Update, 3 p.m. Friday:
Jimbo the sled dog has been found, according to Iditarod race officials.
He had escaped on Thursday morning from a returned dog area at the Lakefront Anchorage Hotel.
On Friday, someone spotted Jimbo in a backyard near Minnesota Drive and Tudor Road and alerted the Iditarod officials.
At approximately 12:15 p.m. today, Jimbo was collected by Iditarod returned dog handlers near Minnesota Drive and Tudor Road in Midtown Anchorage, according to a statement from race officials.
“Jimbo was immediately checked out by a veterinarian and was declared in good health,” it said. “He has eaten a meal and is being picked up by a family member of Richie Diehl. The Iditarod would like to thank everyone involved who helped with the search for Jimbo.”
Original story:
An Iditarod dog is missing after escaping from the returned dog area at the Lakefront Anchorage Hotel on Thursday morning.
Race officials say the dog’s name is Jimbo and he belongs to musher Richie Diehl. Jimbo escaped around 7:15 a.m. during a routine check by a race veterinarian. The dog is wearing a red collar with a tag that says “Iditarod #18.”
People are asked not to approach or try to catch Jimbo, but to report any sightings by calling 907-248-MUSH (6874).
Race officials say they’re searching for the dog, and they’ve notified police and area animal shelters. Jimbo is microchipped.
