Local Musher Visits Classroom

Here is a press release that I sent out to local media on Friday, along with pictures taken the day of the visit...
LOCAL MUSHER VISITS CLASSROOM

Jillian Rogers of Spitfire Kennels visited Ms. Kysar’s 8th Grade Reading class at Homer Middle School on Tuesday, September 29. The class has been studying about animal adaptations; in particular, adaptations of domesticated dogs. After researching different dog groups and specific breeds, Kysar invited Rogers to come share her competitive mushing experiences with the class.

Rogers began her working career as a journalist for the Yukon News in Whitehorse. After covering many a sled dog event, she developed a passion for the sport herself. She began training in Fairbanks as a handler for Ken Anderson and Lance Mackey. Since then, she has moved her team to Homer in order to better hill train the dogs this winter, as she is training for the 2011 Iditarod. She does plan to race in the Yukon Quest this season.

Rogers talked to the class about different types of mushing, common dog breeds used in the sport, and even a little of the history of modern dogsledding.

For more information about Jillian Rogers, check out www.wannabemusher.bogspot.com.

As a side note, I met Jillian working at the Winery this summer - she is a year-round employee there and they have just released a new wine, Lead Dog Mead, in her honor!