"Hey everybody ...did you miss anyone in 2008 ? I really missed you !!! Promise not to miss again, I was in Alaska playing last year. Research at the Yukon Quest."
 
"It is Meghan Marks, friendly technician....and border collie to the vets. Let me tell you to herd that bunch is a chore, but love it !! :) Also have great help with the other technicians...a shout out to them."
 
"Not doing much to help my mushing cause as now besides owning a three-legged dog, I own a naked dog ! Yes dressing my dogs before going outside has become a regular job. They ROCK in agility though, does that count for anything ? Still love winter, and hope to make this years race run as smooth as ever. As always dog care is the main concern and keeping stressed sleepy mushers happy :) So just holler if you need anything and a happy border collie will trot over to help. Woof - Woof "
 
Hugs, Meghan

Bill is a 1988 graduate of North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine. He has lived on the northern edge of the Black Hills of South Dakota and Wyoming since 1990. He is a partner in a 4 man mixed animal practice. The past several years his professional emphasis has been in companion animal portion of the practice. Bill became interested in sled dogs 9 years ago after a sled dog outing in Montana . He has worked the Race to The Sky, the John Beargrease, and Race For The Gold (local Black Hills race). Much of Bill’s free time is spent working with his wife on their 80-acre “spread”. He also finds time to camp, canoe, hunt birds and chase elk around the mountains. Bill is a card carrying member of the International Sled Dog Veterinary Medical Association and is looking forward to working his first UP 200.

Dr. Nick Vukich is a 1995 graduate of North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine (yes, he know both doctors Topham, however they very rarely claim to know him). Dr. Vukich became involved with sled dog sports while growing up in Ohio after receiving his first husky as a birthday present. Dr. Vukich has worked many sled dog races in the lower US, Alaska and Canada , including the John Beargrease, UP200, Empire 130, Can Am 250, Iditarod, Percy DeWolfe, and the 2005 IFSS World Championships. Dr. Vukich is the 1996 recipient of the Doc Lombard Student Research Award and the 2000 Iditarod Golden Stethoscope award. Dr. Vukich co-owns Bay East Animal Hospital in Green Bay , Wisconsin . His primary veterinary interests include sports medicine, orthopedic surgery, wildlife and exotic animal medicine, and emergency and critical care.

Dr. Kendra Carlson is a 203 graduate of the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine. After graduation Dr. Carlson completed a small animal medicine, surgery, and emergency/critical care internship at the University of Minnesota . Dr. Carlson is an avid outdoor enthusiast and enjoys kayaking, hiking, snow shoeing, cross country skiing, and camping. When she adopted her first husky cross it was only natural she tries skijoring, which led to an interest in sled dog sports. She has worked as a trail veterinarian on the UP200 and the Percy DeWolf sled dog races for the past two years and is hooked! Dr. Carlson is a member of the ISDVMA and has attended the annual conference as well as the Iditarod pre-race workshop. For the past 3 years Dr. Carlson has done full time emergency/ critical care medicine at the Fox Valley Animal Referral Center in Appleton , Wisconsin . Her primary veterinary interests include sports medicine, emergency/ critical care, infectious disease, and toxicology. She shares her home with her skijoring partner, Abby (a Husky-shepherd cross) and two cranky cats.

As a native San Franciscan enjoying  Wisconsin,  I have been honored to care for the dogs that compete in the UP200/Midnight event since 2004.  My expertise as a CVT since 1987 has helped the veterinary team with
the treatment of our 4 legged athletes.  The passion from the dogs will keep me coming back in years to come. When the weather is not freezing you can find me on the trails with my Icelandic horse Stingur and faithful friend Wishbone enjoying the great outdoors.

Dr. Karen Baker graduated from the University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine, in 1997. Dr. Baker has been a Veterinarian for 6 previous UP200 / Midnight Run races. She, and her husband, John, reside in Jupiter, FL. Besides sled dog medicine, Dr. Baker’s interests include kayaking, surfing, and Gator football. Her children, John and Kristen, also attend the University of Florida. Go Gators!