Dogsled.com: Mushing news, Iditarod, Yukon Quest, sled dog events

Spartanburg, South Carolina

Adding a touch of Southern spice to the Iditarod race since 1997 has been Dr. Sonny King, 53, a self-proclaimed "experienced rookie." King holds a doctorate degree in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Georgia, is a native of that state, and resides in Spartanburg, S.C., with his wife, Mallie, and their children Elizabeth and Hamilton.

Sonny first came to the Iditarod in 1993 as a trail veterinarian. Over the next four years he earned the respect of his peers and the mushing community, who presented him with the first-ever "Golden Stethoscope" award. Seeing the Iditarod up close proved more than he could resist, and in 1997 he took to the trail in order to learn more about the canine athletes. In 1998 he captured the "Most Improved Musher" title. Sonny trains at the home of fellow musher Ross Adam in Grande Prairie, Alberta, Canada.

Sonny is in his fifth year as chief veterinarian for the International Rocky Mountain Stage Stop Sled Dog Race and is a regular in training races. He is a member of Rotary International, the Iditarod Trail Committee, and the International Sled Dog Veterinary Medical Association. He also belongs to the Veterinary Medical Association's American and South Carolina chapters.

Sonny created the Veterinary Educational Team in hopes of making Alaska come alive for the school children of the Southeast. And therein lies the secret to how a thin-blooded Southerner stays warm on the trail: the hearts of those children, his fans and loyal sponsors ride with him.

Comments (0)

Subscribe to this comment's feed