2008 Iditarod Sled Dog Race
MCK Race Teams GUESTBOOK:

Well done Jennifer and Blake. You really flew up the coast. Much faster than I ever did. You'll be great stewards of the new record. A record that you'll likely break again. 10 days? Hope to see you before you head back. Enjoy Nome again.
Shawn Sidelinger

Jen and Blake,
Congratulations on reaching Nome in record time after the heartache on the Yukon. What you are achieving with your Siberians is a credit to you and an example to the rest of us what the breed is capable of if we put in the time and effort. Trusting Aries is well on the way to a full recovery.
We have been following your progress from afar
Ray and Dianne - New Zealand

Hi Blake and Jen - Many congratulations to you on your Iditarod accomplishments! Awesome achievements, especially considering the circumstances. You make all of us Siberian owners especially proud! Keep up the good work.
Joni Khovaki Siberians

BLAKE AND JEN, I'M SO SORRY TO HEAR SUCH A TERRIBLE TRAGEDY ON THE LOSS OF LORNE. YOU HAVE MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY, AND I HOPE AND PRAY THAT ARIES HEALS UP REAL GOOD, AND BECOMES EVEN MORE OF A STRONGER DOG FOR YOUR TEAM. MY HEART GOES OUT TO YOU AND YOUR FUR FAMILY. THE BEST TO BOTH OD YOU AND YOUR TEAMS.
SINCERELY, BRENDA FROM NORTH BRANCH.

Jen and Blake,
Congratulations on a great race and completing your adventure together. Our deepest condolences to you both for the loss of Lorne and many prayers for Aries. We admire your determination and hard work to continue on with the race after this loss, but knowing overall, there were many wonderful moments shared together during it. You deserved this and we are very proud of you both and your teams. GO SIBERIANS.
Donna & Joe Gazda - MI

Dear Jen and Blake,
We followed the Blog regularly and prayed for you every day. Grandma was so concerned when she heard about your accident. I especially loved your comment in the midst of disappointment. You had already lost a lot and you were not going to let this take everything. What a great attitude.
Love, Ken and Dottie

Congratulations on a phenomenal job at such horrendous personal loss. My deepest condolences on the loss of Lorne and hopes of a speedy and complete recovery for Aries.
Know that a zillion miles away in sunny San Diego, tears were shed for the senseless events that unfolded on your journey. And that I admire and applaud your decision to continue forward. I'm sure you already know that she was right there with you in your hearts as you crossed the finish line and will be waiting for you across the Rainbow Bridge.
best wishes and regards, Helene

Jen and Blake,
Congratulations on a spectacular race. I admire your ambition, determination, hard work and perseverance and through those traits you have inluenced and inspired all of us. I hope you have time to reflect on this past winter and are proud of the goals you have reached and the obstacles you have overcome. You deserve it.
I know this is may be a little bit too serious but I am just so stinking happy for both of you!!
Thank you, Steve M

Congratulations Jen & Blake!
Wonderful job on completing the Iditarod and making Siberian owners proud by setting a new record for the race with Siberian Huskies.
Anne

Hi guys,
Wow! Huge congratulations to you both on your fantastic efforts. We have been following the pair of you this last fortnight and are so very pleased for you and your wonderful furkids. A terrific job in the most difficult of circumstances made that much sadder by the loss of beautiful Lorne.
We know how much your dogs mean to you and hope that the hurt gets a little easier day by day.
Happy trails, Andrew and Lisa from Australia

Jen and Blake,
WOW you did it!! I'm a rec musher of pure bred sibs in central Minnesota and I just wanted to send my congrats. The courage and grit you both showed is remarkable. I had to put down one of my lead dogs the same night that you lost Lorne heart wrenching to be sure. Safe travels now for you and the "kids" back here to Minnesota. Julie

You guys rock! We knew you could do it. We are sad for Lorne and Aries and happy for you kids all at once. What a wonderful adventure. Get some sleep and good food and we'll see you soon.
-- John and Judi

Jen,
I know that finishing the Iditarod was over-shadowed by your loss on the trail. I just want to convey my sympathies for what happened. Please know that there are many of us in Alaska who have you in our hearts and in our thoughts.
Congratulations on finishing. I hope you are able to return and run with more success next year.
Debbie

Congratulations! You certainly passed the test. Jen, I liked your comment, "a test of who we are and a real challenge of what we wanted it to be". I hurt with you over the dog situation. Blake, your comments on continuing were inspiring and said a lot about the two of you.
I am honored to have been a sponsor of much more than just a race.
John

Congratulations you two!! I glad you kept going and admire your strength to carry on. What a great accomplishment after what you have been through. Proud of you and can't wait to hear some great stories!! I truly admire you both and all the dogs. Rest up now and have a safe trip back home.
Lori

You both have done Siberians proud!!!!
Your inspiration in the midst of tragedy is overwhelming. Having four Siberians of our own we were following you closely and routing you on. Our prayers are with both of you through this difficult time. God Bless both of you and your TEAM!
Mike and Kim

Hey Jen,
You rock, girl! We're so proud of your grit and determination in continuing in the Iditarod after the accident. And we wanted you to know that we were following the race and watched via the Nome webcam as you crossed the finish line. Congrats to both you and Blake from the folks at Lucky Boy Farm!
Ruthanne

Congratulations on both of you finishing the race. I'm sure it was quite an adventure gather from what I have read on the race's website this last week. Hope all is well for the return trip home. Take care.
Dale, Joyce, Gabe & Jenna.

Hi Jenny & Blake too - (even though you have no idea who we are),
This is the Larson family ... your old palomino horse show friends. When I say old, I mean that literally :-o We have been following the race and cheering you on even when the going was rough. We can understand the heartache of losing a dog but you did the right thing by continuing the race. We knew you could do it ... to quote Reid "Jenny is a tough kid ... she rode Bert!" Funny, he still thinks of you as a kid.
We had groups of people at Mayo and IBM following the race too ... you have been quite the talk around Rochester the past 12 days :-) One of the people I work with had her husband's Riceville, IA 5th graders tracking your progress too :-)) Guess all of this makes you celebrities!!!!
Stay well, safe travels and best wishes for continued success!
Ron, Deb & Reid

Congratulations on completing the Iditarod and setting records!
Blake carried my sons' "Trail Mail Project" on the Iditarod. Cooper is 7 and Mason is 5. This is our first year of following the Iditarod and it has been such a great experience. My family will tell you I am now obsessed with all things mushing. I know you guys must be terribly busy getting back to MN from AK...but I just wanted to tell you how much fun Cooper and Mason have had watching your progress, and were so sad for you when the snowmobile accident occurred.
Each day they've been getting up to check your position and to make sure you didn't scratch :-) Cooper was quite worried his letter wouldn't actually be carried across the trail (that happened to some kids/classes when their mushers had to scratch). I'd check the standings and then Cooper would run upstairs to our big 3 ft by 4 ft map--they spent so much time creating that map!!--and see what checkpoint you had just left. Mason's just enjoyed watching the daily video clips on the Iditarod Insider page. They're so excited and so looking forward to getting their letter back.
Thank you so much for running in the Iditarod and giving my boys such a great time!!
Andi - Woodbridge, Virginia

Way to go, you two! And congrats on setting a new record. After all you two have been through, you deserve it. It was nice to see the two of you on the Insider video. Great job, and welcome to Nome!
Linda

Jen & Blake...Congratulations on the finish of the greatest race on earth..When Joan and I meet you both in Anchorage we both knew that you both would finish the race..I spoke to your mom in Willow and told her I have no doubt you both would finish,I could tell by the way you both carried yourself and looked after all the kids (dogs)..Our deepest sympathy goes to you both. We were both heart broken,It felt as if one our own had been(sent to heaven)..We knew you both would dig down and find a way to finish the race..If not for yourself but for Lorne and all the wonderful dogs you have.. Again we say congratulation for a job well done and a million thanks for making a dream come true for me and my family..Hope to see you this summer on our trip to Ely to see the wolf puppies..
Thanks again Forrest & Joan

no pictures but a huge Congratulations. Job well done under extraordinary circumstances.. Hugs, Diana

Congratulations on a fantastic accomplishment ! It surely took an extreme level of determination and perserverance to complete the race.
Stephen - MA

Congrats Congrats Congrats Congrats - You guys are awesome - beautiful - talented - and now superstars - can't wait to hear stories when you get home. I'm so glad that you made it safe and sound in the end - and what a finish. Now just the long haul home - but coming home winners!!! I'm sure that Lorn is proud of you and her teammates for finishing so well.
Loranda

Fantastic performance, Siberian Power!
What a finish, unbelievable! The bar for the Siberian Husky has been well and truly raised.
It’s great to see a consistently fast Siberian team, but two team, WOW, that something else; 20 Siberians from one “small” kennel performing at the level your teams have done is absolutely incredible.
Well done and I hope that will wipe the derogatory term that’s bandied about implying that Siberian Huskies are slow; at least it doesn’t apply to the Jedeye Team.
Finishing the race in such a positive way is a real credit to both of you, you have certainly done it the hard way, showing courage, determination, cool heads and most importantly happy dogs, and then being able to share the experience with loved one. We are really and truly impressed; congratulations!
Warm wishes for the future,
Joan & Ragnar - New Zealand

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Jen & Blake !!!!!!!!! Congrats !!! Great video clip of you guys !! way to go ! you guys just flew in !!
Hugs Dave & Bonz

Congratulations Blake and Jenny,
Your an inspiration to us all.
Mike

Congratulations Jen and Blake, great job! :)))
Warmest Regards, Jenni & Kefeus sibes from Finland

Blake & Jen,
Congratulations to you Blake for now holding the new Siberian record for the Iditarod. It has to be incredibly difficult to continue on after Lorne died, but like Jen stated it was great that you two had each other on the trail to help both of you get through the difficult times. I hope that despite the tradegy, you both enjoyed the great experience and that you were able to finish.
Congratulations again and I am extremely sorry for the loss of Lorne and Aries injuries.
Sincerely, Kathryn - Canada

What an incredible way to beat the adversities that were thrown at them. Sincere admiration for a job so very well done. Great record for Siberians!!
Joanne

I don't know either one of you, but I just want to send my condolences on the lose of your beautiful Lorne and the injury to handsome Aries. I pray for a 100% recovery for Aries and that the rest of your race goes great and you stay safe. Your team members aka Siberians are just beautiful works of art each one is just so beautiful they look like a painting. Perfect markings and those beautiful intense eyes you are very lucky to have such wonderful teams around you and your husband. Thank You for sharing your stories and all the beautiful and breath taking pictures. I was also glad to read that you are a veterinarian your team members are in such wonderful hands. Gary Paulsen got me started on the Iditarod with his book Winterdance. What an eye opener, part funny, scary, intense, sad and happy all at the same time. I also read Running North written by Ann Mariah Cook. A great woman's take on a very intense hard difficult race. Do you have any thoughts of ever writing a book about what you have done and all your wonderful experiences?
God Bless both of you, all your wonderful 4 legged furry friends and team members.
I hope your hand is healing great
Sincerely,
Sharon from sunny California
Now an avid fan from the lower 48.

Congratulations!!!!!! I've been following your progress for the whole Iditarod, and for the last 2 hours have been glued to the webcam of the finish. Way to go! No need to answer this. I'm a malamute owner from Wisconsin who has followed the Iditarod for a long, long time, and I love it when Minnesota folks enter and finish. So sorry about Lorne. I shed some tears for you. Take care.
Joanne

Dear Jen and Blake, My name is Kristina and live in the Czech Republic. I have Siberian Huskies and was shocked to find out what happened to you at Nulato. I'm very sorry that you lost your Lorne and hope that Aries will be alright soon. I just wanted to tell you that me and my family wish you all the luck possible. We're watching your progress in Iditarod and admire your dedication.
I'm sure there are hundreds of people all over the world who wish you luck as well.
Kristina and family Siwash Legend kennel www.siwashlegend.cz

Great news! We found the Frekings through a combination of our love for Huskies, and my youngest daughter age 10's interest in mushing) see attached pic. The interest grew from my using the Iditarod as total thematic unit in the classroom each year, from math, to history, to geography and more.
All of us here at our house are so happy they were able to over come a terrible obstacle to do so well.
Laurie

Dean Jennifer and Blake,
I have been following the Iditarod since it started and particularly watched for the two of you being from Minnesota. We live in a northern suburb of Mpls. in Spring Lake Park, it is near Northtown mall if you remember where that is, I am sure you do being from Cambridge. Anyhow, it has been quite a race and so happy for you that you both finished. We saw in the Mpls. paper yesterday about the accident that killed your dog, Lorne. That was very, very sad and I am sure it was extremely emotional for both of you. I am glad that you had each other or it would have made it so much worse. I know what is like to lose a dog tragically and it is so heartbreaking. But, I congratulate you for going on and finishing the race. I hope future races are much safer for you and your dogs, and just keep doing it!!
Good luck in the future...I will keep tabs on you!
Carol

What an outrageous thing to happen, the whole team must have been scared out of their wits, poor dogs.
Good on you for carrying on and you’re doing it with vengeance it seems from the speed you guys are setting. Go Sibes!
It is great to see that you guys are raising the bar for Siberian Husky racing. There is a lot more speed in them than they are given credit for.
I don’t believe it’s a show judge that can decide what is a good Siberian Husky.
All the best from the other side of the world, New Zealand.
Joan & Ragnar

Jenny,
You probably don’t remember me, but I will refresh your memory. I rode to Windom with you to a horse show a number of years ago. My chestnut gelding, Tucker, came along for the ride to the palomino show just for experience. Your mother and a friend of hers from the East came to the show for a short time too.
Anyway, the reason I am sending this note is to let you know how bad I feel about your dogs, especially Lorne. I hope Aries makes a full recovery. I just can’t imagine how awful that must have been. Mary Beth told me about you being in the race, then about the accident so I found your website. It sounds like you were having a great time up until then and I just wanted to let you know how sorry I am that that happened.
Sincerely, Mary

I just wanted to say that I am sorry about what happened to Lorne and Aries. My heart goes out to you and I can't imagine how I'd feel. I admire you for having the courage to continue the race, and I hope you do well.
Deb

Hi,
I was so sorry to hear about the terrible thing that happened to you and your dogs. You are very brave going on!
Christa from California

sry to hear about ur dogs jennifer and that most have been rly scary. my teacher and me were talking about it and she said that u should file somthing against whoever hit u. but i was even scared for u. hehe just keep up the good work to rush take ur time. cuz i don't want u or the team to get hit again so good luck and i g2g and i'm the person from chetek wisconsin that is keeping track of u while ur on the trail and my friend kyle is keeping track of blake so don't worry about it.
Email me back some time plz and good luck as always
Andrea

Blake and Jen,
Our deepest sympathies to you on your tragic loss. My heart cries for you, since I realize each dog is a part of the family. We're hoping and praying that you can make it to that famed burled arch anyway. You have such courage and our tremendous admiration!! May you find comfort in memorializing the untimely death, by being able to finish.
Sincerely- and may you find happier trails ahead, you brave, brave couple.
Judy from Windom, MN

Dear Blake and Jen:
I'm so sorry for the tragedy you suffered, and I am so proud of you for your determination and sportsmanship. Here's wishing you both a happy finish, and continued great sledding in the future.
Florence

Dear Jennifer and Blake,
So sorry to hear about the loss of your dog Lorne and injury to Aries during the Iditarod. We did not expect this kind of news figuring that weather or creatures other than man would be a bigger issue. Despite this unfortunate set back, we are gland to see that you decided to finish the race. Every participant that finishes this race should consider themselves a winner.
Best wishes for a safe return to Minnesota.
Drs. Dave and Peggy from Stillwater, MN

Hello to both of you. I want to say how sorry I am for the loss of your beautiful dog and know that we are all pulling for you as you finish this great race to Nome. Words do not convey! You do not even want to know my attitude about these machines. I am so sorry this had to happen and hope you will be able to continue to race your beautiful Siberian teams. I have attached a photo I took in Anchorage of some Siberian team members but do not know if they are your dogs. Wouldn't it be fun if they are yours. I am quite proud of this particular photo and there is no getting around how spectacular this breed is.
I am a California girl at heart and have a girlfriend who used to live in Nome and who worked on 4 of the first finishes of the race back in the early 1970s. Having been a die hard Australian Shepherd owner, I never would have imagined owning a husky. A few years ago a dog came into my life that will make me a husky owner forever. Liberty is a hybrid (can't figure out why anyone would do that to a dog), her mother a purebred Malamute and her father half German Shepherd, half Timber Wolf. She is a gentle soul and the love of my life. Best wishes to you in your quest and know the memory of your Lorne will keep you warm.
Best wishes Penny

Dear Jen and Blake,
I am so very sorry for the news of what happened on the trail. That is about the worst thing that one could imagine anytime let alone on the Iditarod Trail. Though I was happy to hear you are able to continue the race and that you have each other to run with. I will be praying for your safe travels to Nome. and I hope you are able to still find joy inthe rest of the trail.
Brick

Hey Jen & Blake,
I just wanted to say what a horrible tragedy of your loss of Lorne, and with injured Aries! I just wanted to send my condolences to you both. You both are very strong to finish the race!!:) Best of luck to Nome!
Kasey

Jen and Blake,
I have been following the happenings of the Iditarod race via MSN online, I am learning a few things. I would like to share that the winner’s announcement and the celebrations that come along with it, were suddenly overshadowed by the loss of one of your team members, Lorne. I am truly sorry for your loss! But at the same time, I was thrilled to read that you decided to continue the race. That is the spirit of the Iditarod.
P.S. Best wishes to Aries.
Signed, A non-musher, but a lover of nature and animals. Marina

I read with horror of your unfortunate loss. When you get back, when it’s timely and appropriate, I would like to gift you with a free five day clinic in the Canine Kinaesthetics system of physical therapy for dogs here at the ranch in Arizona. I can accommodate one or the both of you in my spare bedroom for the five day clinic. I believe in the sport, and the dogs and their mushers. It’s a small thing I can do that might aid you and your dogs in the future. Blessings, sing your dog’s death song out in those wild open spaces. And I am so terribly sorry for your loss. When you see him, tell Lance that the gal who he met at the conference in Reno who does the hands on work on the dogs sends her highest regards to him. My best regards to all out there on the trail.
Maryna

I don't know if you guys remember me, but we met at the MAVT convention when you spoke in Duluth a couple of years ago. I saw on the news the tragedy you suffered as a result of a snowmobile accident and I wanted to let you know how sorry I was. I hope everything is going well. Take care.
Christopher

We are very sorry for the incident to come Jennifer if you have occasion to hear her tell to her that we are close, follow on the the race on internet
With affection, Ugo e Simonetta (from Italy)

Just read the article concerning the loss of your dog during the Iditarod race. I just want to say how sorry I am.
Our niece Melissa is running so we have kept up on the race. This was very sad news for us. Please accept our prayers & sympathy for you and your husband at this time.
Chris & Ken, all our boys and 3 dogs Lacey, WA

After reading the sad story of Lorne and Aries my heart goes out to you both. They are both very beautiful dogs! You are in my prayers for a safe journey as you finish the race. May your hearts be healed and your pain be released as you feel Lorne presence running along side you always! May Aries heal fast and strong, not having future effects from this accident.
Carol - Alaska

Jen and Blake,
My thoughts and prayers are with you both as you continue your race to Nome. Your story was on the evening news tonight, and I felt the urge to email and let you know that I'm thinking of you and cheering you on as your finish your race. I am so sorry for your loss of Lorne. I know how much you love your dogs and how much she will be missed.
It's crazy how time as flown by since school and I'm so happy to see you both continuing to race and doing so well at it.
Take care - Happy Trails, ~Naomi

Hey Jenny,
I was so sorry to hear about the loss of your beautiful sled dog....
We're still rootin' for ya! And I am so proud of you!
Kendra

Jen and Blake,
You are amazing! I am so proud of you for staying on the trail. My heart broke when I heard what happened. Lorne is now my computer wallpaper. She was a beautiful dog and I am so very sorry for your loss. We're all pulling for you here in South Dakota and we'll follow you to the finish!!!
Love, Mona

Jennifer & Blake,
I felt so heavy hearted reading the news today about the loss of Lorne and the injury to Aries. I can’t begin to imagine the amount courage and determination that it takes to continue on to Nome. I hope the rest of the trail will bring you peace as you reflect on the joy and loyalty that Lorne demonstrated during her run in this race. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sharon - Anchorage

I just wanted to pass along a little note of condolence on the tragedy during the Iditarod. I'm a huge dog lover and actually got to see a part of the race when I lived in Alaska as a child. I've been following the race closely this year and I was just heart broken by what happened. I'll be thinking of both of you and your teams as you complete the trip to Nome. My two Border Collies and Black Lab will be barking for both of you.
Best, Kelly in Louisville

Dear Jen and Blake,
I am incredibly sorry for your loss I cannot imagine what you must have gone through. My thoughts and prayers have been and will be with you as you continue along your Iditarod journey. Keep your spirits up and know that your girl will be keeping watch over you as you continue on. Again, my deepest sympathies.
Sincerley, Fayth

Dear Jennifer,
I am a second grader at Weaver Elementary School. My class at school is tracking you and your dogs as you race in the Iditarod. We have been talking about you in class and hoping you do well. I'm writing to say sorry about the snowmobile crash especially for Lorne, who died. I used to have two dogs named Puc and Beth. One died from sickness and one died from old age. I know how hard it is to lose a dog. I'm sure you are very sad right now because I was very sad when my dogs died. I know they are up in heaven, and I will see them some day. I'm sure you will see Lorne again some day, too. I think you are very brave for racing in the Iditarod. I hope you get a trophy. I'm really glad all the rest of your dogs are ok. My four year old sister and everyone else in my family is sorry, too.
Sincerely, Ben

My husband and I are just Iditarod fans and follow the race day by day. We also are the happy owners of a Siberian Husky and love him and other huskies. So it was quite a shock to learn about what happened to your team this morning. In fact, my husband, who goes to his computer as soon as he is up to find out what’s happened during the night, came into the kitchen crying about it.
I wish I could do more than offer you all my support and friendly thoughts in this hard time. Congratulations for deciding to continue on the trail. May it bring healing to both of you.
Dominique

Jen and Blake,
I am so sorry to hear about your tragedy. My heart goes out to both of you.
Best wishes for ARIES. You are both in my thoughts.
Ingrid

Wishing you both a safe and spirit lifting journey to the burled arch. Your courage, strength and commitment sets you apart and we are so pleased you have each other for support.
All our thoughts are with you.
Mel & Nigel

I have been watching the race online from my home here in Minnesota (St. Michael) and I wanted to just say that your loss of Lorne is indeed a great loss to your family as she was your friend, your companion, and you both shared in the pride of dog sledding together. Lorne, such a beauty, now races across the great skys as she still follows your quest. She still runs with you!!!!! God bless and thanks for representing Minnesota, Kathy

LAKE & JEN, I'M SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT THE LOSS OF LORNE. AND I HOPE ARIES HEALS 100 %. YOU HAVE MY HEARTFELT SYMPATHY, AND I HOPE AND PRAY THE REST OF YOUR TRIP TO VERY MEMORABLE.
SINCERELY, BRENDA FROM NORTH BRANCH

Jen,
You help with health care of our dogs at our home near Little Marais. We are heart broken over the death & injury of your sled dog in your snowmobile accident during the Iditarod. We will donate to your cause. It is not much but we appreciate your loving care you show to our three dogs at the Clinic. Shae, Norman & Lulu. We are retired and have adopted and loved over 10 dogs in our life. The loss of any of our pets is like loosing a child as I am sure you know. GOD love you & Blake and hope you guys are OK.
Yours Truly Tom & Debbie

Dear Jen,
As a Minnesotan who has lived in Alaska for 10 wonderful years now, I feel awful about what has happened to you on the Iditarod trail. This would put veteran mushers out of competition. Kudos to both of you for keeping to the trail. My family still all lives in the McGregor MN area. We are in Chugiak AK Please feel free to e-mail us for anything we can do to help. Housing, pick up of dogs anything, you can ask DeeDee Jonrowe for references on us. Or Melissa Owens, both families know us well.
Sallyjoe

I was saddened to read about the death of your Lorne. Although she's not there physically pulling the sled, her spirit is running with you. Best wishes to you.
Claudia, former Alaskan & North Dakotan

To Jen and Blake,
As a Minnesotan born in Brainerd and now living in Colorado I have always followed the Iditarod. More importantly I follow the Minnesota mushers in the race. I am heart-struck to hear of your accident. Especially the loss of Lorne. So I felt compelled to write a quick note and commend you on your decision to continue. I'm sure it wasn't an easy decision. However I liken it to myself playing baseball. If something tragic happened I wouldn't want my team to pack it up and quit for anything. I truly believe the best way to honor the memory of your beloved dog is to continue. I wish you good luck, good health, and mostly good fortunes for the rest of your journey. Your thoughts and prayers are with myself and my family all the way from Colorado.
Sincerely, Jesse

We are very sorry for your loss, and can only imagine how it affects you both. We wish you all the best on your way to Nome.
Kari

We were so sorry to hear about the accident our thoughts and prayers are with you. Thank you for showing that pure bred dogs can work and look good at the same time.
Bob & Debbie, Colorado

It just broke my heart to hear about the loss of such a beautiful, courageous animal. Although my company sponsors 3 other mushers, I like to keep up with all the news about the race. I love all animals, but have a special place in my heart for huskies.
I will say a special prayer for Lorne as she awaits you at Rainbow Bridge (CLICK HERE), and another one for the full recovery of Aries.
Regards, Kitty

I’ve been following the Iditarod in an entranced fashion since the start this year. It’s been an unusual weather year and watching this large field of Mushers and their teams has been better than any movie turned out of Hollywood.
It was absolutely stunning to read of the snowmobile slamming into your camp and the death and injury it caused. Truly unimaginable, and I among millions of followers, am so sorry you two are having to deal with it – but am so heartened you are dealing with it the way you are. It takes great strength to continue on and you’ve managed to turn the Iditarod into a healing event for yourselves and your animals.
Thank the Universal powers that be – the physical damage was not worse and didn’t extend to either of you. Bless everyone to a successful conclusion and extra helpings of that to your efforts.
Sincerely, Julia Phoenix, AZ

Jen and Blake, I have been folllowing the race as an insider from I. Falls, Mn. I heard of the accident on the news last night. I am so sorry. I can only imagine what it must have been like, having dogs of my own. I couldn't even sleep last night. Your both tuff........I wish you both and your teams the very best with the rest of the race. Try to have a good time.

Jen and Blake:
I read of your tragedy with Lorne at a stop on the trail. I cannot imagine the pain and loss. I guess they need some rules on the snowmobilers on the trails. Thankfully you both decided to keep moving forward and focus on getting to Nome. I track the race daily on the insider web page and have been fascinated with this race since it began. Good Luck and my prayers are with you both. Mush On!
Jocelyn

Dear Blake and Jen,
I want to express my condolences on the loss of Lorne and I hope Aries makes a speedy recovery. You know as well as anyone that sled dogs love to run and Lorne would want you to continue the race, if possible. I know your spirits are dashed but finishing the race for Lorne and Aries is a great place to start the healing. Lorne will be there in spirit, running right along side the team, encouraging them – and you – to not give up. And I bet she’ll do it with all the joy a running a sled dog can muster. Best of luck to you both and your teams.
God Speed, Kelli

Dear Jen and Blake,
We are friends of Bonnie and Dave and that’s how you came to our attention! We have been watching your progress via the web and were just stunned to hear of your recent accident on the trail, and the loss of Loren having Aries injured. You have our deepest condolences on the loss of your precious girl Loren and for the shock you two must have experienced. We are praying that Aries will be just fine eventually! What a nightmare for you all!
But you are continuing on, and are showing great poise and class. I am writing this note so you will know you have our total support! I have sent you a check via snail mail in Jen’s name, to your home. At least the address listed on your web site. We want you to use this for either Aries’s recovery or for the expensive medivac trip for him down to the clinic in Wasilla. We know no one could have anticipated this horrible accident.
Take it easy, I am sure you and the dogs will have some nightmares for some time to come. We are so glad you guys are traveling together! You have each other to get you thru this, and that’s as it should be! Well, this surely will be one tall tale you can tell your kids and grand kids won’t it?
Best of luck to you in the future!
Sincerely, Julie and Rich

Jen & Blake...
I am a friend of Bonnie and I was just heart broken to hear what happen Lorne & Aries. My heart and prayers are with you. I know this is not something that any of us would have thought to have happened.
I am been following your progress with the race and when you ran the Beargrease. I was happy to hear that you decided to continue the race and complete it. I hope and pray that finishing the race gave you some healing and comfort with what happened. And I was so happy that you both were not hurt and were traveling together. You are two very special people.
Donna

Jennifer and Blake: I realize you guys are on the trail and won’t get this for some time. I check the internet many times daily for Iditarod updates. Horrified to read about the snowmobile accident! I’m praying for strength for you guys. I hope you hang in there and finish strong!
Tom - Alexandria, MN

I am so very sorry for the losses to the team. I cannot help but admire Blake and Jen for continuing to work through this grueling endeavor. Although I don’t have even an inkling about what it’s like to be a musher (I am a new spectator), I truly admire all of you for your commitment to the dogs, the sport, and the spirit of competition. My prayers are with you all…
Cheryl

Our deepest sympathies for the loss of Lorne. My partner & I are Alaskan Malamute lovers following the race in Melb., Australia. We were shocked & saddened about the accident, and the loss and injury to Jennifer's team.
We wish you and your furries all the best, especially Aries, and hope that your pure breed teams can continue with the race and make it to Nome. Our thoughts are with you both,
Jonathan

Blake and Jennifer,
I do not have words that can adequately relay my feelings. I am so sorry for your loss. I am sure that your courage and that of your dogs will see you to where ever you need to go be it nome or somewhere in your hearts and spirits. My thoughts are with you.
Yuuki

I just wanted to write and let you know my entire family and I have been rooting and watching you guys since the start of the Iditarod this year. We all get the Iditarod Checkpoint News email, and were very excited when we saw the photo of Jennifer with Gonzo. We are all devistated when we heard about the accident, and we fully support you in your continuing the race. It's what Lorne and Aries would have wanted, I believe.
We love you guys and cant wait to see you finish!
Your fans from Nebraska and Minnesota, Tiffany and family

What a terrible news it was hear that you lost one of your dogs and another was hurt badly. There is no words for that. Great that you are there together, and you decided to continue.
Lots of warm thoughts, Jenni (from Finland)

Dear Blake and Jennifer,
I just wanted to express my shock and sadness over the loss of your beautiful dog and the injury of another. Whether or not it is appropriate, I would love to express my outrage and anger concerning the idiot who hit Jen's team. I hope that someday there will be some way to control snow machiners during dog races. I would wish for some giant with a large club to chase him around the river and smack his snow machine into itty-bitty bits, and maybe give him (or her) a good smack or two, also, if it would do any good. I don't know his side of the story, but I doubt if there are any really good mitigating circumstances.
That said, I am glad you determined to continue, though perfectly understandable if you didn't. I think Karen Ramstead did the right thing by scratching last year; I think you are doing the right thing by continuing this year.
I am a 64 year old grandmother who lives near the Everglades in south central Florida, in a climate not conducive to the comfort of huskies, but still love the Iditarod.
I hope that this will have been the worst nightmare you will ever have experienced from now on. God bless you.
Best always, Margaret

Jen & Blake,
I am so very sorry to hear about Lorne and Aries. I am quite upset at thinking of how the entire situation occurred. Obviously, I have no idea how you two are feeling, but it really saddens me that this happened to two healthy dogs.
This winter I'm Karen Ramstead's dog handler and stayed in Alberta and I share your love for the Siberian Husky breed. Currently, I have two of my own and one, Sierra, who died 3 years ago from cancer. I've also visited the International Wolf Center and was a wolf pup nanny in 2004. My dogs have even stayed at the Ely clinic for a weekend.
I just had to write to you to let you know how sorry and incredibly sad I am for you when this should have been a joyous time for you two.
Sincerely, Kathryn

Dear Jen and Blake,
I have been, so far, following your progress quietly, but now, in between tears, I have to let you know how sorry I am to hear about the loss of your sweet Lorn. What a terrible accident! The only comfort is that Aries will be able to survive, and that none of your other pups got injured. Lorn helped you get so far: I am so proud of you to continue the race she started with you, and very happy that you have each other.
Take care, Mary-Jane

Blake and Jen,
I am a new sled dog race fan. We moved to the Duluth area in November 2006. My son and I were able to be at the first checkpoint of the Beargrease. Sorry to find out that Jen had to scratch. But I really enjoyed watching all the racers. I have been following the Iditarod and I was sorry to hear that Jens team was involved in an accident with a snowmobile. Also, you have my sympathy for Lorne. I hope the other dog injured is ok.
My thoughts and prayers are with you while you are still on the trails!!
Lisa

Dear Jen and Blake,
I have tears in my eyes as I write this. I am so sorry to hear of the tragedy that occurred on the trail.
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. We are so sorry. Please come to dinner this spring or summer.
We wish you the best on the last part of the trail and we pray for a safe journey home.
With love, Wendy, Christopher, Gabriel and Luis

I KNEW you two would carry on! You have worked so hard to get to where you are at right now, and have made it over many hurdles along the way. This is the worst tragedy yet, but you two are TOUGH and I know you will get thru this tragedy too. You have been doing a great job through this entire race and we all know you will keep doing a great job all the way to Nome.
Wishing you more than ever before, Warm thoughts and cool trails,
don

Dear Jen & Blake Freking
I was deeply saddened to learn about the tragedy that struck Jen's Iditarod team today with the passing of Lorne. With your vet training I know she had the best of care. Death by natural causes or wild animals might be explained but not by a snowmachine. My thoughts and prayers are with you both and the extended family.
God bless, Charlie - Annapolis, MD

Dear Jennifer and Blake,
My heart goes out to you on the loss of Lorne and the injuries sustained by Aries. I'm sure no words can ease your pain, but know that you are in my prayers. You have a beautiful team which I only got to meet briefly at the Cambell Airstrip. Going to Nome is a good decision, which I'm sure was not an easy one to make. Carry Lorne and Aries in your hearts and under the burled Arch.
God be with you through the rest of your journey!
Karen - Bridgewater, NJ

Dear Jen and Blake~
We met you (Blake) at the ceremonial start, and wanted to let you know that we have been watching and cheering for you both (all!) We are both originally from MN, and now teach here in Anchorage. We actually spent 2 years in East Bethel hoping that would keep us content from moving back to AK. Our 2 huskies insisted they wanted to be back in AK!!
We were very sad to hear the news today, but thought that you should know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers as you finish your difficult journey. It is wonderful that you decided to continue the trail together. Anything is possible when you have your best friend!
Best of luck with the rest of the race. We are cheering for our fellow Minnesooootans!
If you make it back to Anchorage and would like to share any stories from the trail with a great 5th grade class, give me a shout! I know that you will all be extremely tired, and you have a long drive home (we've done it 5 times), but the invite is open!
You are in our thoughts and prayers~ Krista and Rick

Dear Blake and Jen,
We wanted you to know how sad we were to hear of your loss. We have been following your progress and it made us very happy to think of you together living your dream. We know how hard you worked and sacrificed to get there. And now again we are happy to know you are together to help each other get through this.
God bless you, our love and prayers,
Beth, Rebekah, Tom and Pat

Dear Jennifer and Blake - I wanted to send our condolences on the accident and your loss of Lorne. I can't imagine how terrible the whole incident must have been. I hope that Ares will recover fully.
You have our deepest sympathies.
Joni

Jennifer,
I was so heart stricken when I heard of the accident which resulted in your lost of Lorne. My condolences go out to you and Blake. I raise Siberians myself with the intent to run the Iditarod, hopefully in 2010, and I know the pain one suffers when you loose one of your dear beloved friends.
I saw that the two of you have decided to continue to Nome. My prayers go out to you, Blake and your two teams for a safe and protected journey to Nome and back home. May the spirit of Lorne, such a beautiful young girl, be with you and watch over you while you are out of the trail before she crosses the Rainbow Bridge and goes North of the Rainbow Bridge to play with all of the over Siberians that await for us to join them.
Our blessing are also sent out for a quick and speedy recovery of Aries. May he recover fully and continue his adventures of a Siberian Race Dog!!!
God Speed and Happy Trails
Remember the Spirit of Lorne will be with you just look up into the night sky...
Pete - Joliet, Montana

Dear Jen and Blake - our deepest sympathies! But so glad you decided to finish the race - for yourselves as well as the rest of the team.
Sally

Go for it. And know that there are lots of us out in cyber space wishing you the best!!!
Charlene

lease tell them they have more fans than they know. I'm pulling for them to finish well, even while we are all grieving for them and Lorne.
Safe trails all the way to Nome!
Blessings, Linda in GA

Such a sad and unnecessary tragedy. While Lorn's loss is unbearable, it could have been so much more tragic. I am very relieved to hear the rest of the team and Jen and Blake were not seriously or fatally injured as well. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and we support you 100% in your decision to continue. May the rest of your journey be swift and safe and may it bring some peace to your heart.
Melissa - Taja Siberians

Dear Jen and Blake,
WE will be keeping you in our thoughts and prayers as you continue your journey to Nome. Words cannot express our sadness for your loss. Have a safe journey and let it be known that Lorne will continue with you in spirit wearing her silver harness.
Sincerely, Joanne and Amanda - Snowkitten Siberian Huskies - Puget Sound Siberian Husky Club

Jen,
I live in Anchorage and met your dogs at the Willow re-start. A beautiful team. I was sorry to read today about the loss of your dog due to the snowmachiner who ran into your team.
Losing a pet is never easy, my prayers are with you. I hope you have enough strength to finish the race in her honor.
B

Hi Jen and Blake- What a shocking story when I read it this afternoon here at school. I came to your home site and was pleased to read your note back. Many blessings the rest of you are unharmed and safe travel as both of you take your teams to Nome. My second graders will be watching your finish with very special thoughts.for you. What a blessing that you have each other. Lynne

Blake and Jen -
Our prayers are with you and the dogs. We are very sorry for your loss of Lorne and pray for Aries full recovery. Aries is in good hands at the Wasilla Clinic, that is the regular clinic for the Team Stormwatch dogs.
Terry and Dave

My 2nd grade students and I are following your quest on the Iditarod. We wanted to let you know that our hearts and prayers are with you. I am sorry that you lost a member of your family today. She was a beautiful dog! My students would like to help create a memorial for her.
Thank you, Kim

I mostly lurk on this list, but have been following Jen and Blake's race closely. I got up this morning and ran to my computer to see who was where; mushers have scratched, so I went to the press relese page to see why, and there was the semi-ominous "Advisory", where I read with tears in my eyes what had happened. It's so horrible, I can't even think of what to say; and unfortuneately, this happened to another Iditarod team several years ago; I can't remember whose team, but several dogs were killed. It's sad to say that in a place where drinking is a sport, combined with fast snowmachines and darkness, this can and does happen :-(
Jen and Blake, my prayers and thoughts are with you both, and especially Aries, and Lorne. Whatever you each decide to do, I know it will be what is best for the dogs and for yourselves. I can only speak for myself, but I imagine the rest of the list would agree, that I have nothing but admiration for you, and the fondness of being a fan. We support and love you no matter what.
Blessings, Jane

HI Jen and Blake!
Barb just sent an email about the sad news. I cannot imagine how you must feel! I know you both have worked so hard to just get to the race.
All of us at the Spring Creek Dog Farm (as I call it) are sending a big hug and wishing safe trails in the future.
Cathy

am so very sorry about Lorne's death and I am praying for you and for the recovery of Aries.
Karen - Anchorage

How awful! My thoughts and prayers are with them!
Holly

I was feeling totally sick about this, until I tried looking at this from a different view. Yes this is horrible, and I feel really bad. Thanks to Bonz I have met these two, and they are so nice, great smiles, easy to poke fun at, good people. People who will handle this with grace, pride and sensitivity.
What I have been thinking, is wow God really put a twist on this, they are having the adventure of a lifetime. They are together in this race, they are seeing the beautiful landscape together, feeling the rigor of the race together, probably stealing some loving moments, all of these wonderful things together. Maybe God was just trying to show them the best and the worst at the same time. Think about the stories they will have to share someday with their kids or grand kids, or I think the story would make a great Lifetime Movie.
They are in this grand race and literally experiencing every emotion there is to feel, how many of us will ever be able to say the same. Its vigorous, alive, loving, heart pounding, beautiful, fresh and tragic all at the same time.
I hope sharing this makes at least one of you feel better, and no one takes any offense.
Dotte

Hi All,
I am completely devastated over this senseless tragedy and it has struck me like these were my own.
When we all got together and decided to help sponsor a dog for the Freking teams and we had to submit a dog name then we would vote etc., Lorne was the one I had chosen for my input. Being a Malamute owner, I had just had to have that little brown eye girl and she was such a beauty.
I was at work when I received the emails and I had to step away for a bit this morning because this has really upset me. The time, effort and love that theFrekings put into all of this, to have such a tragedy occur.
I can't imagine the devastation they must be feeling, the anger, the grief, the loss. I just can't imagine any of it. I don't think I could go on but do you? and finish in honor of Lorne and Aries. I mean how do you decide that?
I am ready to do whatever I can; just let me know.
Thanks, Delilah

Jen and Blake,
You are still in this for the right reasons, don't loose sight. The accident was unforeseen. It takes courage to run the Iditarod and you both have that.
We are heartbroken and are still pulling for the finish of this now tragic race.
Our love and thoughts are with you daily,
Susan and the students at Amherst Middle School

My heart and thoughts are with you guys, been tracking you everyday and thinking of you. I'm so sorry -
Loranda

I just don't have any words. How can something like this happen??
If there's anything, anything at all to do make things better I would. I'm in tears, too. Lorne was such a sweet young girl..
Cindy and everybody else being in contact to Jen and Blake, please tell them our support.
- mari

This is the tragedy we mushers fear every training run while sharing the trails with snowmobiles.
PLEASE send Jen and Blake our love.
- Rhonda & Bob

Hi, you don't know me, but I am your great Aunt, Blake. I think you know Ed from Heron lake, he is my son. I live in Lake Crystal, MN. I had a lady ask me today if you were a relative of mine and I proudly said "yes". She eventantly is following you guys on your trail. And I am trying to get all info I can on this computer, which I am not too good at. but I wish you both a lot of luck. A greatAunt, Marion

hey jennifer!!
good luck! my class/grade is chearing on someone from the iditarod and ur my peerson. u and blake are doing rly good. keep it up!!!! and lots and lots of good luck
andie

I am so excited, watching the Siberian teams' progress. Blake's team really made some great time from Rohn to Nikolai. Too bad it's so hot. I'm sure that's affecting the dogs, especially the Sibes since they are made for colder weather. I wonder if anyone has considered changing the race to January? Darn this global warming.
Ruth

February 28, 2008
Dear Jennifer and Blake,
We are a 2nd grade class at Centerville Elementary in Centerville, Minnesota. Centerville is a suburb located in the northern part of the Twin cities. We have been learning about the Iditarod race. It sounds like a dangerous, yet exciting time! Since we are from Minnesota, we wanted to select a Minnesota racer to follow. We choose the two of you! We will track your results as you run the Iditarod race.
We read your musher profiles. It sounds like you keep busy with all the dogs you train. Getting ready for the Iditarod must have been a lot of work. We saw all the bags that you packed to drop off at the different checkpoints.
We have our own IditaRead going on in our 2nd grade classrooms. It is not quite as dangerous as your race, but it did take a lot of determination and hard work. For each minute we read, that is how many miles we could move on the Iditarod Trail. We traveled to the different checkpoints, just like you will be doing. If we reach Nome, we get a pizza party!
Our class has many questions to ask you. Maybe when you are done with your race and are back home in Minnesota, you could send us a letter with some of the answers. We would love to hear from you! Below are some of the questions that we were wondering about.
Did you do the Iditarod race together, or did you each run your own race? How many dogs did you race with, and did any of the dogs get sick? What were the temperatures? How big were the icicles? Who cooks the food on the Iditarod? How did you feel when you raced? Did you ever run into a blizzard? Did a moose attack you? What did you carry in your sled? Was the race hard?
We wish you good luck in the Iditarod race! We hope the ice doesn't break like it did when Balto was racing. We'd love to hear back from you. We will send our real letters to you in the mail!
Your fans, The students in Mrs. Boespflug's 2nd grade class

Hello Team Freking,
We are happy to hear your hand has so much recovered that it allows you to start on the Iditarod, Jen. Good spirit! Hope the dogs have settled in nicely in their new environment and all is “under control”. (can it be?)
We wish you both a great journey and wonderful experience in this impressive undertaking. Keep away from moose, open waters and don’t break more bones ;-)!
Happy trails and when there is time and possibility we hope you share some tales from the trail in between. We will be cheering on you!
Best wishes and say hello to Natalie,
Karsten and Eveline and all the dogs at Vargevass