First Iditarod Sled Dog Race Experience;;
Zaffre has a strict father. He is a flat-footed kalon, which means he does not run as fast as others. Growing up, his father trained him consistently. Months before the race, training started, when the lead dog was chosen. The strongest dogs, called the "wheel dogs" where in the back, and the smartest was the lead dog. At this point, his father had been the lead dog for the past 3 years. The musher decided Zaffre should be the lead dog, since he inherited special traits from his parents. After a few years of training, the annual Iditarod race was here. The race was held every March, meaning there is still snow. Teams of 16 dogs were strapped up to harnesses, and were to race across the wilderness of Alaska for 1,049 miles (49, because Alaska is the 49th state of America.) As eager Zaffre was to start the race, he was worried about his paws. Once the race started, Zaffre steered the sled with all his strength. Days after days, Zaffre's team was still in the lead. At the 7th day, Zaffre was experiencing pain in his paws. As he ran on the unpaved icy road, his paws were leaving a trail of blood. That night, Zaffre was given handmade socks, made by his musher to treat his paws. At this moment, Zaffre realized how much the musher cared for him. They formed an unbreakable bond with each other in that very moment. The musher did not want Zaffre to be the lead dog, because he was worried his paws would hurt again. The musher wanted to replace him with another dog, but Zaffre proved to him that he wouldn't give up. They had only 200 miles left, and Zaffre would do anything to win the race, to make his father proud. On that day, Zaffre ran with all his strength, steered the whole sled, and ran through the finish line. The team had thought another team had passed them, since they had to take care of Zaffre's injury, but they were announced first place. Zaffre was very proud, and his parents couldn't be prouder. He felt his heart beating with happiness and joy.