Shining eyes, wagging tails, happy howls--that’s the welcome you get at Martin Buser’s Happy Trails Kennels. As a four time Iditarod Champion, Martin is an expert when it comes to breeding and raising world class sled dogs. He shared his tips with me and the group of teachers that are here for the Winter Iditarod Conference for Educators. He breeds his dogs to be the marathon runners of the animal world. Did you know that running the Iditarod from Anchorage to Nome is the same as running 46 marathons? His dogs are bred to love to run and run and run. They are also bred to love to eat. That is absolutely essential. When dogs put in those kinds of miles they need fuel to give them energy. Eating lots and lots of food is the only way to get that energy so his dogs have to have excellent appetites. Sometimes, a few days before a big race, Martin feeds his dogs a little less than usual so they will be a little hungrier than usual when the race starts. That way he knows they will be ready to eat enough along the trail. A great attitude is important, too. Martin does everything he can to keep his dogs happy. If the dogs are having fun, they’ll give the race their best effort. Let’s wish Martin and his team good luck and happy trails for Iditarod 2012!