Wow. Just wow.
I have heard countless rescue stories. I read as many as I can. I like to learn from others and I believe animals teach us the most. This.. is just beautiful. I am glad Berta was lucky enough to find you to give her a chance. Thank you for all you do in rescue. I look forward to future articles from you and have to say I would like to hear more on your view of dog sledding. I honestly know nothing about it and am currently doing some research.
Keep doing you. You're certainly doing it right.
I'm sorry my reply is late, I took a bit of a break this long weekend. Thank you so much for taking the time to say this, it means a lot to me, truly. I'm learning as I go and I really don't know what I'm doing most of the time, but I feel my heart pulling me in this direction. <3 Rescue has grown so quickly to take up a large chunk of my life. I truly believe that the way we treat our animals and children is reflective of the best and worst in us as a species, so all we can do in our short time on this earth is the best that we can to make up for others doing their worst.
Dog sledding is not necessarily something I have a problem with, but unfortunately, in terms of competition, means that animals are often treated like tools. I want to see small, ethical mushers lifting the activity up to new heights while providing the best life and care for their dogs. Many mushers will say that is exactly what they are doing, but to me, warehousing dogs on chains in plastic barrels doesn't cut it.
I would recommend the documentary Sled Dogs (I am biased towards it, as my dogs are in it, briefly, full disclosure). This article is spectacular and is a great place to start that considers both sides of the issue, which is important. I don't want to end sledding entirely, but there is a lot of work to do.
I still feel like I don't know what I am doing at times too. It terrifies me as a foster because many times I feel like my mistake is a turning point. It's been for the worse in a lot of cases. But I am trying my best and so we learn from the mistake and move on. I have told all my animals, personal and foster that whatever they go through with me is not in vain and is preparing me for the next that needs my help. I feel like I am always apologizing to them profusely. I do, thankfully, have many success stories as well. So it is working.
I imagine that dog sledding could potentially be a great outlet and very enriching for dogs if they are cared for properly. There are always so many opinions and sadly people honestly do believe that they are doing what is best. Humans are so closed minded that many of us do not wish to consider that change, while threatening and scary, can lead to improvement. I catch myself stuck in that loop from time to time and try to get out of it as soon as I notice.
I will check out the article as well as the documentary. Biased or not it's awesome to see perspectives from all viewpoints to get a good feel for the topic. Plus the fact that your dogs are in it is honestly kind of cool.