A young Mush with P.R.I.D.E. supporter hugs her big furry sled dog and her little fluffy, pretend sled dog. Mush with P.R.I.D.E supports the responsible care and humane treatment of all dogs, and is dedicated to enhancing the care and treatment of sled dogs in their traditional and modern uses. Photo courtesy of Linda Newman
The organization Mush with P.R.I.D.E. was established in 1991 by mushers who were concerned about the public perceptions of the training, racing, and care of sled dogs. In 2018 an effort to reorganize and revitalize the organization was begun, and in April of this year a new 10-member international board of directors was seated.
Officers were duly elected and seven standing committees were created. Committee members were assigned to do the work of rebuilding the structure of the organization, revising and rewriting the guidelines, and re-establishing Mush with P.R.I.D.E. as the gold standard of sled dog care and advocacy.
Mush with P.R.I.D.E. supports the responsible care and humane treatment of all dogs, and is dedicated to enhancing the care and treatment of sled dogs in their traditional and modern uses. The abbreviations in the name, P.R.I.D.E., stand for Providing Responsible Information on a Dog’s Environment.
To address some of the concerns, the organization developed sled dog care, equipment, training, and kennel management guidelines, which are still being used to educate the general public, mushers, veterinarians, and others in the proper care of sled dogs. Documents available for download at the Mush with P.R.I.D.E. website include Sled Dog Care Guidelines, A Guide to Caring for Dogs During Crisis Situations, and Recommended Kennel Standards and Inspection Guidelines.
Today Mush with P.R.I.D.E. members are found throughout the world, in the United States, Canada, Norway, and the U.K., and the membership is once again steadily increasing. Other groups have frequently used Mush with P.R.I.D.E. guidelines and agencies when determining responsible dog care and kennel husbandry standards.
Member clubs supporting Mush with P.R.I.D.E. include not only Alaskan sled dog groups, but mushing associations, clubs and groups from around the globe, including Canada, Norway, Great Britain, Germany, Jamaica and Australia. Current P.R.I.D.E. members include large competitive kennels, small recreational teams, large and small touring kennels, skijorers, veterinarians, race sponsoring organizations, local mushing clubs and fans of sled dogs.
The support and input from the membership is what helps direct the P.R.I.D.E. board of directors and establish P.R.I.D.E. as a leading organization promoting responsible sled dog care and dog-powered sports.
For more information visit the Mush with P.R.I.D.E. website at www.mushwithpride.org or see www.facebook.com/ groups/398468697352924/.
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