As we have stated before there is nothing that can be done to bring Dorado back. We have made a commitment to make positive change with ITC for future races. We are pleased today with the following press release. Things are moving forward with ITC and positive change is on its way.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Results of the Iditarod Trail Committee’s Investigation into the Death of Dorado and Potential Mitigation Measures
Wasilla, Alaska – Wednesday, March 20, 2013 – The Iditarod Trail Committee (ITC) has spent the last several days investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of Dorado, a dog owned by Paige Drobny and Cody Strathe, on March 15, 2013, in Unalakleet.
The ITC has handled thousands of dropped dogs over the course of its 41 years of existence. This is the first time in memory that an incident of this type has occurred.
The evidence collected suggests that several factors contributed to this unfortunate and unanticipated outcome resulting in the death of Dorado. The ITC has since the earliest days of the Race operated a program of transporting dropped dogs to regional hubs along the trail where they are cared for by veterinarians and volunteer dropped dog personnel prior to being returned to Anchorage via commercial aircraft. The goal is to move the dogs as quickly as possible given weather conditions and the availability of air transportation. Once they arrive in Anchorage they are cared for by veterinarians and dropped dog personnel until reclaimed by their owners. In instances where the owners are not able to pick up their dogs within a short period of time after arriving in Anchorage, longer term care is provided by inmates at the Highland Mountain Correctional Center.
Unalakleet was experiencing high ground winds on March 14 which restricted commercial aviation. Because those weather conditions lasted longer than expected, scheduled flights were unable to land and over 130 dogs accumulated in Unalakleet. When the severity of the storm increased on the evening of March 14, approximately two dozen volunteers and local residents moved as many dogs as possible, slightly more than 100, into an available hangar. Because of a lack of space in the hanger to house additional dogs safely, the remaining approximately 30 dogs were moved to a more protected outside area, which by consensus appeared to be the safest location to minimize snow accumulation. That task was completed about midnight.
After the dogs were bedded down, an ITC volunteer veterinarian checked on the dogs at about 3:00 a.m. on March 15. His recollection is that all dogs tethered outside appeared in good condition at that time. The next check was at about 8:30 a.m. that day. Eight dogs were found covered by snow. While not optimal, this is not typically a condition which would cause alarm. Sled dogs generally curl up in weather conditions such as this and are insulated by the snow. In this case, all of the dogs except Dorado were in good condition.
The preliminary necropsy indicated that the cause of death to be asphyxiation. Further necropsy studies are being conducted and it is anticipated that the results will be available within the next thirty days.
Members of the ITC Board and Race officials have begun discussions relating to possible measures which might have mitigated the outcome in this incident. It plans to meet with various stakeholders, including Dorado’s owners, and members of the Iditarod Official Finishers Club to discuss and determine ways in which to further enhance its dropped dog policies and procedures. As of this date, decisions have been made to construct dog boxes to be located at the hub communities of McGrath and Unalakleet, to arrange for more frequent flights which will have the effect of shortening the time that a dropped dog remains in a checkpoint, and to conduct even more frequent patrols of the dropped dog lots.
This type of self-examination is an important part of ITC’s historical commitment to the improvement of the welfare of the canine athletes that annually participate in the Race. ITC does not believe it or any others acted negligently in any way relating to the death of Dorado or that Dorado’s death was foreseeable. Research involving the dogs which participate in the Race has over the years improved veterinary understanding of nutritional and other needs of both canine athletes as well as household pets. The ITC hopes that lessons learned from Dorado’s death will benefit the entire community of those who love and care for dogs.
I would ask that ITC have a dedicated plane that would only carry dogs back to Anchorage. (OK, yes they can carry people and supplies on their way out.) But the return trip should be dogs only and set protocol that no dog remains waiting at a hub more than 24 hours. Yes, I know storms can come up fast and prevent flights, but if the protocol is in place dogs will get priority–as they should. JMHO
So sorry for your loss Paige and Cody.
I agree Donna. Dogs should always get priority on these flights back to ANC. Even with the planes not able to fly, 130 seems like a rather high number of dogs having to waiting. This tragedy will no doubt make for better dog drop proceedures in Iditarod 42 and beyond. My thoughts are with you Cody and Paige …
Much of the dialog surrounding this incident implies that a dog drop is a dangerous place for a dog to linger..when in fact it should be safe haven for an injured or trail weary dog. Straw, food , water, and proximity to a vet, in my opinion, should be first priority. Getting it on the first plane out of town, while important for overcrowding reasons, has little to do with the well being of an otherwise healthy animal. Strawed dog boxes sound nice and the idea seems simple enough to execute. A permanent watch-person in the holding area and adequate food (warm) and water should make it as safe as “God’s Pocket”. Perhaps something good can come from something bad. Iditarod has a history of doing things this way.
Wishing you all the best and may time heal your sorrow and loss.
I am also sending positive vibes that ITC will keep their commitment for the future races to prevent such thing from ever happening again and for improving the care of dropped dogs in the checkpoints.
To me, it is only logcial if the dogs are under CONSTANT supervision. Leaving them unatended for such a long time as in this case, especially in bad weather is unaceptable and should be among the first changes made.
I am a dog musher and have a fair amount of experience also as a checker and race volunteer, and this can be done.
Thank you so much for sharing with the rest of the world and if there is anything we – other mushers and mushing fans can do to help, please let us know. I know for a fact the mushing community is an excellent place and known for helping each other.
Happy trails to you, Paige and Cody and all your beloved dogs,
Katerina and the Kipp d´Amundsen Huskies
I was in Anchorage and Willow for the start of the iditarod. What athletes the dogs are.I met Paige and Cody at the banquet and my heart goes out to them for her loss. I agree with Joe, It should be as safe for the dogs as “Gods Pocket.
Hopefully some good will come out of the death of Dorado.Some memorial should be founded as a reminder that an occurance such as this should never happen again.
Paige and Cody, while this has been a enormous blow to you both personally, you have handled this incident with grace, poise, and commendable presence of mind. Thank you for being agents of positive change in a highly charged atmosphere of blame, accusation, insult, ignorance, and defamation of character. You honor Dorado, you honor the vets and volunteers who do their utmost to keep dogs safe and well, and you honor all your fellow mushers and followers on the trail by taking the high road, no matter how difficult. I am sad for your loss, but truly grateful for your deep commitment.
Hello Paige and Cody: I am very sad for your loss of Dorado. My condolences to you. There was a flight from Unalakleet on Tuesday – did ITC say if that plane was too full to transport Dorado? Dorado’s death will not be in vain if you keep on working with ITC to implement improvements to the Iditarod race. I believe that a change in attitude (not yours!! Some other people involved with the race) in general is important: So often, people say things like “those sled dogs ain’t poodles – they are so tough, they can stand anything”. Maybe this macho-thinking needs to soften up a bit. A canine athlete who has run hundreds of miles and burnt much energy needs lots of TLC! Also, it was NO secret that in Unalakleet, the dropped dogs did “not get babied the way dropped dogs get babied in Anchorage” (maybe the PR value had to do with that??). All the best to you, Christine