HUMAN

Name: Patrick Choyce
Age: 67
Residence: Katy, Texas
Occupation: Veterinarian
Years involved with Iditarod: 1
Iditarod Role: Trail veterinarian
Current Location: Wasilla, Alaska at the Iditarod Head Quarters, Vet checks

Date of Photo: FEBRUARY 26, 2025
Temperature: 36F

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

I got involved with the Iditarod this past year because I had the time to try to apply to get off from my practice to be able to contribute. I’ve known about the Iditarod for several decades. I thought, “Wow, that would be cool to get to do that,” so here I am.

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 have always admired the relationship that people have with their animals. There’s a human companion animal bond, and I’ve always admired the interdependence between the musher and the dog, and I just wanted to come see it. And I thought if they need help with veterinary services, I’m here to serve.

Tell me about your most memorable Iditarod experiences?:

One of my most memorable Iditarod experiences, I’ve only been here a couple days, is getting to meet Matt Failor. I had watched a video on YouTube about this veterinarian that helped him with his dog, Cool Cat, and I thought, “Well, that’s a great story,” so I was thrilled to get to meet him and talk to him. And I was impressed with his video because it showed how much he loved his dogs. And I’ve seen all this bad press about the Iditarod, where they say they abuse the dogs and all that, and I thought, “Wow, what a good testament that that’s not the case.”

What do you know for sure?:

There is a God, there is a creator, and if you don’t know about that, come out and see this. It’s incredible.