Vern Halter truly cares

To the editor,

My name is Cindy Abbott. I’m a professor at California State University at Fullerton. Five years ago I summited Mt. Everest. After a little time off I decided to run the Iditarod Sled Dog Race. For the past two seasons I lived and trained out of Vern Halter’s kennel in Willow. Vern Halter is one of the most forthright, hardworking, and committed people I have had the honor to work with.

I have spent the past two years training and racing under Vern’s mentor-ship, and on March 22, 2015, I crossed the Iditarod finish line running a team of his amazing canine athletes. Vern worked tirelessly to do everything within his power to help make my dream of completing the Last Great Race a reality. His kennel operation is first class and so is the care of his dogs. To Vern, they are not dogs, they are family.

The first time I met Vern’s dogs I was surprised at how socialized they were, and over the years, I have come to love them very much. Not only are they amazing sled dogs, they are big happy, love bugs!

My experience working with Vern and his dogs has drawn my heart and soul to Dream a Dream Dog Farm and to Willow. We just sold our home in Irvine, Calif. and are looking to build a place near Vern’s so I can come and work with Vern and his amazing dogs every day! I may not live in Willow yet; but I can say, from racing dogs to working for the people of the Mat-Su Valley, Vern truly cares!

Cindy Abbott

Tustin, California