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Iditarod plans changes after sled dog death
Source: Associated Press
Iditarod plans changes after sled dog death
AP foreign, Thursday March 21 2013
RACHEL D'ORO
Associated Press= ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — Organizers of Alaska's Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race say changes are planned for the 1,000-mile trek after a dog was buried in snow by extreme winds and suffocated.
Race officials said Wednesday they also plan to meet with the owners of 5-year-old Dorado. The dog was found dead at a checkpoint last week, days after it was removed from the race because it was moving stiffly.
Dorado belonged to the team of Iditarod rookie Paige Drobny of Fairbanks. Drobny's husband says the couple asked Iditarod organizers to develop new protocols for the care of dogs withdrawn from the race.
Changes planned included construction of dog shelters at two major checkpoints for dogs and more frequent checks on the animals.
AP foreign, Thursday March 21 2013
RACHEL D'ORO
Associated Press= ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — Organizers of Alaska's Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race say changes are planned for the 1,000-mile trek after a dog was buried in snow by extreme winds and suffocated.
Race officials said Wednesday they also plan to meet with the owners of 5-year-old Dorado. The dog was found dead at a checkpoint last week, days after it was removed from the race because it was moving stiffly.
Dorado belonged to the team of Iditarod rookie Paige Drobny of Fairbanks. Drobny's husband says the couple asked Iditarod organizers to develop new protocols for the care of dogs withdrawn from the race.
Changes planned included construction of dog shelters at two major checkpoints for dogs and more frequent checks on the animals.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/feedarticle/10710727
7 replies
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= new reply since forum marked as read
It should really just be done away with.
I was shocked to read a National Geographic story from 10+ years ago that was extremely dismissive of the casualties casualties in this race and in similar events.
Given that they are dropped off because they aren't faring well, are exhausted or injured.
At least they are making changes now. So sad that Dorado died for no goddam good reason. 
I hope being kinder and more protective of the dogs is a good START. After running for days and their energy and stamina drained...they are left out side during a snow storm! SHOCKING! So CRUEL! 
