Iditarod Response.

Margery Glickman, director of the Sled Dog Action Coalition was kind enough to leave a comment concerning my recent Iditarod coverage. She writes: "The Iditarod is cruel to dogs. For the facts: http://www.helpsleddogs.org."
I contacted Margery to inquire why a woman in Miami, which is about as far as you can get from Nome, is so concerned about the state sport of Alaska. Over the course of several days we exchanged our positions on the subject.

I Wrote:
"Hello,Thanks for taking the time for responding to my personal coverage of the 2007 Iditarod. I wouild like to question though, why you would take the time to leave a comment to a blogger that has an obvious appreciation for the sport of sled dog racing and is fan and supporter of the Iditarod and it's place in Alaska culture?"

She responded:
Hi Scott, Thank you for your email. I wrote because some Iditarod supporters don't realize that the race is cruel to dogs. May I send you information, including copies of research studies that are on the National Institute of Health website?


Margery,
I am afraid this is one of those subjects where our two sides will never agree. I applaud your concern for the welfare of dogs in general but having followed the Iditarod for over 25 years and having personally known mushers and their dogs I find that your anger and crusade against sled dog racing is unfortunatley misdirected.

Margery evidently was not swayed by my argument.....She responded:
If Ramy Brooks is willing to hit his dogs in full view of witnesses, isn't it a good bet that he's done it on other occasions when there have been no witnesses?- Margery Glickman, Sled Dog Action Coalition

I sensed a little animosity growing in my new pen pal and as my wife will tell you there is not a button that I dont enjoy pushing. Just my nature.

Margery, He may also beat his wife and kick the cat but this is a reflection of Ramy Brooks and not of the Iditarod. The Iditarod officials quickly took the appropriate action. Unfortunately it gives you, PETA and others the chance to wail "I told you so."
If you are really concerned about animal welfare and are intent on effecting some change I suggest you spend a few days at your local Miami Dade County Animal Services, where 64% of the 32000 animals they take in per year are summarily executed.
http://animals.miamidade.gov/ Twenty Thousand dead animals is a travesty that far exceeds anything you can compare in the Iditarod but I suspect that the local dog pound is not as glamorous a target as the Iditarod.
Scott

I am still waiting for a response.