SLED DOG LINKS:

February 4, 2009—Jackson, Wyoming—Melanie Shirilla from Lincoln, Mont., posted the fastest time in Day Five of the International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race (IPSSSDR) with a time of 4:16:35. Bruce Magnusson from Manchester, Mich., came in a very close second with 4:16:52. In third, Jerry Bath from Lander, Wyo., had a time of 4:18:19.

Overall, Shirilla keeps the lead with a time of 14:27:01. In second place, Sam Perrino from Yellowknife, Northwest Territories in Canada has a time of 15:07:21. Magnusson is third in the overall rankings with a time of 15:11:17.

On Thursday, February 5, teams will race from Lake Viva Naughton near Kemmerer/Diamondville before proceeding to Evanston, Lyman/Mountain View, and finally Park City, Utah, for the final stage and awards ceremony on Saturday, February 7.

With its unique dog-friendly "stage stop" racing format, the IPSSSDR stops in a different community each night, allowing the host towns to show their hospitality. Festivities 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 [email protected], or telephone at 307.734.1163.