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Tell Providence That Sponsoring the Iditarod Does Not Reflect Catholic Values

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In 2024, three dogs named Henry, George, and Bog were forced to run so fast and so hard that their bodies broke down and they collapsed and died during the Iditarod dogsled race. Every year, dogs sustain horrific injuries during this event, yet Providence—a Catholic healthcare organization that should be focused on doing no harm—continues to allow Providence Alaska Medical Center to sponsor it.

The Iditarod is nothing short of a nightmarish ordeal for the dogs who are made to run approximately 1,000 miles while pulling a heavy sled in some of the most grueling conditions on Earth. Up to half the dogs who start the Iditarod never make it across the finish line due to exhaustion, illness, injury, or other causes. These dogs are no different from those we share our homes with—they only want to live and enjoy loving companionship.

While Providence claims to help the vulnerable, it goes against Catholic values by supporting this cruel event that has killed more than 150 dogs. Please use the form below to urge Providence's CEO to cut ties with the Iditarod.

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Erik

Wexler

Providence

Message to {contact_data~firstName} {contact_data~lastName}:

I was disappointed to learn that Providence Alaska Medical Center continues to sponsor the Iditarod, even though dogs forced to run this race sustain horrific injuries and even die. Supporting such an event is at odds with Providence's aims and Catholic values.

During the 2024 Iditarod alone, three young dogs died after collapsing on the trail, and over 200 other dogs were pulled off the trail due to injury, illness, exhaustion, or other causes. The American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine reported that more than 80% of the dogs who finish the Iditarod sustain persistent lung damage, and a study in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine showed that dogs forced to take part in endurance racing had a 61% higher rate of stomach erosions or ulcers.

The Catholic Church calls for kindness to all, but the Iditarod causes dogs immense suffering, injury, and death, which is entirely preventable. Providence should not play a role in allowing this cruelty to continue.

Please end Providence Alaska Medical Center’s sponsorship of the Iditarod.

Sincerely,
{user_data~First Name} {user_data~Last Name}
{user_data~EMail Address}

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