Saddened by Unnecesary Death of Dog

[Locogirl]

I haven't seen a report on Packer's dogs' deaths. Maybe I missed it; but I would like to know what the necropsy showed on them. Anyone know?

[Iditarod Staff]

As information becomes available, it is posted in the Press and Media section of the website in the form of press releases.

[racheldc]

Karen Ramstead's post earlier in this thread embodies everything I felt to be true about a musher/dog relationship. It's what attracted me to following the Iditarod in the first place. I'm appreciative to her for posting about Snickers death. I also love the fact that she took the tragedy and turned it into something that will benefit future generations of sled dog by identifying a problem and actively supporting funding for research aimed at prevention.

I've been participating in various threads on this forum, and in the end, what I hope for is the same sort of spirit to arise from race supporters that is aimed at identifying the problems that contributed to the too many dog deaths this year. Snicker's death led to preventive measures being implemented that has made the race safer for dogs and their humans. That is a great legacy to leave behind.

[chinookdog]

There's also research sponsored by the International Sled Dog Veterinarian Medical Association (ISDVMA). I'm sure they also would appreciate any contributions.

[thereser]

I have just followed the Iditarod for the first time, the relationship between man and dogs is very strong. Both dogs and musher have extraordinary stamina, I admire both. Not being a vet, and green in the subject, I read a few dogs have passed due to water on the lungs. Is there any protection that the dogs can wear on their head, somehow filter some of that extremely cold air. These dogs are loyal want to do their best , like humans they have defaults in the genetic or physiological trait. Can someone answer this question, I might be out to lunch but just wondering if there is anything to help these wonderful creatures. Has there ever been such a contraception? Is that asking too much from both , man and dogs, is it too much trouble, I don't know,just pondering Thanks ,Therese

[palomino50]

I think, if you are a knowledgeable person regarding the Iditarod, you know the dogs are treated well, but they are still dying. I just saw on Yahoo that #6 died, a 2-year old female from Alan Peck's team who had been dropped and died in the airplane. Have this many dogs died in the past in other races?

It is a known fact that sport dogs get stomach ulcers and nobody is sure why. These have perforated and have killed a number of dogs in the Iditerod. It is hoped that the studies being done on Iditeraod dogs and their incredible stamina will help find out why the dogs are ulcerating as they are, and not just in this sport. Many sport dogs in other dog sport have developed ulcers, the key is finding out why. I have a friend involved in cattle dogs and herding. She is the first one who told me about ulcers when I was telling her about the Iditerod. She sent me an article about the research being done on this mysterious and deadly malady.

[NE teach]

Karen,
Thanks for sharing your insight and first hand experience with the death of your wonderful dog Snickers. The Snicker's Fund has undoubtedly made contributions
toward the health and well being of sled dogs. I had the chance to talk to Dr. Mike Davis at the 2007 summer conference in Wasilla and we talked about the Snicker's fund. What a great use of resources to help these four legged athletes. I applaud your fortitude and devotion to dogs and mushing. Thanks again for helping us underst

[NE teach]

Karen,
Thanks for sharing your insight and first hand experience with the death of your wonderful dog Snickers. The Snicker's Fund has undoubtedly made contributions
toward the health and well being of sled dogs. I had the chance to talk to Dr. Mike Davis at the 2007 summer conference in Wasilla and we talked about the Snicker's fund. What a great use of resources to help these four legged athletes. I applaud your fortitude and devotion to dogs and mushing. Thanks again for helping us understand.

[GlacierPineHuskys]

I'm new to the sport, and I own 3 wonderful siberian huskys. Even before I decided to start in sledding, We noticed that these dogs were different. They can be a family dog at the same time as a runner, and most are that way. I personally wouldn't run in the big race, but it is no way in humane. What some people need to look at is the age of the dog, weather or not this dog had prior issues with reguards to its health. These dogs or as I referr to them as my kids, are built inside and out for running. They have an enlarged heart, their body has its own unique way of storing fat, which is serving two functions with this breed; warmth, and the dogs burn that when they are running. Personally i have watched this big race before, and do not find it wrong at all. The dogs are put first and formost before anything at all.
Take a look at the typical house dog in someones home, you wont find the kind of daily attention, care, love, and understanding for the breed of dog that you do with the sledders and racers. The people are not sledding because WE want to we are sledding because THE DOGS want too. If we didn't sled with this breed of dog it would be like taking a live long logger and putting that person behind an RN at a hospital and expecting them to work. It don't happen.
We do it for the dogs first and formost, not for us. We are along for the ride... and it is wonderful!!