Shirilla Posts Fastest Time in Day Six of International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race; Keeps Overall Lead

Jackson, Wyoming—January 31, 2008—Melanie Shirilla from Lincoln, Mont., had the fastest time in Day Six of the International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race (IPSSSDR), with a time of 5:04:09. Wendy Davis from Lander Wyoming was second with 5:17:43. In third, Aaron Peck, from Cobourg, Ontario, Canada posted a time of 5:22:37.

In overall times, Shirilla leads with 24:09:45; Davis stays in second place with a time of 24:30:15; and Jacques Philip maintains his third-place position with a time of 25:08:33.

Currently, 14 teams remain in the race in a year challenged by extreme weather conditions. On February 1, they compete in the Bridger Valley Stage then finish in Park City, Utah, with the final stage and awards ceremony on 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 sled dog 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 bark@wyomingstagestop.org, or telephone at 307.734.1163.