Chance hoping to redeem herself after last years disastrous performance on new years eve. But first, the nightline 5. Number one in just 60 seconds. [ splash ] [ horn sounds ] dang ok, i gotta run. Hey, wait, theres something i need to tell you dang. Dang dang dang. Dang. See zero in a whole new way. Get zero down, zero deposit, zero first months payment, and zero due at signing on select volkswagen models. Now with the people first warranty. Miim alive and have a second chance. James im thankful for the help and the opportunity that i received. Darlene im thankful to be able to help people in crisis. Vanessa im thankful that addiction is treatable, and that help is available. Christie new jersey is experiencing a heroin epidemic fueled by opioid painkillers. But if you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, i want you to know we are here for you. This Holiday Season, choose help. Call 844 reach nj or visit reachnj. Gov. Good evening. Thanks for joining us. Tonight, when you think of doping scandals and abuse in world class competitions youre probably not thinking of brighteyed huskies racing through the pure snow surrounded by wilderness, but tonight a filmmaker and animal lover argues that the majestic sport can sometimes involve cruelty and exploitation. An accusation that avid dog sledders reject. Heres clayton sendell with a look back on the heated controversy. Reporter its a mystical tradition century old. A really cool thing to travel with these dogs. Reporter the eiditarod. The experiences you have out there are just phenomenal. Reporter man and mans best friend braving sub zero temperatures in a race of endurance. These dogs are very enthusiastic. Reporter but beyond the prize money and eyes blue eyes and shiny coats, some allege theres a bitter story. A doping scandal, but this time with dogs. When iditarod Officials Say four tested positive for a banned pain medicine. A fourtime Iditarod Champ denies drugging the dogs on his team and says that any tampering might have happened after the race when his dogs were unattended. Ive done nothing wrong. Ive never knowingly broken any race rule. Ive never given any banned substance to my dogs. Reporter but a controversial new developmentry called sled dogs they have no idea what is going on. Reporter claims that neglect, cruelty and abuse in the world of dog sledding is common practice. Its kind of like somebody running a marathon, and tomorrow well go run another marathon, and now somebody asks you to run ten in a row. Thats what these guys were doing. If we knew what was really going on behind the sled dog industry that these dogs are, in fact, used and abused for mushers to make a profit, the public would not support this. Reporter the director fern levitt decided to focus on the industry after adopting her own retired sled dog. You hear they love doing this. They love running with their buddies. They love going out there and hitting the trail. This is what theyre bred for, what theyre built for. Yeah, thats the narrative that i heard and thats what i believed was true as well. But then what i found out is this is a business. And these mushers who run these places are here to make money. Reporter sled dogs follows rookie musher Patrick Biehl during the 2016 iditarod. My name is patrick. My quest is to seek the holy grail. Reporter as the race grinds on guys just dont want the water, do you . Reporter levitt claims that the dogs on his team are too exhausted to even eat or drink. I have a dog that has a high heart rate. Its a warm day. And every now and then dogs get diarrhea. Reporter the film shows a veterinarian cautioning him hes right at the very point. Im worried about him. Reporter but he decides to continue the race. Patrick put his observe needs ahead of that dog. That was a sick dog that needed to be dropped that wasnt dropped because his motivation was winning the race. Reporter but he says the film maemake filmmakers werent there for what happened next. When i was there the dogs were fine. And that dog finished iditarod with me. Not like someone goes and gets into running sled dogs because they want to abandon dogs and mistreat dogs. Especially iditarod mushers. Reporter many in the dog sledding Community Say that the film is flawed. Her representation of mushing is distorted. Reporter he was the chief veterinarian for the race for over two decades. These dogs have a very specific purpose, a very specific talent. They are bred as marathon athletes. Thats what they do. Reporter iditarod says youre an Animal Rights activist with an agenda. I do love animals. Theres no question about that. I do. But i did this because this was a story kept hidden. And i knew that i had to as a documentary filmmaker bring this to light. Reporter in response to last years doping scandal, the iditarod has strengthened its rules. A musher dallas receivy released a statement saying he wants to see the drug test results and methodology saying i believe this is the first positive step that can be taken to shed a public light to clear my good name and to clear the name of our beloved sport. In sled dogs levitt takes issue with the practice of tethering. This goes against the Natural Instincts and behavior of dog. What any kind of species is going to survive and thrive living its life on the end of a chain . Reporter one of the dogs is located in colorado. Some of the dogs here have run the iditarod. This is a storage facility. Theyre here to be stored until they can make money. Reporter the documentary looks at local activist attempts to shut it down claiming the dogs here were horribly mistreated. I saw dogs circling on their chains for hours. They circle and circle. I saw no people providing any care for the dogs. There were muddy grounds. They would eat and defecate in exactly the same spot. Legally the dogs were supposed to be on sixfoot chains. I will remind everybody that im not doing anything illegal. Reporter this was the owner at the time. Theres no violations in terms of legality. Reporter but in 2013 colorado authorities made a surprise inspection. Thats hen they found eight dogs were malnourished. Some needed vet care. And he was charged for animal cruelty. Reporter he died in 2016 but pleaded guilty to animal cruelty. The other charges were dismissed. I live for the day when the chains are broken and those dogs go into loving homes where they belong. Reporter do you want this industry shut down completely . Yes, i want this industry shut down completely just like i want the circuses to be shut down completely. Because its truly. Reporter today its owned by danny and gina phillips. In the winter tourists spend hundreds here for dog sled rides. They invited us in insisting this is not the one portrayed in the film. There are terrible things that happened. Dan mckuchen is terrible. But it doesnt define the whole sledding community as a whole. Reporter whats different today . The love. You know, really, we love these dogs. These are every minute, every waking minute with these dogs is just love. They needed us and we needed them. Reporter in the offseason the dogs are allowed to run free for an hour a day. They admit theyre tethered for the other 23, but insist theyre happy. What do you tell people who see these dogs going back on the tethers for 23 hours a day and say its cruel . Its not cruel. Theres so much more going on than just running. Theres always something going on, theyre cleaning them or petting them or brushing them or feeding them. Just a different thought than what youre used to seeing when you see the dog in the backyard. Here its a different environment. Theyre always getting contact. Come on, guys. Reporter after an hour of running, its snack time. Why are they howling . After every amount of care that we do with the dogs, they thank us for the care that we gave them. Reporter this is a thank you howl . This is a thank you. This is the happy howl. Come on, guys. Seth saxon runs the aspen animal shelter. He briefly worked at kabloonik years ago. He rescued six of the sled dogs as pets including suri. I call my place lost dog ranch. She was my most scared dog and undersocialized to where she just graduated today. This is insane. Shes loving affection from you. Reporter how long did that take . Its taken forever. Its been a process. Reporter with lots of rehabilitation, there can be life after a career in sledding. For Nightline Clayton sendell in snowmass, colorado. Up next, Whoopi Goldberg creates a Winter Wonderland in new york with stories and singing and so much more. Shes nationally recognized for her compassion and care. He spent decades fighting to give families a second chance. But to help others, they first had to protect themselves. I have afib. Even for a nurse, its complicated. And it puts me at higher risk of stroke. That would be devastating. I had to learn all i could to help protect myself. Once i got the facts, my doctor and i chose xarelto®. Xarelto®. To help keep me protected. Oncedaily xarelto®, a latestgeneration blood thinner. Significantly lowers the risk of stroke in people with afib not caused by a heart valve problem. It has similar effectiveness to warfarin. Xarelto® works differently. Warfarin interferes with at least 6 bloodclotting factors. Xarelto® is selective, targeting just one critical factor interacting with less of your bodys natural bloodclotting function. For afib patients wellmanaged on warfarin, there is limited information on how xarelto® compares in reducing the risk of stroke. Dont stop taking xarelto® without talking to your doctor, as this may increase risk of stroke. While taking, you may bruise more easily, or take longer for bleeding to stop. It may increase your risk of bleeding if you take certain medicines. Xarelto® can cause serious, and in rare cases, fatal bleeding. Get help right away for unexpected bleeding, unusual bruising, or tingling. If youve had spinal anesthesia, watch for back pain or any nerve or musclerelated signs or symptoms. Do not take xarelto® if you have an artificial heart valve or abnormal bleeding. Tell your doctor before all planned medical or dental procedures. And before starting xarelto®about any conditions, such as kidney, liver, or bleeding problems. Its important to learn all you can. To help protect yourself from a stroke. Talk to your doctor about xarelto®. Theres more to know™. And roomba from irobot gets to work using two multisurface brushes and powerlifting suction to grab and remove everything from fine dust to large debris. Daily dirt doesnt stand a chance. You and roomba from irobot. Better together. Fast like stop staring atcaps help youthe clock fast,st, like stop worrying about your boss fast, like wow, youre already asleep fast. When life keeps you up. Zzzquil helps you fall asleep in as little as 20 minutes. This Holiday Season get a deal that will save you money for the next two years guaranteed. Fios is here with a great offer on the 100 fiberoptic network. It starts with the Fastest Internet available. Plus up to 200 channels, plus phone, plus showtime for two years, plus multiroom dvr service for two years, plus a 2year price guarantee. All for just 79. 99 per month online, with a 2year agreement. Thats a lot of pluses, and over 800 in savings. Just think about having the best internet with the best showtime shows. Its what our customers expect. Thats why fios has won the j. D. Power award for highest ranked by customers for Residential Internet service in the east five years in a row. So, get the Fastest Internet available, tv, and phone. Plus showtime and multiroom dvr Service Included with a 2year price guarantee for just 79. 99 a month online, with a 2year agreement. Stuck in a contract . No problem. Well help you out with up to a 500 credit for your early termination fee. Get it all with fios and the 100 fiberoptic network. Go to getfios. Com. You probably know shes the rare egot, the emmy, grammy, oscar and tony winning comedian that keeps making us laugh and think of the view. But recently Whoopi Goldberg took time to bring christmas cheer to deserving new york foster kids, delivering the surprise of a lifetime. They say its the most wonderful time of the year. For me the holidays represent magic. For many its a chance to give and to give back. I thought back to my own childhood where a man named tom garrity used to do a Christmas Party for the children of the Elliott Chelsea buildings, which is where i grew up. What if we did a Christmas Party . Reporter today Whoopi Goldberg is teaming up with share the joy campaign to throw a holiday party. For nearly 50 foster children at monthaven academy in the bronx. Foster children are a fairly invisible population. There are over 500,000 kids in foster care. Reporter with the help of volunteers marlo is one of my favorite little elves. Reporter the gym is transformed into a Winter Wonderland. Its whimsical and has a magical aura about it. Reporter the finishing touches come from some of whoopis own interesting touch. Thats the way it is. To all of you, a wish for a very Merry Christmas. We were at war in vietnam at the time. And something that cronkite said on Christmas Eve that has stuck with me all this time is, everything has stopped right now. We are at peace everywhere. Every kid deserves a little bit of love and hope and joy in their lives. Reporter danielle founded the nonprofit one simple wish, an organization that helps children in need. Started one simple wish as a way to make sure that the kids knew that we were always in their corner. Reporter the idea came out of her own experiences as a foster mom. When we fostered, top of mind was we just want to give a kid a moment of feeling nothing but love and support. Reporter that love and support is apparent here. The day is filled with holiday traditions like building gingerbread houses and crowding around the piano to hear a special song from a special guest. The genie in disneys aladdin on broadway. I feel like the kid in everyone reacts when this song starts. And its priceless. Aladdin sir may i have a wish or two or three you aint never had a friend you aint never had a friend like me you never had a friend like me reporter the children were nestled all snug in their blankets as whoopi read them a holiday classic. I know youd rather have santa, but hes not available and all you have is me. twas the night before christmas when all through the house not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. The stockings were hung by the chimney with care in hopes that st. Nicholas soon would be there. The children were nestled all snug in their beds while visions of sugarplums danced in their heads. And ma ma in her kerchief and m in my cap had just settled our brains for a long winters nap. When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, i sprang from my bed because i didnt know what was the matter. I flew like a flash, i tore up the shutters, threw up the sash. It gave the luster of midday to objects below. When i with my wandering eye should appear but a miniature sleigh with eight tiny reindeer. With a little old driver so lively and quick, i knew in a moment it must be st. Nick. You know thats santas nickname, right . Nick . They call him st. Nick. More rapid than eagles, he whistled and shouted and called them by name. Now dasher, now prancer, now prancer and vixen, on comet, on cupid, on donner and blitzen. Now dash away, dash away, dash away all. So up to the house tops of course they flew and the sleighful of toys and st. Nicholas, too. Then on a twinkling i heard on the roof the prancing and pawing of each little hoof. I drew in my head and was turning around, down the chimney st. Nicholas came with a bound. He was all dressed in fur from his head to his foot and all his clothes were tarnished with ashes and soot. Now, see, sometimes if you live in a house, santa can come down a chimney. But sometimes if you live in the projects like i did, santa just comes up through the elevator. You know. A bundle of toys he had flung on his back and he looked like a peddler just opening his pack. His eyes how they twinkled and his dimples his nose like a cherry, his little mouth was drawn up like a bow. And his beard on his chin was as white as snow. Thats what i had mouth looked like. Hello. The stump of his pipe he held tight in his teeth and the smoke encircled his head like a wreath. He had a broad face and a little round belly that shook when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly. He was jolly and plump, and i laughed when i saw him in spite of myself. He went straight to work and filled all the stockings and turned with a jerk. And laying his finger aside his nose, he drove, he gave a little nod and up the chimney he rose and he sprang to his sleigh to his team gave a whistle and away they all flew like the down of the thistle. I heard him explain as he drove out of sight, Merry Christmas, happy christmas to all and to all a good night. And thats the end of that story and i said santa couldnt come, but he asked me to bring some things with me when i came to see you guys. About 70 years ago. Of course, no party would be complete without i know its a present its a present. What is it . Lego batman. This is just about being a kid and getting stuff. Thank you as the day comes to an end, the children leave with smiles on their faces and arms filled with goodies. A Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night. If youd like more information about one simple wish and how they make childrens dreams come true, visit one simple wish. Org. Well be back. Abc news nightline brought to you by mucinex. That cough doesnt sound so good. Well i think you sound great. Move over. Easy booger man. Take mucinex dm. Itll take care of your cough. Fine ill text you in 4 hours when your cough returns. One pill lasts 12 hours, so. Looks like im good all night. Ah david, please, listen. Still not coughing. Not fair you guys waffles are my favorite ah why take 4hour cough medicine . Just one mucinex lasts 12 hours. Start the relief. Ditch the misery. Lets end this. Yep, and my teeth are yellow. I mean i knew they werent perfect, but, ugh. Oh well, all hope is lost oh thanks clearly my whitening toothpaste is not cutting it. Time for whitestrips. Crest glamorous White Whitestrips are the only adaaccepted whitening strips proven to be safe and effective. They work below the enamel surface to whiten 25x better than a leading whitening toothpaste. Hey, nice smile thanks i crushed the tissue test yeah you did crest. Healthy, beautiful smiles for life. Whentrust the brand doctors trust for themselves. Nexium 24hr is the number one choice of doctors and pharmacists for their own frequent heartburn. And all day all night protection. When it comes to frequent heartburn, trust nexium 24hr. Hows it going down there . Thats good. Lica misses you. Im over it though. laughter thats fine. I miss her more than you anyway. Hey, my window is closing. Yeah thats okay. Alright miles. I love you. phone hangs up yeah i love you too. Miim alive and have a second chance. James im thankful for the help and the opportunity that i received. Darlene im thankful to be able to help people in crisis. Vanessa im thankful that addiction is treatable, and that help is available. Christie new jersey is experiencing a heroin epidemic fueled by opioid painkillers. But if you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, i want you to know we are here for you. This Holiday Season, choose help. Call 844 reach nj or visit reachnj. Gov. And finally tonight, all she wants for christmas is a doover. Singer mariah carey is returning to dick clarks new years rocken eve, a surprise announcement after last years fiasco. A performance rife with controversy. Thanks for watching nightline. As always were online at our Nightline Facebook page. Thanks for spending friday night with us. Good night, america. Have a great weekend. Hey, everybody. Welcome to victories for veterans week. Today some of the courageous heroes who have served our country with honor will be embarking on a mission to win 1 million, and it all starts right now on who wants to be a millionaire. [cheers and applause] [dramatic music] hey, everybody, welcome to victories for veterans week [cheers and applause] all week we have been working with the Great Charity dav, disabled american veterans, to salute the brave men and women who have given so much for our country, and we are thrilled to support more victories for veterans by supporting dav, and you can too by visiting our website, millionairetv. Com, for more information. When americas veterans win, we all win. [cheers and applause] and speaking of winning today, if our veteran reaches the 100,000 question, were gonna make a 5,000 donation to dav, and nothing would make me happier than to write a check to dav, so lets do it. So lets get back to our game. From tampa, florida, lets welcome back mr. Carter houndas. [cheers and applause] how you doin . Good to see you. Yeah, good to see you. Carter is back. Uh, served in the army. Yes. And now youre in the Army Reserves . Correct. So you just cant give it up. No, i cant. [laughs] im not gonna leave. Well, the good thing is, you cant give this game up. We dont want