You are absolutely right!!, they are our lifeline and we are theirs. Our reliance on them and their dependence on us is crucial for both of our survival. I live 60 air miles from the nearest person, road or trail. My last supply plane leaves Oct. 1st and I don't see another person until April. I do not recieve any supplys or mail for those 6 months. As you well know the arctic coast is the most brutal enviornment in north america. The Malamutes are believed to have originated here over 10,000 years ago. They are well adapted to the cold with their thick coats. Whereas I have to dress in caribou fur to stay alive. When the mals see their harnesses brought out each fall they get extremely excited. I have never seen a happier animal in my life as these guys when their harnesses are put on. I have been working with dogs all my life, my sled dogs have been in major motion pictures, t.v. shows, documentaries and commercials. I would love to invite anyone who suggests that there is any kind of cruelty to allowing an animal do what they have been born to do and has a history of doing it for thousands of years to come up and witness for themselves and see these most healthy and happy family members of mine, and experience the same joy that they do when running across the tundra.