I am finally recuperated enough to take a few minutes to write about this weekend --- our 2009 Urban Mushing Clinic was a wonderful time well spent learning more about how to better work with our dogs!
This is the third year in a row that we've held this clinic, all thanks to Carmen Rasmussen who flew down here from Washington state and took the time off of her busy schedule (as a mom of two teenage kids, a Marysville City Council member, and the co-owner of Alpine Outfitters) to spend time, share her experiences, and impart her words of wisdom on our eager group of Southern California urban mushers.
We had about 50 people and their dogs show up on Saturday and Sunday at Fairview Park. Not only was Carmen impressed with how the group continues to grow but she was even more impressed by how we have "dramatically improved" every year she comes to visit. Our dogs run better and are more focused on the trails and she can also see how we, as individuals, are more knowledgeable and more in tune with how to work our dogs.
We also learned a little about the whys and hows of canine chiropractic medicine, thanks to a very informative session conducted by Dr. Rod Block, a certified member of the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association. And we were also paid a surprise visit by our friendly neighborhood, veteran Southern California musher Robert Stradley, who came by to tell us about the upcoming Spring Mush! weekend retreat that he will be hosting at the Harmony Pines campground at the beginning of May (more info on this later on).
The barbecue potluck on Saturday night was a fun time as well, as we feasted on a variety of foods (including the world famous chicken tenders) at the lovely hillside home of Arctis Carts' creator Henning Bartel. And we even got to meet and trade mushing stories with Susan Evenden, the Canadian "Mushing Mum" who is here on a Southern California vacation all the way from Kenora, Ontario.
Altogether it was a great weekend, not just for ourselves but for the dogs as well. We certainly came away from this with a little more knowledge and inspiration to help us train and communicate with our dogs better. Now if only I can "train and communicate with" Obi so that he's not such a loud mouth....
PIctures from the 2009 Urban Mushing Clinic
Welcome to the official Urban Mushing blog! – home of the Southern California Working Snow Dogs...we are group of humans and their canine companions indulging in different fun dog-powered activities for the working dog. Our dogs LOVE to run and pull and we give them a chance to get the exercise they need and deserve through various dog-powered activities including scootering and sledding. Our blog will keep you up to date on our group's activities and pictures from events.
