Matt Hull and Salcha

[txbennett]

Smokin' Ace Sled Dog Kennels
45 mins ·
Pelly Crossing Update:
Sorry for the silence, but we had pressing matters on hand. Matt arrived in Pelly at 7:55 pm last night and requested veterinary assistance to drop a dog, Salcha. Matt talked extensively with head vet Nina about his concerns before we headed inside for a thorough examination. It was decided that she needed X-rays to accurately diagnose her symptoms. So with the unwavering support of the vet crew, we were lent the veterinarian's spare vehicle and headed to Whitehorse in search of emergency care. Josh, a senior vet student, graciously offered to be our driver and veterinary consultant. We were relieved to have his knowledge by our sides.
After hours of diagnostics (radiographs, ultrasounds & a full blood panel) Salcha was diagnosed with cancer. Salcha and I are currently eating dinner in bed and cuddling in a down comforter in a hotel in Whitehorse. Matt, who had intended on only staying 4-hrs in Pelly, sat by anxiously, checking in every 20 minutes & pushing off his departure time to await news of her health. Choking back tears, it was decided that Matt should continue on down the trail and we told each other that Salcha would see him in Dawson.
Salcha was sent home with special meds plus a special kibble to keep our little Miss Piggy plump, just the way we like her. Of course, she doesn't let anything get in the way of her appetite and as soon I converted the soap dish into her doggy bowl, she was chomping away on her 3 am snack.
Salcha is one of Matt's first dogs whom he loves dearly and he proudly claims as his daddy's girl. She's feisty, smart and unfalteringly loyal. Salcha is hands down one of our toughest girls in the dog yard and has proved this fact a million times over across every inch of the Yukon Quest trail. After spending thousands of trail miles together, tackling obstacles, overcoming weather and claiming the teams first victories, there isn't a bond in the world that can match a bond between a musher and their dogs. The trust that is built is everlasting.
So tomorrow, after a quick cap nap, we will make our way to Dawson. Josh, our compassionate vet turned gracious chauffeur, will do the driving while Salcha sleeps on a nice warm pile of parkas. We can't thank the vet staff enough for their help <3
Matt left Pelly enroute to Dawson at 4:08 am. We'll check back in with more pics and trail updates after a quick power nap.

[Moose]

Cancer always sux! But this will put a big damper on the race for the whole Smokin' Ace kennel.

[fladogfan]

Keep fighting Salcha!

[JeanieB]

This is such a kick in the gut to happen in the middle of a race. Certainly no previous concerns or she wouldn't have been on the team. Wonder what symptoms he saw? Must have be a LONG trip worrying about him. Lots of prayers and healing vibes their way.