XENIA, Ohio—
The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race played an important role in bringing 10-year-old autistic boy Logan Erickson and a service dog named Juke together, reaffirming a vision the Iditarod's founder had decades ago.There's a funny thing about history in Alaska: it tends to repeat itself. Just ask Logan’s mother, Donna Erickson.
“When Joe Redington Sr. had a vision when he started the race, was that there was a relationship in the village between man and dog, and it meant survival,” Erickson said.
It was a vision Redington thought might die as the race continued, but the Ericksons hope Juke will continue the tradition when he comes home with them to Unalakleet.
“It takes the pressure off of having to keep my eye on Logan, every minute of every hour, every day,” Erickson said.
More than a year ago, the idea for a service dog for Logan was born in Unalakleet, which is on the Iditarod trail.
“The Iditarod race fund-raised; Dee Dee Jonrowe was a big huge effort behind the whole thing,” Erickson said.
During this year's Iditarod, Erickson thanked the mushers who helped raise money to make their trip to Ohio come true.
“It's really important for me to give them a hug and thank them in person,” Erickson said.
Redington's vision about survival and the importance of the relationship between man and dog is still holding true, decades after he said those words.
“The Iditarod race is helping village Alaska, helping our family to survive,” Erickson said.
Contact Jason Lamb at jlamb@ktuu.com
