, I was a dog handler. I’m a veterinarian, but I really wanted to learn about the Iditarod before I become a veterinarian on the trail. And so that, I felt, was a really good way to see the mushers, meet the mushers, understand what was happening with the Iditarod.

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

I am here today and involved with the Iditarod because, as a veterinarian, I really wanted to understand what the Iditarod is, who the mushers are, how they care for their dogs, before I become a veterinarian on trail. I have been involved the last two years as dog handlers, and this year out on trail. And next year, I cannot wait to be a veterinarian on the trail.

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

One of my most memorable Iditarod experiences was last season when I met Aliy Zirkle. But even more importantly, I got to spend about 15 minutes talking to her dad about her life. As she was being interviewed by the Insider, he was standing as proud as could be watching her. And when I asked him, “You look like a proud dad,” he was beaming and he talked for 15 minutes about her without any more prompts. What a great experience.

What in life do you know for sure?

What I know for sure in life is that nothing is for sure. I know that I need to experience things in the moment, and that’s why I’m at the Iditarod. And I will continue to come to the Iditarod as long as I’m able. And nothing is for sure. I love it.