Dog Man: Chronicles of an Iditarod Champion

by Martin Buser

What does it take to become an Iditarod champion? Join four-time winner and mushing legend Martin Buser as he reveals his life's journey in candid and action-packed detail. From a childhood overseas to becoming a proud immigrant to the United States, Buser's story of self-discovery takes the reader with him on the adventures, misadventures, and lessons that have shaped him and his incredible bond with his sled dogs. This compelling narrative shows what it means to be a real "Dog Man," but it also serves as a stirring tribute to the spirit of the Alaskan Husky.

Genres: Nonfiction, Dogs

324 pages, Paperback

First published February 9, 2015

Reviews

[Bridget Neace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Martin Buser is probably one of the nicest people on our planet today. It was truly an honor to meet him when I went out to Alaska for my Teacher on the Trail finalist experience. I learned so much about this incredible musher and greatly enjoyed his story. I'd love for him to write another book about his races post-2014, particularly about his experience as one of the "Elim 11" from the 2020 Iditarod.

[Stephen Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Books on dogsledding and the Iditarod and Yukon Quest are my favorites. It is hard to remember which one is 'best' as so many like this one are just darn good. Winterdance is still my favorite as it was my first book on dogsledding and written very well, and This Much Country is up there as a favorite from rooting along with the heroine of the story, but Dog Man is up there as an amazing book.

One thing that is great about this book is all the chapters dealing with a specific race from 1986 to 2014. You hear what is different about each year, the high points he faced each race, and especially the challenges. You get the excitement of each race, then collectively the excitement and anticipation to getting to the first race he wins.

Someday what I want to do is get all my Iditarod books together, and try to read from different books to read of the same race from different racers. This book is organized very well to do that.

It is always interesting to see how a person gets from where they start (Switzerland in this case) to a winning Iditarod racer in Alaska.

Also, it is almost like if the race wasn't hard enough, a couple of times he severely injures his hand shortly before the race and still goes to compete. Then throw in another chapter when he has to save his house and 40 dogs from a forest fire.

There is just so much challenges involved dogsledding racing that I feel it is it is hard for any other type of dog books to compete, and Dog Man is one of the best of them. Would love to hear from others on which dogsledding books they have read and how they rate them from best to worst.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved, loved, loved this book! Martin does a fantastic job relating his tales--amazing, painful, and otherwise--from over the years. I loved every moment.

[Alison]

I met Martin at his Happy Trails Kennel in Alaska. He is truly an inspiration. His excitement along with his zest for life and his passion for his work is incredible.

[E · Rating 4 out of 5]

An entertaining storyteller, Buser earns admiration not just for racing in the long-distance Iditarod sled dog race 35 times (including every year since 1987, as of the writing of this review in March 2018) or for being a 4-time Iditarod champion. He has also been awarded the Leonard Seppala humanitarian award for outstanding dog care during the race (voted on by race veterinarians who check the dogs at each checkpoint) 5 times: more than any other musher.

This book provides a couple of amusing first chapters on Buser's early life in Switzerland, followed quickly by his move to Alaska as a young man and embracing of sled dog training, breeding, and racing. Many chapters in the book provide fascinating details about specific Iditarod races - harrowing adventures, good-natured pranks played on racers by other competitors, inspirational support by family and friends, odes to particularly memorable canine athletes, training strategies, and courageous kindnesses shown among mushers to each other when most needed along the trail under what can be devastating conditions. A rollicking good read.

[Alan Barbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picked up this book while visiting Happy Trails Kennel. I knew absolutely nothing about dog sled racing besides the Iditarod was an insane endurance sport. I was captivated during the tour and couldn’t wait to read the book. Martin’s tales of the trail come across in the book with the same level of intensity and humor as he exuded while talking to him. A truly amazing person, who has provided this non dog person, a new perspective on relationships of dogs and man, and overcoming obstacles as they come.

[Laura V. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've always imagined what it would be like to run the Iditarod and this book truly gives you a sense of what it's like to be there in the thick of the storm, with all of the glamour of racing sled dogs but also the grueling physical and mental challenges. I'm just starting to learn about mushing with my Siberian and this book was educational for me in that respect. His stories are so inspiring and I cannot wait to visit Alaska and run my first race!

[Rick · Rating 5 out of 5]

My wife gifted me an autographed copy of Mr. Buser's book. It reads "Life is an Adventure, Live It. Happy Trails, Martin Buser. I decided to reread it as it Martin's dogs and his training skills are behind the making of the new movie being released," The Great Alaskan Race, the amazing true story of Togo and Balto". I had an opportunity to meet and talk with Martin while admiring his kennel and world famous dogs. Martin, a champion for sled dogs, is a real life hero.

[Zoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Martin has been a family friend for many years, yet there were a number of stories I hadn't heard before.
He's a master story teller, and I felt like I was sitting next to the fire listening to him share his tales of adventure.
Loved this book...
Happy trails, Martin, I'm still rooting for you to reach#5!

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Martin Buser won the Iditarod four times. This book provides firsthand details of those races as well as other Iditarod races. The challenges - wind, snow, ice, lack of snow, cold, injury, lack of sleep, and more - were described thoroughly and effectively. Other aspects of Martin's life add to the story.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy read. Lots of great stories from Martin’s life and Iditarod races. The book feels like you’re sitting around a campfire listening to him tell stories about the “old days.” My only complaint is that that ending was a bit abrupt; but other use a great read I’ll be recommending to others!

[Susan Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now you know why Martin is the person you know!

[Karin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliantly told. Short chapter most focused on an individual year he raced. Really shows his love for his dogs and their love for him. As well as his respect for the race

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really liked this book. Read before my trip to Alaska.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I met Martin last year. Wonderful book detailing each Iditarod that he raced in, in addition to struggles that he faced with his kennels. Great story!

[Casey Kahler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an incredible read!

[Lauri · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's so much in here that's good. Want to know why some rules exist today in the Iditarod? Martin doesn't stray into much controversy but reading between the lines one can pick up why "every rule has an unwritten name after it."