They hit the Iditarod Trail running and putting their best paw forward but it was not enough.

For some four-legged athletes the next and last stop on the trail is the dog-drop.

It is a pooch party for these champions, flying in style with the help of the Iditarod Air Force.

The dogs sent back from the trail for injuries or exhaustion are lined up and given a check-up by Iditarod vets.

The most common injuries this year are sore shoulder muscles due to the snowy terrain.

After a thumbs up from the vet, the dogs dig into some kibble and then catch some Zs, no doubt dreaming of the trail.

Race dogs coming home from the trail are either returned to mushers or cared for longer ath the Hiland Mountain Correctional Facility.