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Four Thousand Paws: Caring for the Dogs of the Iditarod: A Veterinarian's Story
An intimate account―the first from a trail veterinarian―of the canines who brave the challenges of the Iditarod. Few events attract as much attention, or create as much spectacle, as the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Each March, despite subzero temperatures and white-out winds, hundreds of dogs and mushers journey to Anchorage, Alaska, to participate in “The Last Great Race on Earth,” a grueling, thousand-mile race across the Alaskan wilderness. In Four Thousand Paws , award-winning trail veterinarian Lee Morgan tells the story of the heroic canine athletes who, using only their muscle and an innate drive to race, carry handlers between frozen outposts, risking injury, illness, and fatigue. From the huskies of Iditarods past to the dauntless dogs of today, Morgan shows how competitors surmount the dangers of the Arctic; how their body language anticipates the race; and how they despair, often refusing to eat, when pulled. In the tradition of Why Elephants Weep , this is an intimate look inside the animal mind―and a thrilling new account of a storied contest. 24 illustrations
304 pages, Hardcover
Published February 27, 2024
43 people are currently reading
2580 people want to read
About the author
Lee Morgan
1 book5 followersA longtime veterinarian, Lee Morgan runs his own practice in Washington, D.C. For over a decade, Morgan has treated dogs on-site at the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. He lives in Gaithersburg, Maryland, with his wife and children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews
August 26, 2024
Having previously experienced a glimpse into the world of sled dog racing during a visit to a camp in Skagway, Alaska, I approached this title with a mix of curiosity and anticipation.
The book provided a comprehensive and engaging exploration of the Iditarod from the viewpoint of one of the trail veterinarians. It highlighted the formidable length of the trail—an astonishing 1,049 miles, a nod to Alaska being the 49th state—and the extreme cold that racers endure. The narrative detailed the numerous checkpoints along the route, each varying in its setup and level of comfort, offering readers a vivid picture of the race's logistical and environmental challenges.
In terms of length and organization, the book struck the right balance. The stories, arranged by checkpoint and spanning multiple years, provided a well-rounded perspective on the race.
Overall, this book is an enlightening read for anyone interested in the Iditarod, offering a thorough look at the race's challenges and the resilience of its participants- human and canine.
-Diana F.
The book provided a comprehensive and engaging exploration of the Iditarod from the viewpoint of one of the trail veterinarians. It highlighted the formidable length of the trail—an astonishing 1,049 miles, a nod to Alaska being the 49th state—and the extreme cold that racers endure. The narrative detailed the numerous checkpoints along the route, each varying in its setup and level of comfort, offering readers a vivid picture of the race's logistical and environmental challenges.
In terms of length and organization, the book struck the right balance. The stories, arranged by checkpoint and spanning multiple years, provided a well-rounded perspective on the race.
Overall, this book is an enlightening read for anyone interested in the Iditarod, offering a thorough look at the race's challenges and the resilience of its participants- human and canine.
-Diana F.
May 8, 2024
If you ever wanted to go behind the scenes of the famous Iditarod dog sled race, held every year in Alaska, this is a must -read!
You will experience the race in the Alaskan wilderness through the eyes and voice of Lee Morgan. He is a veterinarian with a clinic in Washington D.C, that he runs with his wife. Lee is one of a few outstanding veterinarians who has had the fortune of being chosen to be part of the Iditarod core, several times. The way in which he recounts his adventures of caring for the brave dogs is just phenomenal; you’ll feel like you were there, and wish you had been!
You will experience the race in the Alaskan wilderness through the eyes and voice of Lee Morgan. He is a veterinarian with a clinic in Washington D.C, that he runs with his wife. Lee is one of a few outstanding veterinarians who has had the fortune of being chosen to be part of the Iditarod core, several times. The way in which he recounts his adventures of caring for the brave dogs is just phenomenal; you’ll feel like you were there, and wish you had been!
November 23, 2023
I want to start out by saying that I am primarily a fiction reader but I will read nonfiction books when I am intrigued by them and especially when they involve dogs as I am a huge dog lover. This book fascinated me from the start.
This is the tale of a trail veterinarian's experiences with the Iditarod. Told through the eyes of someone who focuses primarily on the dogs, he tells a story that has not been told before. The depth of the appreciation for these animals is clear in each and every page. The experiences are told in a way that brings you into the race itself and keeps you on the edge of your seat. The writing definitely matches up with the intenseness of the race itself.
There is great attention to detail when describing all of the preparation that goes into not only the care for the dogs but in being able to keep the voluntary veterinarians from getting hypothermia.
The best part of this book is that it not only tells you the history of the race but it also tells you how the race has evolved. There has been controversy over the care of the dogs in this race over the years. He takes great care to explain how the care has improved and how much these veterinarians, mushers, etc care about these dogs first and foremost. There is a focus on preventative care as well as immediate action as soon as a dog needs to be airlifted to recovery and is well taken care of until they are reunited with their musher/owner. It is important to pay attention to the stories he tells that reflect just how much that the owners and veterinarians care about these amazing animals.
I love how the author takes the time to describe where the name husky comes from and how these animals are equipped for the work that they do. Everything from their double layer of fur to the webbing in the feet that prevents ice buildup is fascinating and somehow perfectly constructed for these dogs who love doing what they do best.
The author does such a good job at describing the Husky personality and how different it is from other dogs. At one point he tells the story of a husky who outsources the game of fetch. That had me laughing out loud and was one of my favorites in the book.
This is the tale of a trail veterinarian's experiences with the Iditarod. Told through the eyes of someone who focuses primarily on the dogs, he tells a story that has not been told before. The depth of the appreciation for these animals is clear in each and every page. The experiences are told in a way that brings you into the race itself and keeps you on the edge of your seat. The writing definitely matches up with the intenseness of the race itself.
There is great attention to detail when describing all of the preparation that goes into not only the care for the dogs but in being able to keep the voluntary veterinarians from getting hypothermia.
The best part of this book is that it not only tells you the history of the race but it also tells you how the race has evolved. There has been controversy over the care of the dogs in this race over the years. He takes great care to explain how the care has improved and how much these veterinarians, mushers, etc care about these dogs first and foremost. There is a focus on preventative care as well as immediate action as soon as a dog needs to be airlifted to recovery and is well taken care of until they are reunited with their musher/owner. It is important to pay attention to the stories he tells that reflect just how much that the owners and veterinarians care about these amazing animals.
I love how the author takes the time to describe where the name husky comes from and how these animals are equipped for the work that they do. Everything from their double layer of fur to the webbing in the feet that prevents ice buildup is fascinating and somehow perfectly constructed for these dogs who love doing what they do best.
The author does such a good job at describing the Husky personality and how different it is from other dogs. At one point he tells the story of a husky who outsources the game of fetch. That had me laughing out loud and was one of my favorites in the book.
December 29, 2024
Dog sledding books are my favorite type of dog books. This book is a good one if you are interested in the veterinary side and it is a good way to round out your information on the Iditarod. While I found it reasonably interesting, and I learned some things, it however is not as exciting as a book based around racers in one of the dog sledding races.
As with most of my reviews, I will share some quotes from the book:
First I liked this quote which told me about the overall health of dogs in the first Iditarod race:
'Despite Adkins’s best efforts, the mushers and dogs who competed in the 1973 race were left largely to their own devices. Mushers cared for their canine counterparts as best as they could, instituting routine checks at each leg, Still, between sixteen and thirty dogs died that first year, with most succumbing to aspiration pneumonia or dehydration. No musher wants to see their dogs die, let alone in pain; many raise them from puppies and form real bonds with them over the years. The dogs that competed in the inaugural race were all working dogs, rather than pet or companion dogs, but they were just as valued.'
I also like learning how the dogs can run so long and far day after day:
'While genetics play a significant role, so too, does experience, for running (and especially running long distances) has a high metabolic cost. The dogs’ muscles must be strong, but most of all, they must be efficient. The ability to run fast and consistently for long periods of time depends on the body’s ability to provide adequate energy to working muscles and to efficiently remove waste products such as carbon dioxide and lactic acid. In both humans and dogs, only about a quarter of the energy from the breakdown of fats and carbohydrates in food is converted into mechanical energy; the rest is dissipated as heat. The primary focus of training for a race—for both humans and canines—is teaching the body to get better at converting available energy from glucose, carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into energy. This can only really be achieved through regular exercise.'
So at the start of the race, all the vets have to be working to check each dog out. Then they get spread out across the checkpoints to check dogs on the route. Here is a bit from the first dog he has to have pulled. Gums are not something I check or probably recognize when they are off. I gave the system to my vet and to a doctor friend, and they were pretty quick to come up with the same end guess on the problem. Maybe you can take a guess and I will tell you after the quote:
'At a glance, she seemed fine. She was just as happy as the rest of her team, wagging her tail and yapping along with the other pups, but on closer inspection, her gums were slightly too pale, paler than I’d expect to see in a healthy dog, I checked her heart rate, which was normal. I checked her breathing rate, which was also normal. Still, there was something that troubled me about those gums. I compared her gums against those of the dog beside her; sure enough, his were a slightly less pallid shade of pink.'
Later the dog was found to have small lesions in her stomach.
He says that sled dogs are not that stoic, and will let you know when feeling around if there is a problem areas:
'I flexed the right leg. When I touched her left shoulder, however, she didn’t yelp, bark, or nip at me, but there was an instant change of expression. Now she was looking at me with pleading eyes. Clearly, something was causing her pain.'
Most of the time the vets see feet or shoulder related injuries. I didn't know that shoulder injuries have to be handled differently:
'If this had been a minor wrist problem, the musher would have been right. A mild carpus pull might resolve itself. This isn’t the case for shoulder injuries. Following a course of rest and anti-inflammatories, the husky would be fine in a matter of days, but no shoulder injury was going to heal itself while she was still in the race. The musher knew this, and she quickly accepted it.'
I liked this paragraph towards the end of the book, and how it answers those who think running dogs is somehow cruel.
'My experience at the Iditarod has shown me that huskies experience love, fear, happiness, sadness, and maybe even hope. Some say that we shouldn’t have events like the Iditarod—that huskies shouldn’t be allowed to run with abandon through the wilderness, that their lives should be a gray existence of sleeping indoors on a bed and exercising only when their human owners are willing to take them on a leash around the neighborhood. Personally, I know thousands of huskies who would emphatically disagree.'
So if you have read a few dog sledding race books and want to know the story from the vets perspective, this would be a good book for you. If you want a more exciting dog sledding book, I would recommend quite a few other books.
As with most of my reviews, I will share some quotes from the book:
First I liked this quote which told me about the overall health of dogs in the first Iditarod race:
'Despite Adkins’s best efforts, the mushers and dogs who competed in the 1973 race were left largely to their own devices. Mushers cared for their canine counterparts as best as they could, instituting routine checks at each leg, Still, between sixteen and thirty dogs died that first year, with most succumbing to aspiration pneumonia or dehydration. No musher wants to see their dogs die, let alone in pain; many raise them from puppies and form real bonds with them over the years. The dogs that competed in the inaugural race were all working dogs, rather than pet or companion dogs, but they were just as valued.'
I also like learning how the dogs can run so long and far day after day:
'While genetics play a significant role, so too, does experience, for running (and especially running long distances) has a high metabolic cost. The dogs’ muscles must be strong, but most of all, they must be efficient. The ability to run fast and consistently for long periods of time depends on the body’s ability to provide adequate energy to working muscles and to efficiently remove waste products such as carbon dioxide and lactic acid. In both humans and dogs, only about a quarter of the energy from the breakdown of fats and carbohydrates in food is converted into mechanical energy; the rest is dissipated as heat. The primary focus of training for a race—for both humans and canines—is teaching the body to get better at converting available energy from glucose, carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into energy. This can only really be achieved through regular exercise.'
So at the start of the race, all the vets have to be working to check each dog out. Then they get spread out across the checkpoints to check dogs on the route. Here is a bit from the first dog he has to have pulled. Gums are not something I check or probably recognize when they are off. I gave the system to my vet and to a doctor friend, and they were pretty quick to come up with the same end guess on the problem. Maybe you can take a guess and I will tell you after the quote:
'At a glance, she seemed fine. She was just as happy as the rest of her team, wagging her tail and yapping along with the other pups, but on closer inspection, her gums were slightly too pale, paler than I’d expect to see in a healthy dog, I checked her heart rate, which was normal. I checked her breathing rate, which was also normal. Still, there was something that troubled me about those gums. I compared her gums against those of the dog beside her; sure enough, his were a slightly less pallid shade of pink.'
Later the dog was found to have small lesions in her stomach.
He says that sled dogs are not that stoic, and will let you know when feeling around if there is a problem areas:
'I flexed the right leg. When I touched her left shoulder, however, she didn’t yelp, bark, or nip at me, but there was an instant change of expression. Now she was looking at me with pleading eyes. Clearly, something was causing her pain.'
Most of the time the vets see feet or shoulder related injuries. I didn't know that shoulder injuries have to be handled differently:
'If this had been a minor wrist problem, the musher would have been right. A mild carpus pull might resolve itself. This isn’t the case for shoulder injuries. Following a course of rest and anti-inflammatories, the husky would be fine in a matter of days, but no shoulder injury was going to heal itself while she was still in the race. The musher knew this, and she quickly accepted it.'
I liked this paragraph towards the end of the book, and how it answers those who think running dogs is somehow cruel.
'My experience at the Iditarod has shown me that huskies experience love, fear, happiness, sadness, and maybe even hope. Some say that we shouldn’t have events like the Iditarod—that huskies shouldn’t be allowed to run with abandon through the wilderness, that their lives should be a gray existence of sleeping indoors on a bed and exercising only when their human owners are willing to take them on a leash around the neighborhood. Personally, I know thousands of huskies who would emphatically disagree.'
So if you have read a few dog sledding race books and want to know the story from the vets perspective, this would be a good book for you. If you want a more exciting dog sledding book, I would recommend quite a few other books.
January 5, 2024
When I was in upper elementary, we had an assembly in the old gym–a special place reserved for community events, plays, and award ceremonies--which hosted an Iditarod competitor. Through the haze of nostalgia, I remember that we got to meet and pet the huskies as well as learn about the race and the musher's experience. Ever since then, I've fostered a latent curiosity about the Iditarod. I've never been so inclined to do additional research about the race or even follow the race as it's happening, but I am so incredibly glad that there is this new book about the Iditarod. The author, Lee Morgan, is a volunteer veterinarian who has served on the Iditarod for several years, this is the first book written by one of the vets. What a unique perspective on the race!
In this book, Morgan discusses his experiences with the dogs as well as some behind-the-scenes tasks during the race. At each checkpoint along the route, mushers must have a vet check over their dogs to ensure that each and every one is in good health before continuing on. If a dog is not in good health, they are airlifted back to the race headquarters to be cared for by other volunteer vets. Throughout his years of service, Morgan was assigned to various checkpoints throughout Alaska, and the book is structured in a way that gathers his experiences at each checkpoint as through we were traveling along the Iditarod route. We learn about the unique geography and lodgings of these checkpoint as well as the varied landscapes the mushers and dogs have just experienced in their race to each one. Some checkpoints boast locally made moose chili or homemade pies, while others require the veterinarians to build the heat stoves until the checkpoint is broken down. Mushers and veterinarians may be treated as heroes by local children or they may be in such remote locations they can only be reached by aircraft. And, along the way, we learn about the race itself and the mushers and the dogs.
I loved reading this book. The reader gets to learn about some of the challenges faced by everyone involved in the race--the dogs, the mushers, the volunteers. The author writes in a very conversational tone, and the book is fast-paced. I learned so much about the Iditarod and had a blast doing so.
In this book, Morgan discusses his experiences with the dogs as well as some behind-the-scenes tasks during the race. At each checkpoint along the route, mushers must have a vet check over their dogs to ensure that each and every one is in good health before continuing on. If a dog is not in good health, they are airlifted back to the race headquarters to be cared for by other volunteer vets. Throughout his years of service, Morgan was assigned to various checkpoints throughout Alaska, and the book is structured in a way that gathers his experiences at each checkpoint as through we were traveling along the Iditarod route. We learn about the unique geography and lodgings of these checkpoint as well as the varied landscapes the mushers and dogs have just experienced in their race to each one. Some checkpoints boast locally made moose chili or homemade pies, while others require the veterinarians to build the heat stoves until the checkpoint is broken down. Mushers and veterinarians may be treated as heroes by local children or they may be in such remote locations they can only be reached by aircraft. And, along the way, we learn about the race itself and the mushers and the dogs.
I loved reading this book. The reader gets to learn about some of the challenges faced by everyone involved in the race--the dogs, the mushers, the volunteers. The author writes in a very conversational tone, and the book is fast-paced. I learned so much about the Iditarod and had a blast doing so.
December 30, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this book - the love for the dogs, the wilderness…all of it. It was light enough (and surely a bit glossed-over in many ways), but also had a good amount of honesty and detail at points.
It reminded me at times of reading James Herriot.
It reminded me at times of reading James Herriot.
August 1, 2024
A longtime fan of the Iditarod Race, I love this book!! I read my library’s copy, and now I want to buy my own copy! Dr. Morgan’s love and respect for the people and the animals involved in the Iditarod is evident.
“It is presumptuous to think that we’re the only species capable of experiencing and enjoying adventure…..[The dogs] do have voices: I hear them in every lick to the face on a cold night, every grin as they speed past, every nuzzle eager to be petted.”
“It is presumptuous to think that we’re the only species capable of experiencing and enjoying adventure…..[The dogs] do have voices: I hear them in every lick to the face on a cold night, every grin as they speed past, every nuzzle eager to be petted.”
August 15, 2024
A well-detailed and illustrative look at the Iditarod from the perspective of a veterinarian. Dr. Morgan’s writing highlights the various characters of the dogs, the checkpoints, the wilderness, and the mushers he’s met during his time as a trail vet. Great book!
May 12, 2024
Makes me want to volunteer!
December 13, 2023
The first ever book about the Iditarod from a vet's point of view!
I loved the background and setting of the scenes - the details were incredible. About the dogs, but also the campsites, the people and the surroundings.
If you love dogs are are curious about the behind the scenes, read this!
I loved the background and setting of the scenes - the details were incredible. About the dogs, but also the campsites, the people and the surroundings.
If you love dogs are are curious about the behind the scenes, read this!
December 29, 2023
Loved this book. Dr. Morgan does an awesome job. He takes you thru the process a vet has to go thru.in order to be invited to participate as a vet in the Iditarod race as well as the conditions involved as each checkpoint. He goes thru the entire race starting at the beginning of the race, thru each checkpoint to the end of the race at Nome. He covers the route as well as the conditions the mushers and dogs must deal with during the race. The relationship between the dogs, mushers and volunteers is exceptional.
April 16, 2024
This book basically made me want to read different books about the Iditarod. While the concept of a veterinary perspective on the race is cool, the execution wasn’t my favorite, so I’ll be looking for a memoir of a participant next time I read on the subject.
March 26, 2025
Four Thousand Paws: Caring for the Dogs of the Iditarod: A Veterinarian’s Story is as heartwarming as it is fascinating. Narrated by Danny Campbell and produced by HighBridge Audio, this audiobook takes listeners behind the scenes of the Iditarod, focusing not just on the incredible Huskies but also on the people who dedicate their lives to them. While the book presents itself as a story about the dogs, it’s just as much about the veterinarians, mushers, and support teams who make the race possible.
Morgan’s writing is engaging and full of warmth, making this more than just a straightforward memoir—it’s an experience. The audiobook’s unique structure keeps things fresh, weaving together personal stories, medical insights, and moments of adventure. It’s uplifting, informative, and gives a real appreciation for the care that goes into ensuring the well-being of these extraordinary animals.
That said, the book does have its flaws. The author tends to repeat himself, especially toward the end, particularly about how racers and dogs are not professional athletes and don’t get sponsorships. However, this doesn’t overshadow the book’s strengths. Morgan does an excellent job of highlighting how much the mushers care for their dogs and sheds light on the Inuit people and the behind-the-scenes crew that keeps the Iditarod running.
Overall, this audiobook is a well-balanced and compelling listen, earning a solid 4.5 stars.
Morgan’s writing is engaging and full of warmth, making this more than just a straightforward memoir—it’s an experience. The audiobook’s unique structure keeps things fresh, weaving together personal stories, medical insights, and moments of adventure. It’s uplifting, informative, and gives a real appreciation for the care that goes into ensuring the well-being of these extraordinary animals.
That said, the book does have its flaws. The author tends to repeat himself, especially toward the end, particularly about how racers and dogs are not professional athletes and don’t get sponsorships. However, this doesn’t overshadow the book’s strengths. Morgan does an excellent job of highlighting how much the mushers care for their dogs and sheds light on the Inuit people and the behind-the-scenes crew that keeps the Iditarod running.
Overall, this audiobook is a well-balanced and compelling listen, earning a solid 4.5 stars.
July 3, 2024
Bonus point for being a Madison grad DVM!
An interesting book with a unique perspective, this is no charming James Herriot book, but the writing is competent if not very emotional. Some of the anecdotes are a bit goofy and the author sometimes says things that come across a bit self-congratulatory, but ultimately it’s a pleasant read and the author does include some of his mistakes. Nothing super exciting happens on his journeys, but he adds enough other stories to help make it a bit more interesting. I can’t believe this book was once 600 pages (per acknowledgments), it already felt a bit overlong and repetitive at times. Sometimes the vet terminology is a bit watered down or off (ulcerative erosion comes to mind and describing dogs as “smiling”) and I would’ve liked a bit more veterinary detail (what is there is often repetitive). It does a good job centering the dogs and their care, while also including worthwhile context.
An interesting book with a unique perspective, this is no charming James Herriot book, but the writing is competent if not very emotional. Some of the anecdotes are a bit goofy and the author sometimes says things that come across a bit self-congratulatory, but ultimately it’s a pleasant read and the author does include some of his mistakes. Nothing super exciting happens on his journeys, but he adds enough other stories to help make it a bit more interesting. I can’t believe this book was once 600 pages (per acknowledgments), it already felt a bit overlong and repetitive at times. Sometimes the vet terminology is a bit watered down or off (ulcerative erosion comes to mind and describing dogs as “smiling”) and I would’ve liked a bit more veterinary detail (what is there is often repetitive). It does a good job centering the dogs and their care, while also including worthwhile context.
April 24, 2024
Libro.fm granted me an early listening copy of this book, and it was so much fun! W. W. Norton was also kind enough to send me an ARC so I could read along. This book is like James Herriot... but set in Alaska during the Iditarod. Dr. Morgan is a great storyteller, so I sincerely hope he comes out with more stories of his vet practice or time in Alaska because they would be a joy to read. Like many people, my knowledge of sled racing was limited to the 1995 animated Balto movie, so this book greatly expanded my viewpoint. I even went down some rabbit holes and read all of the dog bios on faces.iditarod.com.
Read if you like:
Dogs (think Balto)
Have an appreciation for veterinarians
Want to learn more about sled racing and the Alaskan wilderness
Filled with Humorous stories, this Clear and Engaging nonfiction work gives insight into a little-known aspect of vet work.
Read if you like:
Dogs (think Balto)
Have an appreciation for veterinarians
Want to learn more about sled racing and the Alaskan wilderness
Filled with Humorous stories, this Clear and Engaging nonfiction work gives insight into a little-known aspect of vet work.
June 1, 2024
What a fun book. I truly felt as though I was alongside the author at his checkpoints during the Iditarod. I've tried to read other books, from the viewpoint of the musher, but was never able to fully enjoy them. Half of the book is about the dogs, a quarter about the rules/getting to and from the sites, and a quarter about the landscape. Warning - Chapter 16 - animal death/injury on purpose by criminal outside of the Iditarod - I wish I'd sipped over this chapter. I can see why some are against the Iditarod, and reading this book does not support a specific viewpoint, but I think it helps illustrate the changes made over the years to ensure, to some degree, the safety and health of the dogs.
August 24, 2025
Spectacular. I absolutely loved this.
Checkpoint races and the strategy therein have always been fascinating to me (see Wolf by Wolf) but the Iditaroid in particular is one of the most interesting and underrated events in global sporting. Beyond the Iditaroid itself, though, Four Thousand Paws was brilliant. I read it in two days, more than half of which was the night before an exam-- then proceeded to talk about it with everyone at two separate parties. The format of Four Thousand Paws-- progressing through the race by checkpoint-- is perfect, and Morgan's love for the animals he works with shines through in every anecdote. Heck, I even cried when tragedy struck. I have a new obsession.
Checkpoint races and the strategy therein have always been fascinating to me (see Wolf by Wolf) but the Iditaroid in particular is one of the most interesting and underrated events in global sporting. Beyond the Iditaroid itself, though, Four Thousand Paws was brilliant. I read it in two days, more than half of which was the night before an exam-- then proceeded to talk about it with everyone at two separate parties. The format of Four Thousand Paws-- progressing through the race by checkpoint-- is perfect, and Morgan's love for the animals he works with shines through in every anecdote. Heck, I even cried when tragedy struck. I have a new obsession.
April 15, 2024
An incredibly enjoyable and educational read. I was able to breeze through it in a few sessions and often didn’t want to put it down. The story follows the path of the Iditarod Trail, telling accounts of the ordeals faced along the way for dogs, mushers, and vets alike. It will be enjoyable to anyone who wants to read about the outdoors and adventures, animals, or the veterinary world. It’s hard to not find yourself wanting to either head to vet school or start training for the sled race.
September 1, 2024
We read this aloud to the kids for educational purposes. We all really enjoyed it! The author's perspective is very unique and fascinating! We learned so much about what the mushers, dogs, and volunteers go through in the Iditarod. It was truly enlightening! The book is written in an entertaining narrative style that held our interest and often made us laugh. I highly recommend this for anyone interested in Alaska history, dog care, or even sportsmanship!
April 17, 2025
10/10, I love this wonderful book. Veterinarian Lee Morgan has volunteered on the Iditarod Race for over 10 races. Each checkpoint on the grueling race through Alaskan wilderness includes a mandatory vet exam, and Morgan shares his experiences caring for dogs and working with dedicated volunteer staff. It’s a page-turner with humor, self-awareness, and love for these amazing dogs—and big husky personalities!
April 28, 2024
A really terrific account of the Iditarod from the point of view of one of the many veterinarians who volunteer to look after the health of the sled dogs as they race. Morgan describes the joy of the dogs, the attentiveness of the mushers to their animals, and the conscientiousness of the vets. The audio was very well-narrated.
December 24, 2025
This was wonderful! I just sped through it. Morgan writes with immense care for the race, the people, and most of all, the dogs. It’s a wonderful peek into this race and the work it takes to make it happen. I especially appreciated the structure of the book, following the race checkpoint by checkpoint.
March 17, 2024
EXCELLENT book by an Iditarod vet (or a vet vet - veteran veterinarian of the race!) I learned a lot and loved the narrative taking us by checkpoint instead of by year.
April 9, 2024
I always have a really hard time critiquing someone’s personal experience, so I’m giving this one 5 stars even for just the reason that I enjoyed it! I loved how the author organized the story and there were a diverse array of dog stories here. As someone who frequently watches vet shows, this was a fun and informative read!
June 15, 2024
A veterinarian’s insight from working at the Iditarod check points. The dogs are the stars of this book. Alaskan Huskies are athletic, intelligent, and thrive in winter conditions.
July 6, 2024
Adventure and dogs, nothing better!
August 15, 2025
A beautiful ode to the veterinarian’s experience — and of course the wonderful dogs — of the Iditarod.
October 13, 2024
I was surprised by how comprehensive this book was! It’s clear the author has a real respect for everyone involved in the Iditarod and Alaska in general. Very interesting and engaging
June 4, 2024
Actually 3.5. Interesting book about being a veterinarian at the Iditarod race in Alaska. Lots about Alaska wilderness, the dogs & mushers. Our son trained dogs for a musher in the 2015 Iditarod which is why a non-lover of dogs decided to read this book.
April 24, 2024
Lucky to read an ARC of this special book - my review on the author's website.
Loved it!
Loved it!
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