Nearly 200 dogs vaccinated during annual rabies clinic

WASILLA — Nearly 200 dogs from across the community received vaccinations during the annual rabies vaccination clinic hosted by the Knik Bar.

Loca recreational musher Doug Bartko and Dr. John Tuomi sponsor this annual clinic and provide onsite assistance.

Bartko said they had a successful clinic this year.

“I think it went pretty smoothly,” Bartko said.

Bartko said the clinic has evolved over time and they gain more visitors each year. He said they have a much more effective system than when they first started and the use of social media makes it even easier to find the clinic.

Bartko said the clinic typically starts during the first Saturday in November. He noted they’ve even had top finishers from the Iditarod attend the clinic.

“We appreciate their participation as the new mushers like to talk to them and perhaps learn some helpful musher tips,” Bartko said.

Dr. Tuomi is also available during these to answer any problems about feeding, rest and other strategies to prepare for the Iditarod.

Bartko noted that non-mushers are welcome to attend but their discount price is a bit higher than for the mushers.

Bartko and Dr. Tuomi have sponsored this clinic for over two decades. He said that they both enjoy seeing the different kinds of dogs that come through each year.

“He agreed that the mushers should have their own system and that’s how this all started,” Bartko said.

For more information, email mrtko@mtaonline.net.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com