The Willow Dog Mushers Association is proud to announce their Second Annual Sled Dog Symposium to be held September 19-20, 2009 at the Willow Community Center at MP 70 on the Parks Highway. This is an all day event starting at 9 AM with a variety of activities. This is a great way to spend the day and learn about dogs, mushing and more.The keynote speaker is mushing legend, George Attla. Other activities include a gear swap, vendor fair, hands-on clinics, discussion panels on a variety of topics and a dinner/film/silent auction. Panels included Iditarod veterans, Rondy sprinters as well as mid-distance and recreational mushers.For the first time, the symposium will continue on Sunday with a special full-day presentation by Pat Hastings. She will be doing her Structure in Action workshop, which combines her famous Puppy Puzzle presentation, as well as a discussion on the value of structurally evaluating dogs that are being considered for a breeding program, working trials or performance competition. This workshop will be presented along with local veterinarian, Susan Whiton, DVM, so that she can also provide a perspective on how to reduce the risk of structural injuries in working and performance dogs. This is a full day presentation and will be a separate entry charge. For more information on Pat Hastings or the seminar visit www.dogfolk.comThe purpose of the symposium is to further the goals of the Willow Dog Mushers Association by helping to educate mushers and the general public to the intricacies of our sport and the welfare of dogs.More information will be posted on our website: www.willowdogmushers.comWe invite everyone to attend for a fun day in beautiful Willow.To see portions of the Lance Mackey Talk from last year, go to:http://tinyurl.com/dkfndb
