Women's History Month - Susan Butcher, the Iditarod

Susan Butcher was a 4-time champion of the grueling Iditarod in Alaska (1986, 1987, 1988, 1990) and an advocate of the humane treatment of sled dogs.  Susan took great care in the treatment of her dogs and acknowledged that not all mushers treat their sled dogs humanely and that it needed to change.

As controversial race, the Iditarod is, as claimed by Discovery channel, "the toughest  race on Earth."  Susan loved the outdoors and training sled dogs and mushing became her passion. 

My favorite resource for Susan is an interview for the Academy of Achievement:    http://www.achievement.org/autodoc/page/but0int-1
Further Reading:

• Controversy dogs the Alaskan musher's trail : 'Animal rights' advocates say huskies are abused. Negative publicity tarnishes the sport.
• Susan's Obituary
• Susan on Wikipedia
  
  I love the story Susan gives below about her relationship with her dogs and how they saved her life.