The statue appeared to be well maintained. There were many sled dogs that helped to transport the life-saving serum. I believe that each and every sled dog that contributed should be individually honored! It's a shame that some of the sled dogs were tied to a sled and confined to a small area for exhibition! They should have had a better quality of life! Freedom to run! The best of food! Lots of love, tender loving care! The Iditarod isn't run over the original serum Run! Too many dogs are bred. They aren't well kept! A hundred years ago it was hard to provide for your family! Sled dogs were kept as part of the family. They were few in number. No one could afford to keep so many dogs !!! People cried when there wasn't enough food to feed their dogs! The dogs were counted upon to help! They were loved & treasured for the help that they gave! Dogs wore special coats to protect genitals, paws etc... Sled dogs were nurtured! Breeding was limited, as not every family could afford to raise puppies! They were allowed inside of homes, not tied up to a barrels by the hundreds! Iditarod racers should be limited to one litter( of puppies) per year or be disqualified from the race! They should learn to LOVE and appreciate EVERY single dog that they have! Keep only the best! All Sled dogs are special. Think about breeding and keeping the best sled dogs that you can! Carefully select the parents. I would then be proud of the Iditarod racers! Don't ever lose what made Balto and all of the other sled dogs GREAT DOGS! I hope that it's not gone yet! No more large kennels! Keep all of your current canine sled dog racers. Enjoy! Limit future breeding! Careful selection and nurtured dogs will recreate & honor the old ways!!!!