Martha Knows Everything...and You Should, Too

GOOD DOGS, BETTER PEOPLE

This story partially answers a question I've always had: what happens to the dogs who have to drop out of the Iditarod? And who takes care of them. Answer: sometimes it's prisoners. SitNews - Inmates Volunteer To Help Iditarod; Provide Care for Dropped Dogs

The volunteer dog handlers consist of minimum custody inmate volunteers working in teams. The volunteer crew logs in and tags each dog brought in, making note of medications and any veterinary treatment that might be required. The crew then makes sure each dog has water, food and clean straw bedding.

This year a record 44 inmates have volunteered, Supt. Marshall said. Dog food and straw is provided by the Iditarod Trail Committee.

The dog care project began in 1974 under the direction of then-deputy superintendent Dan Reynolds, who was also a dog musher. In 2004, the facility cared for about 300 dogs with a single day record of 80 dogs.

posted by Martha @ 1:37 PM