Sled Dog Sanctuary: A second life for Alaska's abandoned huskies

[J_J_]

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As both a musher and animal rescuer, Vinter strikes a delicate balance in a sport often targeted by animal rights activists. Vinter is wholly committed to the mushing lifestyle; she also says that even within the mushing world, “There’s always the bad apples.”

There are stories of mushers choosing four or five dogs in the spring and taking them to an animal shelter, because the musher decided those dogs weren't worth the feeding bill. Vinter called it the "breakup drop-off."

Sometimes, though, a musher is simply unable to take care of the dogs any longer. Maybe there’s a medical emergency. Maybe they couldn’t afford it anymore. Maybe the dog has behavioral problems.

Every story is different, so Vinter stays out of it. “We just stay completely neutral,” Vinter said. “Once the dog is here, that’s our focus.”

[shenmue]

1. Woof yes!

Very squee!

[irisblue]

2. where is this post from? thanks!

[HFRN]

3. good that we're finally addressing the issue of dog sledlessness nt

[hunter]

4. Here's the link:

http://www.adn.com/article/20150702/sled-dog-sanctuary-second-life-alaskas-abandoned-huskies

[LibertyLover]

5. What a wonderful woman

huskies are great dogs. My then 16 month old daughter was watched over by a husky.

[joeybee12]

6. Because she's a musher, I think she may be under-stating the problem...

And while good for her, the groups that sponsor these races need to do better policing, because far too many mushers treat their animals like property they toss away after its served its usefulness.