IMHO.....

Maybe one of the worst feelings in the world is sitting and waiting for the inevitable to happen. It's like those couple of moments between when the dentist picks up the syringe and when they finally stick the needle into the back of your jaw  (and out the back of your head). You know it's coming. You already know what it will feel like, and there is nothing for you to do except wait. You won't be convincing the dentist of the sincerity of your offer to undergo the procedure without an anesthetic. You're trapped in that chair, surrounded by a dentist, a dental assistant and all that equipment. Expect the use of social pressure if you refuse to go along quietly.

Anticipation of something good and desirable is no better. Set a date for taking a vacation. Suddenly everything between you and that date passes by in agonizing, slow motion (any of you who suffer from "packing angst" can relax, we're not going there). As kids it seemed as if the day would never arrive. As adults it more like wondering if you can survive everything that needs to get done before your vacation time arrives. How many have heard the words, "Hey, your vacation starts tomorrow. Before you leave today can you.........?"

There is an issue of inevitability for the Inuit Dog. Either the breed will survive or it won't. Of course, the dogs themselves have no knowledge or understanding of this situation. Inuit Dog enthusiasts and ISDI members, however, are critically aware of the situation. And we understand only too well what is at stake. I believe I see early indications of the reawakening of desire on the part of Inuit to have and use pure Inuit Sled Dogs that Ken MacRury spoke of in his F.I.D.O. interview. Now the open question is: Can the ISD survive in its traditional environment until it is once again widely valued and preferred? The Arctic will not be like Antarctica. No treaty is going to kick all the dogs out of the North. But will there be any Inuit Sled Dogs there in another twenty years? Wishing and hoping won't ensure the Inuit Dog's survival, and a great plan without an equal effort towards fulfillment won't get it done either. We need to talk about who is going to do what.