Besides their usual training, they were there for political action--to physically demonstrate the importance of cold weather in this community. They were there to share their hope for lots of snow and a long, cold, Vermont winter -- and to discuss what a lack thereof will mean to their traditional sport and way of life as dog mushers.
"As dog mushers, we rely on Mother Nature and her gift of natural snow. Last winter was dismal for getting the dogs out on Vermont's trails-or anywhere in New England. We've been seeing and experiencing the change in weather. Global warming is real and it is affecting our sport and small eco-tourism business," explained Breslauer of Atii Sled Dogs. "This action today is coordinated in solidarity with other actions happening across the state in Vermont calling to vote to stop global warming."
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"I'd like to be here doing this 10 years from now," asserted her partner Red Goodman. "With global warming it might not be possible to do it at all (on snow or dry land as it could be too warm for their double-coated dogs)."
Vermonters have taken the steps in their personal lives to work toward global warming solutions and are now calling upon politicians to enact legislation toward a cleaner future. Atii Sled Dogs is sending the message to all interested Vermonters, current political leaders, and all candidates for state and Congressional offices, that the time is now for real leadership on global warming. According to Atii Sled Dogs' owners, "Actions speak louder than words-and the time for action is now."
