Dog death rekindles argument for change

To the editor:

Cheers to the Frontiersman for keeping its publication of Iditarod propaganda to a minimum. This year’s race events have once again proved the Iditarod is both abusive and corrupt. While contender Brent Sass is disqualified for carrying an iPod with wireless capabilities, Lance Mackey’s healthy 3-year old dog Wyatt dies inexplicably and he is allowed to race on into conditions exceeding 45 below zero.

Even after admitting he is physically incapable of putting booties on the feet of his remaining dogs without assistance, race officials send him on his way. And the media spin suggests we should feel sorry for him.

Today’s Iditarod has evolved into a barbaric event fueled by greed and outside money. It is a far cry from the days when a dog team was used for transportation and a musher kept only as many dogs as would comfortably fit into his cabin on a cold night.

There are numerous intelligent people and reputable organizations throughout North America who are opposed to the race. If you care about dogs you should consider joining them.

R.I.P. Wyatt. We know you ran your heart out.

Laura Stine

Willow