One entry requirement for the Pedigree Stage Stop Race is to be a current member of Mush With P.R.I.D.E. (Providing Responsible Information on a Dog’s Environment), prior to January 25, 2019.
From the organization’s Web site:
P.R.I.D.E. stands for Providing Responsible Information on a Dog’s Environment. The relationship between sled dogs and humans is one of the oldest bonds of its kind. Modern sled dog owners are proud of their dogs as canine athletes that are bred and trained to do what they love: run as part of a team. Mush with P.R.I.D.E. supports the responsible care and humane treatment of all dogs and is dedicated to enhancing the care and treatment of sled dogs in their traditional and modern uses.
Mush with P.R.I.D.E. was established in 1991 as an organization of mushers who were concerned about the care of sled dogs and public perceptions of mushing. To address some of these concerns, P.R.I.D.E. developed sled dog care and equipment guidelines. P.R.I.D.E. instituted a voluntary kennel inspection program and created a website to facilitate communication with dog mushers whose main concern is treatment and care of sled dogs.
Today Mush with P.R.I.D.E. members are found throughout the world; nearly half of the P.R.I.D.E. membership resides in Alaska, but members from the lower 48, Canada, Norway, and the U.K. are steadily increasing in numbers. P.R.I.D.E. has attracted an enthusiastic, multi-state, international board of directors who are excited to throw their energy into the P.R.I.D.E. organization.
Some of the topics they hope to address within the next year include:
Increase awareness, support, and membership
Review and revise Guidelines and other P.R.I.D.E. publications
Promote the Voluntary Kennel Certification program, which I and many other competitors have done.
Help educate the general public, new mushers, veterinarians, and others on the proper care of sled dogs and responsible kennel husbandry. Many Stage Stop mushers are mentors to others and give school and public presentation throughout the world.
