Thrilling Dogsled Action At The Morton Arboretum

Visitors Meet Dogs For Adoption, See Demonstrations, Presentations On Historic Race

LISLE, IL (January 5, 2006) – As athletes go, they’re strong and powerful. They’re a delight to watch. They’re great at teamwork. And for years, these athletes have been not only competitors, but lifesavers as well.

Once again, The Morton Arboretum hosts an unforgettable weekend of Siberian husky dogsled demonstrations, displays of huskies available for adoption and presentations on the Iditarod race January 21 and 22.

Huskies have a long and storied history in Alaska. In the past, Alaskans in outlying areas relied on these special dogs to help deliver life-saving medicines. But these beautiful, warm, and sensitive creatures are also smart, entertaining and competitive in Iditarod racing – which will be demonstrated at the Arboretum.

“People are attracted to these dogs and this event because you don’t often get a chance to see this anywhere in the Chicago area,” said Marilyn Baysek, Arboretum Special Events Manager. Baysek noted that last year’s demonstration drew 3,500 visitors in a single day.

She said the crowds “also want to check out the dogs available for adoption.”

Adopt-A-Husky, which says it has rescued more than 900 Siberian huskies since 1998, will be on hand to help those interested in adopting a husky fill out an application. Most of the dogs are purebred, and each has been spayed or neutered.

Iditarod expert Carol Preble will present a highly enjoyable program on the history of the Iditarod, featuring exciting images of past races. A special “guest star” making a personal appearance is “Arrow,” a champion Siberian husky who has actually participated in the Iditarod.

The dogsled demonstrations and exhibition of dogs will run from 11 a.m. through 4 p.m. (If there is no snow, wheels substitute for sled blades, and the event will occur). The Preble presentations occur in the Cudahy Auditorium at Noon, 1:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. each day. All are free with Arboretum admission. However, those wishing to attend the Preble presentations must pick up free tickets on the day they attend.

The Morton Arboretum is an internationally recognized 1,700-acre outdoor museum with collections of more than 3,700 kinds of trees, shrubs, and other plants from around the world. The Arboretum's beautiful natural landscapes, gardens, research and education programs, and year-round family activities support its mission – the planting and conservation of trees and other plants for a greener, healthier, and more beautiful world. Conveniently located at I-88 and Rte. 53 in Lisle, Illinois, the Arboretum is open 7 days a week, 365 days a year, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (DST) and 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. (CST). The Children's Garden is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (DST) and 9:30 to 4 p.m. (CST). Visit www.mortonarb.org to learn more.

Media Contact:    Gina Tedesco, The Morton Arboretum, 630-725-2103, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it