Iditarod!!!

**stacwase** · 03-06-2005, 11:04 AM

Great pic Lute! It looks like they're insanely happy.

**dukedogsmom** · 03-06-2005, 11:11 AM

The site www.helpsleddogs.org, is registered to Margery Glickman of Miami Florida. Even though it's public knowledge, I won't list the phone number given for her. I got the info at www.networksolutions.org. All you have to do is click on "who is" up at the top. So Margery, quit your lying and trying to stir up trouble. No wonder you've refused to visit anyone in Canada. That could be a long and expensive trip and expose what you really are. Have a wonderful day!

**lizbud** · 03-06-2005, 12:10 PM

I support the HSUS position on the Iditarod. If it were still
a run and not a race and still stuck to the original plan of 600
miles. Using relays running 100 miles at a stretch, would be
more in keeping to the original idea.

http://www.hsus.org/pets/issues_affe..._iditarod.html

**cali** · 03-06-2005, 02:35 PM

as fare as im concerned the dogs were bred to run, they LOVE it. many dogs are competive, they WANT to race, as in not just run but race. some people consider Flyball dangerous, its a race, the dogs want to run and the dogs want to WIN, sure the people do to, but what makes you think the dogs could care less about winning? if that were the case then Happy would just wander up to to the box rather then watch the other team and only run as fast as it takes to win. I know plenty of dogs who are highly competitive, its not a hman thing that owners just stick on there dogs. I know my dogs would LOVE to run the iditorod, my dogs getting to run that much would be a dream come true. "forcing" my dogs to run all day for 2 weeks.. oh boy they would love me forever lol they would be happy to rest for 10 minuts every 8 hours lay down pant grab a drink and start jumping up and down barking to go again. I think hat some people project what their pet dogs would think of it, the dogs that run this are ALTHLETES, they are not couch potatos that would drop dead after an hour of running.

**Shantidog** · 03-07-2005, 03:54 AM

Sleddog racing for sport and recreation is one thing....and it is wonderful!!! The Iditarod is something else again.....I did not mean to agravate...but to educate. If even only one dog dies....then it is too much. I always thought there were two sides to every story....but I guess I am outnumbered ....I suceed and say uncle...I just wanted to voice an opinion...that is all . WE agree to disagree. The Idtarod is a safe and non cruel race, and there is no dog abuse...just as there are puppy mills, no electrocution of dogs in Mexico, no dog farms in Korea, no racing greyhound abuse........

**Denyce** · 03-07-2005, 10:27 AM

Racing is racing and you can say the same thing about all of them. Greyhounds love to and are bred to run. Huskies are the same way. So are Thourobred horses. That is what they do. That is what they are bred for. I frankly don't believe the people who say nothing is ever done to the animals that is wrong any more than I believe the people who say it is all evil and should be stopped. Nothing is ever one way or the other but ALWAYS somewhere in the middle.

It is up to us as responsible human beings to make sure that while these animals are doing something they really love they don't become abused. The animals don't always have the sense to know when to stop even when they are injured. That is why there are check points with vet checks and people who don't have the vested interest in winning to make sure the dogs are taken care of. It is the same with endurance races on horseback. Do some people go to extremes and give pain meds so that the animals can run further and longer than might be safe for them? I wouldn't take bets against that. I know it happens in horse racing. I know it happens in dog racing and endurance riding. So do I believe it happens in sled dog racing also...you bet. Do some dogs/horses etc become injured or die in the course of the race? Absolutely. So do humans. Does that mean it ought to be banned? NO. But as responsible humans we need to continue to strive towards minimizing these incidents.

The vast majority of mushers love their dogs and properly take care of them. That is also a known fact. I don't think the I-rod should be stopped. Nor do I believe it should be made safe to the point of ruining the race. These types of races are suppose to test the heart, soul and strength of humans and dogs alike. If there was no danger what would be the point. Not everything that causes pain or injury is abuse. It is just life. So lets all use some commen sense and realize that most things in this world are not all one way or the other...there are always shades of gray.

Denyce

**Shantidog** · 03-07-2005, 10:53 PM

Thank you Denyce....that was very well put. ...it would be nice if they would decide to run the race in relays, and use fresh teams at certain checkpoints. Thanks for your contribution.
((((hugs))))
Diane