Thanks "Glacier" that was very insightful. I appreciate you taking the time to explain the life of a dog sledding. It sounds like you are very compassionate and caring towards your dogs.

I guess I have a clearer picture. But as far as S.Husky's[is that the breed?] being "born to run"........ one must still be careful...
My dog is an Australian Cattle Dog who is hard wired to herd and chase balls and frisbee's. She loves the frisbee so much she'd retrieve it to the point of exhausion or worse if she had her way.......does that mean I should allow her to get to that point just because she loves it so....?
In fact, last year she tore a cruiate ligament from landing on her knee after a vigorous session of frisbee. I have felt devastated over this....
Frisbee and ball chasing is now a thing of the past for her........dogs do NOT know their limits...that's OUR job....and somehow I think that may get missed in the heat of a race such as the Iditarod?

Three dogs losing their life during/because of a race is three too many in my book. How about the other ones that were injured and "near death" because they were pushed too hard. ?

I know I'm sounding ignorant and judgemental. I don't mean to be. I'm just a dog lover like you.