I am very uneduated about the Iditarod, dog racing, etc., but I have a few thoughts...

First, I'm sure there are some dogs that are mistreated. It is true if the dogs are pets, show dogs, or athletes. I don't think in any situation, anyone can say, that every dog owner is the perfect dog owner, and treats their dogs perfectly....but I hope, and want to believe it is the exception, not the rule.

I also don't believe that mushers tie their dogs up and ignore them if they aren't racing. Do a seach for Glacier's posts, and check out her sled dogs. See if they aren't some of the happiest, well cared for dogs around....laying on the couch, enjoying arun, whatever...they ALWAYS seem to be enjoying life.

All of us here care about the welfare of animals, or we wouldn't be here....I just think it is better not to make genrealiations, positive or negative. There will always be exceptions.