Free Republic

GREAT FALLS— Brett Bruggeman is a Great Falls dentist who specializes in root canals. But, what may come as a surprise, is that he owns 36 sled dogs and is a musher who competes in sled dog races. Brett and his son, Spencer, coincidentally were both reading books about sled dogs at the same time about seven years ago. Spencer, being born with a birth defect in his right leg, left him unable to do traditional sports. After reading these books on sled dogs, they both realized they wanted to start a sled dog team. This is when Skinny Leg...

Early this morning, as Aliy Zirkle (bib #13) was making her way towards the Nulato checkpoint, a snowachiner repeatedly attempted to harm her and her team. One dog received a non-­life threatening injury. Upon arrival at the Nulato checkpoint, Zirkle reported the incident to race officials and a report was filed with the Alaska State Troopers. Contact was also made with the village police officer in Nulato. Jeff King (bib #61), who was behind Zirkle, experienced a similar incident 12-­miles prior to his arrival at the Nulato checkpoint. This incident resulted in the death of Nash, a three-­ year-­old male....