Sled Dogs Speed through Jackson in Race Opener
IPSSSDR boasts eight days, 19 teams, 12 towns, two states and over 300 dogs

Jackson, Wyoming—January 25, 2008—Cold temperatures and snow flurries provided perfect conditions for the start of the 2008 International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race (IPSSSDR), announced Race Director Frank Teasley. Fur and flakes flew as 19 teams left Jackson's Town Square in a noisy exodus to begin eight days of racing across Wyoming toward the February 2 race finish in Park City, Utah.

Crowds lined the street for a glimpse of the dog athletes, but those who couldn't see the starting line were treated to a birds-eye view of the teams via a giant screen with a live feed. Lila Wheatley, who retired from the IPSSSDR after 10 years as race secretary, drove the first team from the starting line, followed by Town of Jackson Mayor Mark Barron and sponsor Pedigree’s dignitary driver Derek Daugherty.

The highly competitive 2008 field includes last year's champion Wendy Davis; Melanie Shirilla, the first IPSSSDR woman winner (2002) and also winner of the 2006 race; and Doug Swingley, four-time Iditarod Champion. Mushers and dogs raced through town on a three-mile snow-covered track specially created by the Town of Jackson Public Works department for the event, to a finish at Snow King Resort, where IPSSSDR title sponsor Pedigree hosted a free-to-the-public reception. The event concluded with Jackson Hole's Winter Carnival celebration complete with torchlight parade, dancing and fireworks.

Following the Jackson stage, teams will continue to Lander, Pinedale, Big Piney/Marbleton, Alpine, Kemmerer/Diamondville, Evanston, and Lyman/Mountain View over the next week before arriving in Park City, Utah, for the final stage and awards ceremony on Saturday, February 2. With its unique "stage stop" racing format, the IPSSSDR stops in a different community each night, allowing Wyoming’s host towns to show their hospitality: Festivities on offer for mushers and spectators alike include pancake feeds, dog parades, banquets, carnivals, and snowshoe softball.

The Pedigree® brand actively supports a wide range of programs that promote responsible pet ownership and highlight the contributions dogs make to society.

 The International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race, the largest dog sled race in the lower 48 states, was founded in 1996 by Frank Teasley to make sled dog racing more accessible to the public. For a complete schedule, visit the race Website at www.wyomingstagestop.org, contact the race via e-mail at wystagestop@blissnet.com, or telephone at 307.734.1163.