Parents thank Iditarod mushers for help getting son's service dog

March 16, 2010

Logan Erickson is autistic. He doesn't talks and sometimes runs away and hides. (Jonathan Hartford/KTUU-DT)

by Jason Lamb
Sunday, March 14, 2010

UNALAKLEET, Alaska -- With all the talk about Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race mushers' dogs in Unalakleet Sunday, there's one important dog that hasn't arrived in town yet -- one that's about to help a family and child in need.

Watching dogs is one of Logan Erickson's favorite activities when mushers come through Unalakleet. But perhaps the most important dog in Logan's life isn't even here yet.

"He doesn't talk," said Donna Erickson, Logan's mom. "He suffers from a condition called autism."

The Ericksons asked for a service dog to help find Logan when he runs away and hides.

"(There's been) times when a whole bunch of people in the village have gone on four-wheelers, by foot, searching for him, and even an airplane looking for him at one point," Donna said.

But the family couldn't afford the $30,000 price tag -- until a group of Iditarod mushers donated half of the cost to help get Logan a dog.

"Martin Buser has, Lance Mackey is; he's in first. Sebastian Schnuelle, Middie Johnson who's from here," said Talon Erickson, Logan's brother.

The family made a banner for the mushers as one big thank-you.

"I think it's cool that this many people is willing to help Logan get his service dog," another family member said.

"Well, I think this is probably the best, most greatest likelihood that they'll see the sign," said Jeff Erickson, Logan's dad. "They have to come here for their food."

The mushers arrived Sunday morning, with Donna Erickson there to thank as many of them as she could.

"You guys are brave," musher Mitch Seavey told Erickson."

"Thank you, thank you very much," Erickson responded.

"It just is amazing to me that this thing snowballed and evolved and they raised the money so quickly," Donna said. "It's really important for me to give them a hug and thank them in person. It means a lot to us, it means so much to us what they're doing -- it's going to really affect our lives."

And on a day to say thanks, it's Logan's dad who says it best.

"Not only are they the best mushers in the world, but some of them have the biggest hearts, and that's encouraging to see," Jeff said.

After Logan gets his new guide dog, he'll have to spend a few weeks in training as the dog gets used to him.

Contact Jason Lamb at jlamb@ktuu.com

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