[Vigilanteman]

I was aware of most of this, but I also beleive that losing a dog in the race disqualifies them. So it isn't who drives their dogs the hardest, it is who motivates them the best. I beleive Susan never lost a dog in the race. As the son of a veterinarian, I can tell when animals love their owners. Everytime I saw Susan on TV, it was obvious how much her dogs loved her.

PETA needs to be told to take a hike-- they have a notorious record for killing animals they are supposed to be adopting out.

[Kathy in Alaska]

I'm no expert, but I doubt that any musher, or the top contenders anyway, has not lost at least one dog. The dogs have the same types of issues as the star athlete who goes down, to find out later of an unknown condition. There are vets at every checkpoint, and I believe they check each dog. Odd things happen, no matter how much care is taken.

Susan had to drop out one year when a moose charged her team, killing a couple dogs and injuring more.

[thackney]

but I also beleive that losing a dog in the race disqualifies them.

You are incorrect.

[redhead]

"I was aware of most of this, but I also beleive that losing a dog in the race disqualifies them. So it isn't who drives their dogs the hardest, it is who motivates them the best. I beleive Susan never lost a dog in the race. As the son of a veterinarian, I can tell when animals love their owners. Everytime I saw Susan on TV, it was obvious how much her dogs loved her."

I agree. I said at the time she won her first race that she won it because she took better care of her dogs than the men in the race. I think it had a lot to do with the fact that she was a woman, and "mothered" them. Of course, I'm not saying that her drive, will to win and prevail, and sheer sportsmanship and athletic ability didn't have anything to do with it, but she was just "different."

Bless you, Susan! You are missed.