HUMAN

Name: Wayne Scott

Age: 56
Residence: Windsor, Colorado
Occupation: I’m recently retired. 

Years involved with Iditarod: This is my first year volunteering for the Iditarod.

Iditarod Role: I’m a dog handler. I work at the dog drop station.
Current Location: McGrath, Alaska

Date of Photo: March 11, 2020
Temperature: -10F/Outdoors

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

I got involved with the Iditarod because I just became interested in sledding. I went up to Minnesota back about 15 years ago and got my own sled and went out with a couple of guides. I’ve been going back every year for 15 years. And I run my own dog team up there. I just fly in and take my vacations in February just so I can spend the week with the dogs out on the ice.

What is your Why?..Why are you here today and involved in Iditarod?

I’m here today just because I have a passion for sledding and also a passion for the Iditarod. To me it’s a sport that more people should be interested in and follow. It is the “last great race” to me. I try to get people involved and people to understand what it’s all about because I think it’s underappreciated in the lower 48.

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

So far my most memorable Iditarod experience was last night when the first dogs came off the plane and I got to visit with them and sit with them and care for them. And, you know, the dogs are really what it’s all about. If you’re into this, it’s really about dogs and just spending that time with them. Looking in their eyes, becoming friends with them, and you never forget them. You never forget every dog.

What do you know for sure?:

You know what I know for sure in life is that happiness is something that you have to decide to have. I don’t think happiness comes to you. I don’t think you have to work to build it. I think it’s just a decision that you have to make.