My dad takes some special kids for a ride in his sled when the Iditarod begins.

They have a wish that comes true. They wished that they could ride on a dogsled and be in the Iditarod. The Make-a-Wish people asked my dad if he could make their wish come true. My dad said, "OK."

CJ Kolbe was nice. He got to go first. He liked my dad. His family are our special friends. The race starts in Anchorage to Nome. My dad won three times. I was proud of him. CJ gave my dad a penny for good luck. He wore it in a package that he tied around his neck. That penny was good luck because he won and the dogs were happy.

Jaclyn rode with my dad this year just like CJ did. The thing they liked best was riding in the sled and petting the dogs. Bobbie went one time, too. He brought his favorite stuffed dog with him on the sled. The Iditariders ride in the sled but they don't go the whole race.

They go a little ways and then the next day my dad and the dogs go on the real race to Nome.

It's fun for the mushers. It doesn't matter who wins. It's just a game. You shouldn't be mad if you lose. Everybody thinks it's fun.

I wanted to ride in the sled like CJ, Jaclyn and Bobbie but my dad said that it was their turn. He promised me that I could ride with him when he got to Nome. So I met him on the street. I gave him a Pepsi. The policeman told me to go away but my dad said, "She's my daughter." and he let me get on my dad's sled. I crossed the finish line in Nome and then I gave Jena a hug. She's my dog but I let my dad borrow her. It was fun!

Ellen King, 7