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Regarding 2007 Yukon Quest 'Volunteer Appreciation Day' on Saturday, March 31st: I hope the many Quest volunteers are aware that their volunteer efforts helped contribute to the deaths of three dogs, to many more being injured, and to much more animal suffering (dogs running while sick or injured) in this year's race. I also hope the volunteers are aware that a Quest spokesman told media this year that the Quest organization 'does not care' how mushers participating in the race cull their dogs. For testimony of the special bond between mushers and their dogs, take a look in the Wednesday, March 28 'Pets' classifieds in the Yukon News: "Kennel reduction, Iditarod and Quest finishers age 2 - 6, many leaders, some good for serious racing"; "Experienced dog team. Yukon Quest veterans. Includes leaders. Excellent lines."; "9 month old puppies. Mother was on 2006 Percy Dewolfe team, and many Yukon Quests..."; "Free - 2 lead dogs for rec team, 9 males, 8 females..."; "DOG TEAM, 11 running dogs w/command leader..." - this in a week where media reported about Whitehorse's Mae Bachur Animal shelter being burdened with a record number of unwanted puppies. I might respectfully suggest that some Quest volunteers/dog lovers 'put their money where there mouths are' and adopt some of these unwanted sled dogs themselves, or foster or adopt some of the puppies at the shelter. And while they are celebrating this year's race on Saturday, please spare a moment's silence for Hope, Melville, and Jewel, who are hopefully frolicking around right now in a much better world than the one from which they have recently departed. Terry Cumming, SledDogWatchdog.com [Published in Yukon News] |