Jackson, WY—January 10, 2003—In honor of the
International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race, Mayor Mark Barron has
proclaimed January 17, 2003 “Working Dogs Day.” The proclamation announces a
pre-IPSSSDR celebration day in honor of those hard-working sled dogs, as
well as “to encourage and promote responsible pet ownership throughout the
community.” The first 200 canines to stop by the Jackson Hole News & Guide
on January 17, 2003, will receive a complimentary bandana in celebration of
the event.
The International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race festivities begin in
Jackson on Friday, January 24, 2003 with a “Meet the Mushers” reception at
the Museum of Wildlife Art at 6:00 p.m.—tickets are $15 at the door. On
Saturday, January 25, 2003, 30 world-class teams leave the starting line
near Town Square, departing on Stage One of the 8-day event.
Directly following the race, the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce and
Historic Downtown Business Association will host WinterFest, including a
chili cook-off, pet contests, children’s activities and giveaways.
Again this year, Pedigree Food for Dogs is the title sponsor of the IPSSSDR,
their fourth year in the role. The Pedigree brand actively supports a wide
range of programs that promote responsible pet ownership and highlight the
contributions dogs make to society. Such programs include Homeward Bound, a
national pet adoption support program to encourage adoption of the nation’s
12 million homeless animals; the National Association for Search and Rescue;
police canine units; and non-profit organizations that train and place
service dogs for hearing and visually impaired people. During the 2003
IPSSSDR, Pedigree will host a daily “Postcards from the Trail” on its web
site, pedigree.com, featuring photos from the race. Through Homeward Bound,
Pedigree will make a donation to animal shelters for each visitor to the
site during the race.
The International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race was founded in 1996 by
Frank Teasley to make sled dog racing more accessible to the public. To read
a copy of the “Working Dogs Day” proclamation, visit the race web site at
www.wyomingstagestop.org; the
race can be contacted via e-mail at
wystagestop@blissnet.com.
