Tell Providence That Sponsoring the Iditarod Does Not Reflect Catholic Values

In 2025, a pregnant dog named Ventana was forced to run more than 300 grueling miles until she collapsed and died, and more than 180 other dogs were pulled off the trail due to exhaustion, illness, injury, or other causes 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 urge Providence to cut ties with the Iditarod.

Send polite comments to:

Erik Wexler
CEO
Providence
[email protected]

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