Just saw on the news yesterday - sled dogs being put to sleep by the hundreds because the salmon harvest was a record low. Salmon is almost all these dogs usually eat and there isn't enough to feed even half of them this year. Families are losing their friends as well as their livelyhood.

I'm not a big fan of the Iditarod, as it puts these animals in grave danger of injury and death for the sake of a human's pride, but I do know, and accept, that sled dogs are the main source of transportation in an area where machinery simply fails to operate and that many of these families love their animals as much as anyone who depends on an animal for his/her livelihood can. Dogfood donations are being sent up, but so far barely half of what is need is available and the need is for more NOW!!! Get your church group together, civic groups, whatever. If we all work together, we can do some good, I'm sure.

The Humane Society of Canada is coordinating the effort to help these animals. The Director is Michael O'Sullivan and the Ph. # is 1-800-641-KIND or fax at 416-368-1948

-- Soni (thomkilroy@hotmail.com), October 24, 2000

Answers

Soni, I saw that, too. Dogs are being put down b/c there is not enough food. The salmon loss is hard on people's food resources too.

-- sheepish (rborgo@gte.net), October 25, 2000.

Thanks for the info. We must remember our four legged friends - they are such a vital part of many people's lives.

-- Julia in Tally (tofubiscuit@excite.com), October 25, 2000.