Description
Meet Debbie Moderow and a few of her dogs, the stars of Fast Into the Night
Our dogs, like most in the sport, are Alaskan Huskies—a working-dog blend of huskies and hounds developed over many generations to be well-suited for winter travel. Because these dogs are mutts, they vary in size and temperament. Ours are smaller than some, ranging from 35-55 pounds. They are all different colors. Some have brown eyes, a few blue. Some ears stand up, others flop over. Our particular dogs are sensitive and playful. Training them requires patience and positive reinforcement.
My relationship with the dogs is the inspiration for our adventures. Running a dog team is shared effort; your connection with the beating hearts on the line defines every twist and turn of the trail. My dogs know everything about me. From them I cannot hide a bad mood, growing anxiety, or fatigue. In turn, I know them intimately—how Tiger holds her tail tells me much about her attitude. When Gouda’s ears go down, I know he needs an extra snack. To collaborate with their honest steady hearts brings out the best in me; in connecting my sensibilities to theirs I’ve learned much about them—as well as what it means to be human.
DEBBIE CLARKE MODEROW, originally from Connecticut, went to Alaska in 1979 for a mountain climbing expedition and met her husband, Mark. For the Moderows, dog mushing has always been a family affair. Debbie ran the Iditarod in 2003 and 2005, completing the latter in 13 days, 19 hours, 10 minutes, and 32 seconds. In 2013, Debbie graduated from Pacific Lutheran University’s Rainier Writing Workshop with an MFA in Creative Writing.
