NULATO, Alaska — A Fort Lauderdale veterinarian has become a hero of sorts in the Alaskan Bush this weekend after she helped save two dogs badly wounded in a bizarre snowmobile attack on the route of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.
Alaska authorities say a 26-year-old man allegedly slammed his snowmobile at about 80 mph into the dog team of four-time champion Jeff King, killing his lead dog and injuring two other huskies.
The suspect now claims he was driving drunk. Still, the damage was done.
Enter Dr. Lynel Tocci, a critical and emergency care vet at the Lauderdale Veterinary Specialists on NW 10th Terrace.
Like dozens of vets, Tocci is volunteering her services along the 2,000-mile route in an effort to ensure the well-being of the dogs, who often run nearly non-stop for nine to 10 days.
So happens Tocci was assigned to a checkpoint at Nulato, a town of 350 people accessible only by plane.
That’s where the tragedy that killed Nash, King’s champ lead dog, took place about 2 a.m. Alaska time Saturday.
Tocci said she was brought the two dogs who survived: One suffered from serious shock after having been unconscious for several minutes; the other suffered a fracture to its right forelimb.
Tocci said she immobilized the dog with the broken leg and placed a splint before treating both K-9s with IV fluids and hydromorphone for pain relief.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”Watch more on Iditarod and interview with Tocci” style=”outline” color=”primary” size=”lg” align=”left” link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gossipextra.com%2F2016%2F03%2F13%2Fiditarod-dogs-hurt-snowmobile-saved-fort-lauderdale-veterinarian-lynel-tocci-5750%2F|title:Watch%20more%20on%20Iditarod%20and%20interview%20with%20Tocci|target:%20_blank”][vc_message message_box_style=”3d” message_box_color=”turquoise”]
By Jose Lambiet, GossipExtra.com, SouthFloridaReporter.com, Mar. 14, 2016
[/vc_message]Disclaimer
The information contained in South Florida Reporter is for general information purposes only.
The South Florida Reporter assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions in the contents of the Service.
In no event shall the South Florida Reporter be liable for any special, direct, indirect, consequential, or incidental damages or any damages whatsoever, whether in an action of contract, negligence or other tort, arising out of or in connection with the use of the Service or the contents of the Service. The Company reserves the right to make additions, deletions, or modifications to the contents of the Service at any time without prior notice.
The Company does not warrant that the Service is free of viruses or other harmful components
