Dogs are dying, and it's not Michael Vick's fault - DiscussWorldIssues - Socio-Economic Religion and Political Uncensored Debate

**chuecafresss** · 03-19-2009, 09:23 PM

Dogs are dying, and it's not Michael Vick's fault

The Associated Press
Thursday, March 19, 2009

Two dogs died in the name of sport this week, and this time it wasn't Michael Vick's fault.

Dizzy and Grasshopper were their names, and they met their demise in the Alaskan wilderness as the wind howled, temperatures dropped to 45 degrees below, and their owner began worrying about his own survival.
They were sled dogs, part of a pack of 15 ferrying musher Lou Packer through his first Iditarod, an 1,100-mile trek made even more grueling by high winds and deep snow. One other dog also perished in this year's race.
Listen to race supporters and they'll tell you that, unlike Vick's dogs, the 5-year-old huskies died doing what they loved. Read the official Iditarod Web site and you'll find out that sled dogs are pampered and loved by their masters.

They call it "The Last Great Race on Earth" and on Wednesday it was great for Lance Mackey, who had easy sledding as he drove into Nome to win his third straight Iditarod and the $69,000 plus the new pickup that goes with it. Mackey celebrated by hugging two of his dogs and giving them treats.

Packer didn't win anything, didn't even finish. By the time searchers found him, the Alaskan doctor was on foot leading his dogs instead of the other way around as he struggled to find the trail.

Dizzy and Grasshopper were already dead.

"I think those two guys probably froze to death in the high winds," Packer told the Anchorage Daily News. "I didn't think it possible."

The story Packer told the newspaper of his ordeal is just another that will live in Alaskan folklore. These are hardy people who brave the sometimes brutal outdoors because they've chosen it as their way of life.

They don't have a problem with chaining up big packs of dogs and running them to within an inch of their life for sport. They accept the fact that the Iditarod is a part of the state's heritage, and its biggest sporting event.

A lot of us in the Lower 48, though, just don't get it.

As a dog owner, my first reaction on hearing that two more dogs died in this year's race was one of sadness. My second was wondering why PETA wasn't up in the Alaskan wild making a fuss about it all.

The animal rights organization, after all, seems to launch a protest every time Vick's name is mentioned, and last month went to the absurd length of dressing up in KKK outfits at the Westminster Dog Show to protest what it said were attempts to create a "master race" of dogs.

Maybe they have an excuse. The event was outside of New York City, and they may not have had proper fake fur coats.

Barbara Hodges wasn't in Alaska, either. But the California veterinarian was doing something she thought was more valuable, drafting a letter on behalf of the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association to Iditarod sponsors like Exxon Mobil Corp. and Wells Fargo, asking them to withdraw their support from the race.

Hodges treats dogs and cats for a living, so she's seen a lot of animal suffering up close. She's also seen the studies that show sled dogs have abnormal lung changes due to prolonged heavy breathing, gastric ulcers from the stress of racing, and arthritis and other injuries that leave them crippled if they are fortunate to live long.

"We believe that this particular race compromises the health and welfare of the canine participants," Hodges said. "The race would violate animal cruelty laws against overworking or overdriving dogs in 38 states and the District of Columbia. Of course, Alaska has no such law."

Alaska isn't about to get one, either. Short of an entire team of dogs dying, there's not much that will change the opinion of most Alaskans that the Iditarod is a good thing and that dogs are, well, dogs.

Organizers have become savvy in recent years about how to deal with bleeding hearts when it comes to treatment of the dogs. They employ a team of veterinarians to keep the dogs healthy, give them checkups at key points in the race, and do autopsies for cause of death.

Two years ago, they suspended a top musher who was seen hitting and kicking his dogs after they refused to keep going on a stretch of ice. And just the other day, planes were called in to airlift dogs whose mushers had gotten stuck in the storm that snared Packer.

Still, how many dog deaths are reasonable? How many more must die before the fun is finally sucked out of the sport?

Yes, the race is an Alaskan tradition, one of the last great tests of endurance for dogs and their masters. There's something to be said for that, even if the dogs, unlike humans, have no choice about competing.
Unfortunately for Dizzy and Grasshopper, this was one test they couldn't pass.
____
Tim Dahlberg is a national sports columnist for The Associated Press. Write to him at tdahlberg@ap.org

http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2009/...erg-031809.php

**Sniliabiz** · 03-19-2009, 09:28 PM

Disgusting!

**LICraig** · 03-19-2009, 09:38 PM

I like the Iditarod. I would never do it though! I'd rather run around in 120 degree weather with three layers of clothes on. Lol cold is not for me

**mbaueee** · 03-19-2009, 10:24 PM

I don't know what to think of this. On the one hand I have nothing against the Iditarod since Huskies were bred to pull sleds and run long distances, and they are acclimated to living in extremely cold temperatures. However I take issue with the owner for not monitoring his dogs better, and I'm also disturbed by the report of a musher being suspended for abusing his dogs.

**LICraig** · 03-19-2009, 10:26 PM

There are the bad for every animal sport. Heck, even bad pet owners.

**BokerokyBan** · 03-19-2009, 10:51 PM

The dogs really do love it. My boyfriend's brother, Richard, lives in Alaska, and has several friends who have sled dog teams. They usually have two or three teams, and whichever team gets left behind, you will hear a bunch of whining and squealing, because those dogs want to go.

I think out of all the dogs that take part in the sports, two seems like an extremely low number.

My feeling is though it's sad the dogs died, I truly believe they died happy, because they were doing what they love.

**chuecafresss** · 03-19-2009, 11:05 PM

Er, no.

"I think those two guys probably froze to death in the high winds," Packer told the Anchorage Daily News. "I didn't think it possible." Those two dogs died from human error.

**LICraig** · 03-19-2009, 11:09 PM

If my dogs got away from me in the Alaskan Wilderness, they would probably freeze to death before I found them too!! Am I mistaken, I thought that I read that the dogs were missing and found dead but I could be wrong.

We all know there are accidents. If the dogs did get loose, two out of.... how many dogs are there? How many teams race in the Iditarod?

Time to go research. Thanks for posting Purple

**aaaaaaaabbbby** · 03-19-2009, 11:23 PM

I don't see how people can be soooo okay with two huskies dying pulling sleds even though it was from human error, but they were so outraged that people fight their dogs to the death. They said the huskies died happy doing what they were bred for, but pitbulls were bred for fighting and fighting makes them happy, so why are they wrong for fighting to the death. In no way am I an advocate for dog fighting, but killing is killing. Dying by freezing is no better than dying by having your head ripped open. I believe they should be susceptable to the same punishment as Mike Vick for animal abuse. I just think people are looking at this differently because they were huskies and not pitbulls. No matter what goes wrong with pitbulls they are looking for a reason to blame someone and try to ban them. If a Lab runs up and attacks my APBT and my dog kills it, I will be charged for killing their dog.

**majestictwelve** · 03-20-2009, 12:32 AM

I saw this in the newspaper today and it made me so mad. Way to light a fire under PETA's butt. Let the dogs do what they were bred to do! The iditarod is amazing, and the dogs that run it are amazing.

RIP, Grasshopper and Dizzy

**LICraig** · 03-20-2009, 12:35 AM

and the dogs that run it are amazing.

And the people!

Or just plain crazy!

RIP Grasshopper and Dizzy

**LICraig** · 03-20-2009, 12:37 AM

I reckon most people who are against dog fighting are against sled racing as well. Or atleast aren't a fan of it.

Dog fighting, sled racing, horse racing, and Greyhound racing are all pretty controversial.

**chuecafresss** · 03-20-2009, 12:48 AM

If my dogs got away from me in the Alaskan Wilderness, they would probably freeze to death before I found them too!! Am I mistaken, I thought that I read that the dogs were missing and found dead but I could be wrong.

We all know there are accidents. If the dogs did get loose, two out of.... how many dogs are there? How many teams race in the Iditarod? Time to go research. Thanks for posting Purple

No, these two dogs froze to death due to human error. Nigel is the dog you are thinking about, he was found and belonged to musher Nancy Yoshida.

Sure, it's a small percentage, but, isnt' that like saying it's ok to allow a small percentage of irresponsible pit bull owners? It's not ok that these dogs froze to death. Plain and simple, it was irresponsible. They didn't die doing what they loved, they didn't get that chance, their owner screwed up.

**LICraig** · 03-20-2009, 12:55 AM

Sure their owner screwed up (thanks for correcting me

I thought they got away). But I wouldn't blame the sport. This was his first Iditarod it said... let's just hope it was his last

**chuecafresss** · 03-20-2009, 12:56 AM

Definately not blaming the sport. Just a sad day when dogs have to die because of their owner's stupidity.

**LICraig** · 03-20-2009, 01:05 AM

Yes, it is. I agree.

**BokerokyBan** · 03-20-2009, 01:39 AM

I must have misunderstood the article. I thought the guy got lost, and his dogs also got lost, and He got himself help, before he could help them, they were dead.

But yeah, my main problem is they are acting as if the race itself is at fault, when it is a fantastic race, and the dogs do love it. Yes, there is a high chance of a dog or two not making it back, but there is also a high risk that the musher won't make it back either.

While it is sad the dogs died, Let's just be happy it wasn't a higher number of dogs, and that no human lives were lost.

Just my feelings on it.

**autolubitelone** · 03-20-2009, 02:23 AM

I don't see how people can be soooo okay with two huskies dying pulling sleds even though it was from human error, but they were so outraged that people fight their dogs to the death. They said the huskies died happy doing what they were bred for, but pitbulls were bred for fighting and fighting makes them happy, so why are they wrong for fighting to the death. In no way am I an advocate for dog fighting, but killing is killing. Dying by freezing is no better than dying by having your head ripped open. I believe they should be susceptable to the same punishment as Mike Vick for animal abuse. I just think people are looking at this differently because they were huskies and not pitbulls. No matter what goes wrong with pitbulls they are looking for a reason to blame someone and try to ban them. If a Lab runs up and attacks my APBT and my dog kills it, I will be charged for killing their dog.

I find nothing wrong with the race itself (and my family has a husky as well as an APBT and 2 chihuahuas and 1 pom/chi mix) I know that I look at the race and people fighting their dogs to the death differently. For one, fighting dogs to the death implies for sure one dog is going to die. While running the race, does involve risk to the dogs it doesn't automatically mean that the dog will die; plus the human risks his/her life right along with the dogs. Sadly, sometimes dogs die in the race (RIP - Grasshopper & Dizzy) and sadly in some cases it is human error. How many dogs die everyday from human error not involved in the race? (I would guess many).

**PolPitasc** · 03-20-2009, 03:03 AM

dogs die every day from human error. dogs die playing other less controversial sports. should dogs stop running agility because they could fall off a dogwalk or an a-frame and break their necks? should we stop throwing tennis balls because dogs have choked to death on them? should i stop driving my dogs to obedience class because i could make a mistake driving and wreck the car and kill us all?

i don't have a problem with the iditarod or the other long distance sled dog races. in order to even consider running that race, you have to put a huge amount of time, work, money, and heart into it. and yeah, stuff happens. dogs die. people have died. it's a shame, but it's part of living.

**Kragh** · 03-20-2009, 06:51 AM

Here are my thoughts:

The Iditarod is amazing. Those creatures are nothing but amazing. The majority of the owners are amazing. But alas, a few idiots and ignorant folks screw things up and then blame it on the race or idea itself.

So much has been done to protect the dogs in this race. I'm wondering what more can be done....short of ending all sled races.

03-19-2009, 09:23 PM	#1
chuecafresss Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 406 Senior Member	Dogs are dying, and it's not Michael Vick's fault Dogs are dying, and it's not Michael Vick's fault The Associated Press Thursday, March 19, 2009 Two dogs died in the name of sport this week, and this time it wasn't Michael Vick's fault. Dizzy and Grasshopper were their names, and they met their demise in the Alaskan wilderness as the wind howled, temperatures dropped to 45 degrees below, and their owner began worrying about his own survival. They were sled dogs, part of a pack of 15 ferrying musher Lou Packer through his first Iditarod, an 1,100-mile trek made even more grueling by high winds and deep snow. One other dog also perished in this year's race. Listen to race supporters and they'll tell you that, unlike Vick's dogs, the 5-year-old huskies died doing what they loved. Read the official Iditarod Web site and you'll find out that sled dogs are pampered and loved by their masters. They call it "The Last Great Race on Earth" and on Wednesday it was great for Lance Mackey, who had easy sledding as he drove into Nome to win his third straight Iditarod and the $69,000 plus the new pickup that goes with it. Mackey celebrated by hugging two of his dogs and giving them treats. Packer didn't win anything, didn't even finish. By the time searchers found him, the Alaskan doctor was on foot leading his dogs instead of the other way around as he struggled to find the trail. Dizzy and Grasshopper were already dead. "I think those two guys probably froze to death in the high winds," Packer told the Anchorage Daily News. "I didn't think it possible." The story Packer told the newspaper of his ordeal is just another that will live in Alaskan folklore. These are hardy people who brave the sometimes brutal outdoors because they've chosen it as their way of life. They don't have a problem with chaining up big packs of dogs and running them to within an inch of their life for sport. They accept the fact that the Iditarod is a part of the state's heritage, and its biggest sporting event. A lot of us in the Lower 48, though, just don't get it. As a dog owner, my first reaction on hearing that two more dogs died in this year's race was one of sadness. My second was wondering why PETA wasn't up in the Alaskan wild making a fuss about it all. The animal rights organization, after all, seems to launch a protest every time Vick's name is mentioned, and last month went to the absurd length of dressing up in KKK outfits at the Westminster Dog Show to protest what it said were attempts to create a "master race" of dogs. Maybe they have an excuse. The event was outside of New York City, and they may not have had proper fake fur coats. Barbara Hodges wasn't in Alaska, either. But the California veterinarian was doing something she thought was more valuable, drafting a letter on behalf of the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association to Iditarod sponsors like Exxon Mobil Corp. and Wells Fargo, asking them to withdraw their support from the race. Hodges treats dogs and cats for a living, so she's seen a lot of animal suffering up close. She's also seen the studies that show sled dogs have abnormal lung changes due to prolonged heavy breathing, gastric ulcers from the stress of racing, and arthritis and other injuries that leave them crippled if they are fortunate to live long. "We believe that this particular race compromises the health and welfare of the canine participants," Hodges said. "The race would violate animal cruelty laws against overworking or overdriving dogs in 38 states and the District of Columbia. Of course, Alaska has no such law." Alaska isn't about to get one, either. Short of an entire team of dogs dying, there's not much that will change the opinion of most Alaskans that the Iditarod is a good thing and that dogs are, well, dogs. Organizers have become savvy in recent years about how to deal with bleeding hearts when it comes to treatment of the dogs. They employ a team of veterinarians to keep the dogs healthy, give them checkups at key points in the race, and do autopsies for cause of death. Two years ago, they suspended a top musher who was seen hitting and kicking his dogs after they refused to keep going on a stretch of ice. And just the other day, planes were called in to airlift dogs whose mushers had gotten stuck in the storm that snared Packer. Still, how many dog deaths are reasonable? How many more must die before the fun is finally sucked out of the sport? Yes, the race is an Alaskan tradition, one of the last great tests of endurance for dogs and their masters. There's something to be said for that, even if the dogs, unlike humans, have no choice about competing. Unfortunately for Dizzy and Grasshopper, this was one test they couldn't pass. ____ Tim Dahlberg is a national sports columnist for The Associated Press. Write to him at tdahlberg@ap.org http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2009/...erg-031809.php Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
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03-19-2009, 09:28 PM	#2
Sniliabiz Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 415 Senior Member	Disgusting! Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
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03-19-2009, 09:38 PM	#3
LICraig Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 659 Senior Member	I like the Iditarod. I would never do it though! I'd rather run around in 120 degree weather with three layers of clothes on. Lol cold is not for me Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
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03-19-2009, 10:24 PM	#4
mbaueee Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 447 Senior Member	I don't know what to think of this. On the one hand I have nothing against the Iditarod since Huskies were bred to pull sleds and run long distances, and they are acclimated to living in extremely cold temperatures. However I take issue with the owner for not monitoring his dogs better, and I'm also disturbed by the report of a musher being suspended for abusing his dogs. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
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03-19-2009, 10:26 PM	#5
LICraig Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 659 Senior Member	There are the bad for every animal sport. Heck, even bad pet owners. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
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03-19-2009, 10:51 PM	#6
BokerokyBan Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 459 Senior Member	The dogs really do love it. My boyfriend's brother, Richard, lives in Alaska, and has several friends who have sled dog teams. They usually have two or three teams, and whichever team gets left behind, you will hear a bunch of whining and squealing, because those dogs want to go. I think out of all the dogs that take part in the sports, two seems like an extremely low number. My feeling is though it's sad the dogs died, I truly believe they died happy, because they were doing what they love. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
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03-19-2009, 11:05 PM	#7
chuecafresss Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 406 Senior Member	Er, no. "I think those two guys probably froze to death in the high winds," Packer told the Anchorage Daily News. "I didn't think it possible." Those two dogs died from human error. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
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03-19-2009, 11:09 PM	#8
LICraig Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 659 Senior Member	If my dogs got away from me in the Alaskan Wilderness, they would probably freeze to death before I found them too!! Am I mistaken, I thought that I read that the dogs were missing and found dead but I could be wrong. We all know there are accidents. If the dogs did get loose, two out of.... how many dogs are there? How many teams race in the Iditarod? Time to go research. Thanks for posting Purple Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
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03-19-2009, 11:23 PM	#9
aaaaaaaabbbby Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 434 Senior Member	I don't see how people can be soooo okay with two huskies dying pulling sleds even though it was from human error, but they were so outraged that people fight their dogs to the death. They said the huskies died happy doing what they were bred for, but pitbulls were bred for fighting and fighting makes them happy, so why are they wrong for fighting to the death. In no way am I an advocate for dog fighting, but killing is killing. Dying by freezing is no better than dying by having your head ripped open. I believe they should be susceptable to the same punishment as Mike Vick for animal abuse. I just think people are looking at this differently because they were huskies and not pitbulls. No matter what goes wrong with pitbulls they are looking for a reason to blame someone and try to ban them. If a Lab runs up and attacks my APBT and my dog kills it, I will be charged for killing their dog. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
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03-20-2009, 12:32 AM	#10
majestictwelve Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 515 Senior Member	I saw this in the newspaper today and it made me so mad. Way to light a fire under PETA's butt. Let the dogs do what they were bred to do! The iditarod is amazing, and the dogs that run it are amazing. RIP, Grasshopper and Dizzy Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
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03-20-2009, 12:35 AM	#11
LICraig Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 659 Senior Member	and the dogs that run it are amazing. And the people! Or just plain crazy! RIP Grasshopper and Dizzy Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
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03-20-2009, 12:37 AM	#12
LICraig Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 659 Senior Member	I reckon most people who are against dog fighting are against sled racing as well. Or atleast aren't a fan of it. Dog fighting, sled racing, horse racing, and Greyhound racing are all pretty controversial. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
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03-20-2009, 12:48 AM	#13
chuecafresss Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 406 Senior Member	If my dogs got away from me in the Alaskan Wilderness, they would probably freeze to death before I found them too!! Am I mistaken, I thought that I read that the dogs were missing and found dead but I could be wrong. We all know there are accidents. If the dogs did get loose, two out of.... how many dogs are there? How many teams race in the Iditarod? Time to go research. Thanks for posting Purple No, these two dogs froze to death due to human error. Nigel is the dog you are thinking about, he was found and belonged to musher Nancy Yoshida. Sure, it's a small percentage, but, isnt' that like saying it's ok to allow a small percentage of irresponsible pit bull owners? It's not ok that these dogs froze to death. Plain and simple, it was irresponsible. They didn't die doing what they loved, they didn't get that chance, their owner screwed up. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
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03-20-2009, 12:55 AM	#14
LICraig Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 659 Senior Member	Sure their owner screwed up (thanks for correcting me I thought they got away). But I wouldn't blame the sport. This was his first Iditarod it said... let's just hope it was his last Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
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03-20-2009, 12:56 AM	#15
chuecafresss Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 406 Senior Member	Definately not blaming the sport. Just a sad day when dogs have to die because of their owner's stupidity. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
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03-20-2009, 01:05 AM	#16
LICraig Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 659 Senior Member	Yes, it is. I agree. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
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03-20-2009, 01:39 AM	#17
BokerokyBan Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 459 Senior Member	I must have misunderstood the article. I thought the guy got lost, and his dogs also got lost, and He got himself help, before he could help them, they were dead. But yeah, my main problem is they are acting as if the race itself is at fault, when it is a fantastic race, and the dogs do love it. Yes, there is a high chance of a dog or two not making it back, but there is also a high risk that the musher won't make it back either. While it is sad the dogs died, Let's just be happy it wasn't a higher number of dogs, and that no human lives were lost. Just my feelings on it. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
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03-20-2009, 02:23 AM	#18
autolubitelone Join Date Nov 2005 Posts 491 Senior Member	I don't see how people can be soooo okay with two huskies dying pulling sleds even though it was from human error, but they were so outraged that people fight their dogs to the death. They said the huskies died happy doing what they were bred for, but pitbulls were bred for fighting and fighting makes them happy, so why are they wrong for fighting to the death. In no way am I an advocate for dog fighting, but killing is killing. Dying by freezing is no better than dying by having your head ripped open. I believe they should be susceptable to the same punishment as Mike Vick for animal abuse. I just think people are looking at this differently because they were huskies and not pitbulls. No matter what goes wrong with pitbulls they are looking for a reason to blame someone and try to ban them. If a Lab runs up and attacks my APBT and my dog kills it, I will be charged for killing their dog. I find nothing wrong with the race itself (and my family has a husky as well as an APBT and 2 chihuahuas and 1 pom/chi mix) I know that I look at the race and people fighting their dogs to the death differently. For one, fighting dogs to the death implies for sure one dog is going to die. While running the race, does involve risk to the dogs it doesn't automatically mean that the dog will die; plus the human risks his/her life right along with the dogs. Sadly, sometimes dogs die in the race (RIP - Grasshopper & Dizzy) and sadly in some cases it is human error. How many dogs die everyday from human error not involved in the race? (I would guess many). Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
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03-20-2009, 03:03 AM	#19
PolPitasc Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 480 Senior Member	dogs die every day from human error. dogs die playing other less controversial sports. should dogs stop running agility because they could fall off a dogwalk or an a-frame and break their necks? should we stop throwing tennis balls because dogs have choked to death on them? should i stop driving my dogs to obedience class because i could make a mistake driving and wreck the car and kill us all? i don't have a problem with the iditarod or the other long distance sled dog races. in order to even consider running that race, you have to put a huge amount of time, work, money, and heart into it. and yeah, stuff happens. dogs die. people have died. it's a shame, but it's part of living. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
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03-20-2009, 06:51 AM	#20
Kragh Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 483 Senior Member	Here are my thoughts: The Iditarod is amazing. Those creatures are nothing but amazing. The majority of the owners are amazing. But alas, a few idiots and ignorant folks screw things up and then blame it on the race or idea itself. So much has been done to protect the dogs in this race. I'm wondering what more can be done....short of ending all sled races. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
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