Hey John,

A+ on the objectivity. Read
http://www.helpsleddogs.org/faq.htm#4 . The Iditarod is promoted as a commemoration, but it's not really.

G,D. Bailey

Yes, it should be banned. Anytime you have people gaining money and glory off the backs of animals, the well -being of the animals will typically fall way behind the $$ and/or the glory.

Let the mushers that want to continue the Iditarod actually use their own muscles and their own feet and see how they like it.

stupid animal rights bull ...! Why cant they all just f... off!?
I think this race is flat out cool, and the dogs love doin it so whats so wrong with that?
Besides the people who beat their dogs up shouldnt be in the race anyway.
Anyone who thinks it's cruel is just plain gay!
Im sorry but thats the truth

Over 1500 dogs started the race 13 days ago. Out of that 1500+, 3 deceased dogs. While horrible for the mushers, is not exactly a staggering statistic. Take 1500 dogs in the pet population and track them for the same duration of similar ages and I guarantee *at least* that many will unfortunately die as a result of disease, trauma, inconvenience, whatever. I think this 0.002% mortality speaks to the attention the mushers and veterinarians are paying to these dogs, pulling dogs out of the race when they feel the dogs might not be 100% healthy.

This article is obviously biased to support the stance of the animal rights organizations, people who are trying to not just stop any kind of animal events but ultimately, stop us from having pets at all...what a pity.

I'd never heard about this before, and I must say that your posts have given me pause ...
On the one hand, it seems no more humane than racing greyhounds or horses (which I am adamantly against). But on the other hand, might there still be a bond between musher and mushee? If the team leaders are truly invested in their dogs, wouldn't they love them with each unique dog personality, and therefore take care of them? Or since there's a hefty purse involved, are the dogs just a means to an end?

I'm sure it varies from team to team. But for now I think I'll continue to lend my support to dog sports that are actually fun for the dogs, like agility competitions, and hold off on the 1100 mile race. I mean, most people would never run that far - why should expect a dog to want to do that - even working dogs have their limits.

I think you need to get your facts straight on Distance from Anchorage to Nome, One Musher on 1 Sled with a bunch of Dogs taking medicine to Nome.

What was the total number of man's best friend that perished in the current and past wars? No one ever had or has a problem with this, why?

Stay with the Animal movement in your own state, and stay out of mine. I live here you don't and if you want to get a better angle of what you are reporting come and live here for 5 years then write your article. You will change your point of view.

You are writing about a State the people in the Lower 48 do not even recognize we exist as the 49th State. When ever we buy products from the lower 48 we get charged extra because we are considered an Overseas shipping.

If you want to experience a Good Place, Good People and the most breathe taking views you have ever seen, Come to Alaska, its an experience you won't want to leave.

Man and Dog together as one committed to each other and the love of the ride. Yee - Haw

( I am a Disabled American Veteran and live in Alaska with my 3 dogs and 2 parakeets and we all trust and respect one another.)

the iditorod shouldn't de band

Yes, it should be banned, or how about the mushers pull the dogs mid-way through the race? Then it's truly an equal partnership.

Mindless humans!

I've been there, I've visited the kennels and seen them up close - the mushers worship their dogs and take better care of them far better than any normal pet owner. There is a definite bond between musher and dog. Those who suggest outlawing it know little to absolutely nothing about it. This is not about the money - these folks were mushing when the prize money didn't cover the cost of feeding and caring for their dogs.
There are veterinarians present at all check points. If you follow the race you will find that the majority of the "down" time is spent caring for the dogs and the mushers will go without sleep or food in order to make sure their dogs are cared for.
This is a cooperative team event with the musher and the dogs working together, and there are times when the musher walks out in front and leads the team through whiteout conditions.
Again, I would encourage you to really find out about the Iditarod and the amazing bonds between the people and their dogs before you make any judgment.

By the way - have any of those arguing against the Iditarod ever looked at the statistics for the number of high school and college athletes who suffer serious, debilitating, paralyzing injuries or death each year?

Would you outlaw high school and college sports?

In the Chicago Marathon this year one person died and hundreds received emergency medical care - should marathons be outlawed?

Athletic competitions, of which the Iditarod is one of the most extreme for man and dog, have inherent dangers, but the enhanced care and understanding of the care for both humans and animals, have greatly increased as a result.

Again, please look at the reality before you condemn the Iditarod. A lot of the "facts" are nonsense. Yes, Rick Swenson was force to scratch after a dog died, but this was a new rule and did not take into account whether the musher was in anyway responsible. Yes, a significant number of dogs do not finish the race - but this is because mushers are allowed (and encouraged) to "drop" - that is leave behind at a checkpoint to be later transported back home - any dog they feel needs it. A good number of those dogs would continue to run if their owners did not drop them.
Yes, there may be instances when a musher mistreats his dogs - but remember Bobby Knight or Woody Hayes? These are the exceptions NOT the rules. Most College coaches treat their athletes exceptionally well, most mushers do the same.

In short - the Iditarod is incredibly demanding on the TEAM - the musher AND the dogs - and anyone who follows it will quickly see that it is a mutually satisfying relationship.

Here is a quote from this year's winner Lancy Mackey: "(It's) so cool dad,'' Lance said. "You should see them (dogs); they all ate. They're all standing here. They're incredible.''

Indeed, Mackey's team looked ready to go run and win another race, though this Iditarod victory had not come easy. "

In the end the musher understood it was not about him - it was about them team - of which he was just a part.

i'm writing from MN

if you live in a warm climate and have never been in the cold and snow or seen some of those huskies run and get excited you're not in a position to make a value judgement on wether its ok or not.

i agree strongly with the comment about high school and college sports! i think this is a very valid point...

im sure you could argue that these dogs are "forced" to run these races, but being the owner of one very strong willed husky i will say that there is very little i could ever force him to do.

this iditrod is a long standing tradition for more reasons than money. trust me, if you're someone who is making a case against it, you should consider volunteering or observing this "cruelty" before you make any more judgements.