Here Come the Doggies!

Dogsled Demonstrations A Winter Highlight At The Morton Arboretum

LISLE, IL (December 23, 2009) - Who could resist the call of the huskies?

Wintertime is prime time for some of the most exciting outdoor action anywhere. In a perennial favorite event, "Husky Heroes" will once again delight visitors at The Morton Arboretum, January 30 and 31, from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. with unforgettable joy: the chance to witness several teams of stunningly beautiful Siberian huskies do what they love most: run, run, run!

"It has become an annual tradition for many families to see these dogs put on their dogsledding demonstrations, and they crave the chance to show off their skills," says Diana Fischer-Woods, Arboretum coordinator of the Husky Heroes weekend.

Five to seven thousand people typically visit the Arboretum to see the demonstrations, watch an informative presentation on the dogs' role in a life-saving venture, and to learn what's required to adopt a husky.

In "Dogsled Spectacular," experienced mushers guide the powerful canines through an open field into parts of the 22-acre Conifer Collection of statuesque pines, firs, and other evergreens. The tail-wagging creatures yelp with delight as they round the bend and dash back into the field, with visitors applauding, cheering, waving, and taking memorable photos. Also, individuals on skis pulled by a single dog make the trip in demonstrations of what's called "skijoring."

The cold noses warm hearts as visitors are allowed to pet the huskies in between their runs. The lovable lovelies feature amazingly thick, beautiful fur and many sport deep blue eyes, to go with docile attitudes that endear visitors immediately.

In "The Last Great Race" presentation, visitors learn about the Siberian huskies' 1925 heroism. They effectively raced against time while faithfully pulling sleds carrying diphtheria medicine to a remote area of Alaska, just in time to save lives there. Those animals accomplished their task amid temperatures near 40 below zero! The presentation occurs each day at noon, 1:30, and 3 p.m. Complimentary tickets are available at the Visitor Center one hour prior to each presentation.

Finally, visitors can "Meet the Huskies," petting actual dogs available for adoption and learning what's required to adopt the dogs. Adopt A Husky, Inc. will be on hand to answer questions.

All three Husky Heroes events are free with Arboretum admission, which is $11/adult, $10/senior, and $8/child ages 2-17. Under age 2 is free. Arboretum members are free. Parking is free.

Visitors are requested to leave their own pets at home.
The Morton Arboretum gratefully acknowledges Arboretum View Animal Hospital, sponsor of "Husky Heroes;" and ComEd, sponsor of Youth and Family Programs.

The Morton Arboretum is a world-renowned leader in tree science and education, working to save and plant trees. The 1,700-acre outdoor museum features magnificent collections of 4,117 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. Central Time until sunset. The Children's Garden is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., March through October, and 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., November through February. Visit Press Room at www.mortonarb.org, call to learn more.

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Allison Phelps, (office) 630-719-5768, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it