Answering the question: What can I do?

Had an excellent time at the Midwest Sled Dog Symposium last weekend, and was excited to see so many people interested in the sport of mushing.  Joined speakers; Jake Berkowitz, Pat Moon, Hank DeBruin, for some distance mushing themed panels. Thoroughly enjoyed the kennel tour and hospitality of  Ed and Tasha at Nature’s Kennel.  Also enjoyed speaking with so many fun people who came out to the Symposium. Attendees were mushers, but also fans and educators. So many people, all sharing one thing: a love of mushing.

Many folks asked questions on a theme, it went a little like this.

“I really love mushing, and want to be more involved but I:
Am too young / am too old / live too far away from Alaska / am not a musher / am not rich / do not have dogs /  don’t like cold / don’t know much about it / am busy / fill in the blank

What can I do?

That got me thinking…
Getting involved in mushing does not need to include a huge cash outlay. There are many ways people can get involved and promote mushing, mushers, and races. For your consideration &  in no particular order – 5 ways everyone and anyone can help support mushing.

Sponsor a Musher or Send a Gift:

There are so many wonderful mushers out there from Abbie West to Aliy Zirkle, you are sure to find one that ‘fits’ you. Support someone with a shared interest, similar career, someone who grew up near you, or has a dog in their team that appeals to you. Many people think that their 25 or 50 dollar donation doesn’t make a difference. But a bucket of rain gets filled one drop at a time.

For some the act of choosing and giving a gift is part of the experience. To illustrate the emotional side of gift giving, just remember that relative who always sent a Christmas card with $5 in it? Compared to the relatives who chose something you really needed/wanted. Now as much as I appreciate funds, I also understand that gift giving feels more personal, and for many is a more fun way to get involved. There are items that all racing kennels need; and they make very thoughtful gifts. For instance, mushers use chemical heat packs for those long hours at sub-zero temperatures and lithium AA batteries to power our headlamps, at an alarming rate. Be creative, maybe there is an outlet store near you (Thanks to Mike P for the wonderful socks from his local outlet) or you have found a supplier with great deals, like ziplock style freezer bags – big sizes – in bulk (Found at Internations Plastics). We have received many thoughtful gifts over the years. Not only are these items very useful (Love the Hot Hands TJ & Lindsey, Thanks) but they made an impression on us. Very humbling to know people care enough to send you care packages (Pendra K, Marlys S, Lou & Fran and Kirstie M, want you to know how much we appreciate your thoughtfulness). Really there have been too many people to mention, becuase as the old joke goes “It takes a village to raise a musher” Thank You Team Dew Claw.

Buy Kennel & Race Shwag:

Many kennels and races now sell shirts, hoodies, coffee cups and other shwag with the kennel / race logo. Sales of these promotional items help offset expenses. It is a fun way to show team spirit, and wearing these items helps publicize mushers and mushing.

Leverage your involvement, wear your gear proudly. When people ask, “what is the Yukon Quest?” have fun telling them. And make sure to let them know where they can buy their own shwag. Remember that old Breck Shampoo commercial… “and they tell 2 friends, and they tell 2 friends, and so on” Spread the word and help get more people excited about mushing.

Volunteer for Races or Kennels:

Actually now it the best time to get involved with race organizations. Oh Yeah, everyone want to help out when things are exciting and the race is going on. But now is when the real work of these organizations is happening, including raising funds and organizing the event. Mushers know that volunteers are the heart and soul of these races, your support is what makes it possible for us to go out and run them. OK when you are in an office stuffing envelopes you may feel more like the less glamorous liver of the organization then the heart and soul. But let us not underplay the hard working liver, who’s job is no less critical to the health of the organization.

As an added benefit, by volunteering early you will get to know the race, officials, and organizers. Work hard now for the team and you are more likely to be given the more coveted volunteer opportunities come race time 😉

Most mushing fans have heard of (and maybe dreamed of being involved in) the Iditarod and the Yukon Quest. But they are the tip of the iceberg; there are races of all lengths and levels being put on all over the world! Find events near you or contact a mushing club near you and find out what you can do to get involved.

I honestly believe that everyone has their own gifts to bring to the table. Maybe your employer or company could donate items for a fundraiser. Not into working outside in the cold? Help with phones or in the office. Photographers and web designers can offer their services to race organizations. If you’re a masseuse or mechanic consider offering your services to a local musher (who is more then likely to need them).

Introduce Local Schools and Teachers to Mushing Curriculum:

Using mushing curriculum in the classroom is a great way to engage young learners. Students seem to be naturally drawn to the action and adventure of mushing. At the recent Midwest Sled Dog Symposium I had the opportunity to speak with educators who had glowing reports of how much their students enjoyed the classes that incorporated dog mushing and racing. There are great resources online addressing many subject areas that can be adapted to students of all ages. Races like the Yukon Quest and Iditarod have education programs to help teachers start using mushing in the classroom, you can share them with educators and parents. Or volunteer your time in a classroom to read mushing literature or lead a mushing themed activity. Not only can mushing curriculum be a dynamic way to get students excited about learning, it also helps us grow the next generation of mushers and mushing supporters.

• For Educators: Iditarod
• For Educators: Yukon Quest
• Teacher on the Trail
• Mushing in Alaska
• this is a very short list of the many online resources avaliable

Support Local Businesses that Support Mushing:

Yesterday I drove over to my locally owned Cold Spot Feeds, and had to drive past Petco to get there. As always, it occurred to me that without Cold Spot there would not be a place for mushers to get the gear and specialty foods we need locally. Petco does not carry sled plastic and parts. Can not find headlamps, cookers, and ganglines there. And last I checked they didn’t carry Redpaw or preformance working dog food.

Now do not get me wrong, I am very thankful for the wonderful online mushing supply companies that provide specialized gear to mushers everywhere. The internet has certainly expanded possibilities. But there is something wonderful about being able to walk into a real live store and drive away with everything I need, wormer & harnesses – kibble & meat, in my truck. If every mushing supporter with a pet bought their food at their locally owned musher friendly feed store those businesses will continue to be able to support mushing in that community. You are already buying quality food for your pet, it is just a question of where you choose to invest those dollars.

**Please join me in supporting the businesses that support the races and racers. We depend on them, and letting them know we appreciate them is a wonderful way to help ensure their continued support.**

Picking Home Town when I needed physical therapy was a no-brainer, they are supporters of the Yukon Quest.

~ As always I want to take a minute and say THANK YOU
to the wonderful companies and people who are a part of Team Dew Claw ~