A sled dog who disappeared three months ago from a checkpoint along the Iditarod race course has been found and reunited with his owner. According to a release from the Iditarod, the dog, named Leon, traveled nearly 150 miles after disappearing almost three months ago from the Ruby checkpoint.
The release recounted how the dog was captured, after being spotted by a community member in McGrath, an area approximately 120 miles from where Leon escaped:
In the early hours this morning, Saturday, June 4, a local community member in McGrath was able to catch Leon and transport him by boat back to his home. The ITC has coordinated with Regal Air and local community members to get Sebastien to McGrath to be united with Leon and transport them both safely back to Anchorage where Sebastien will then fly Leon back home with him to France.
Leon was reunited with his owner, Sebastien Dos Santos Borges, and although he is underweight, he appears to be in good condition.
Gratitude was expressed for those who took part in bringing Leon back to his owner:
The Iditarod cannot express enough gratitude for all of Iditarod Nation’s help, prayers, thoughts and well wishes for Leon. From the volunteers to the search fund organizers and the individual donors, community members along the trail and the heroes of McGrath who have helped towards the cause of finding Leon. Alaska is an incredibly special place as is the spirit of the community, which is part of what makes The Last Great Race so special. Thank you, Iditarod Nation, and welcome home, Leon!
(Images via Iditarod Facebook page/Regal Air)
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