Keizo Funatsu caring for one of his dog at Unalakleet. The Leg is covered by a bootie to protect the paw. When the team arrives at a checkpoint, the musher has to care for and feed the dogs first. After that, they can eat or take care of themselves. It looks like the Musher is a service crew for the dogs. Mushers can not get any help from other persons by official rule. Think about it, Aren't they sleepy? How they must be tired? But, the dogs come first.
(And we, the press can not interview with them until they are ready to speak with other people after they care for their dogs and themselves. If you have been to the Iditarod for taking pictures, please obey the rules. The Rules have a good reason.)
© Daisuke Tomiyasu