Lily finished her first 1000 Yukon Quest at 18 months of age and led the majority of the race alongside my older leader Camaro. She was a small and overlooked young dog in the kennel, weighing only 37lbs her yearling year. She became a standout leader for many years to come. She was a super tough headed dog and she was born to lead. Lily went on to become a main leader in my dad, Rick Mackey's, team and to finish several Iditarod and Quests. I shared a bond with Lily that is unsurpassed. She only wore one bootie on the same foot during the Quest and like many of our old lines very rarely needed booties at all. Lily had many succesful offspring and lived to the age of 17. Her blood runs strong in our dogs today. Her sire, Commander, his brother Commander (for DeeDee), and aunt Cindy were all championship leaders.