SKIJOR CHAMPS
Headline: Clem the Rocket Dog Leads Kesler to Victory
Clem the Rocket Dog blasted her way to victory recently in the in the annual Fur Rendezvous eight-kilometer skijoring race. Many Anchorage-area GCIers know Clem from her many appearances in the “Pet the Puppy” fundraising event for United Way. She said she’s 4-1/2 years old – in people years, of course. When not skijoring or competing in races, Clem likes to spend her time herding sheep.
Clem said her victory will not make her big-headed and said she has no plans for an appearance on an Iditarod team – there aren’t enough cookies to make it worthwhile. “Besides,” Clem explained, “I might have to live in a dog lot – can you imagine? A dog’s place is on the living room couch!”
Kesler, who hardly got a word in edge-wise, credited their victory in the race to Clem’s physique. “Her short wheelbase, coupled with those long, powerful legs really pulled us through,” she quipped before being cut off by her canine companion. Clem remarked that she is convinced that she could win a few more races if the human half of the team would work harder going up the hills.
Clem (her given name is Clementine) is a Bouvier des Flanders cattle herding dog. Bouviers are known for being a stubborn-tempered breed, and several breeders have noted that Clem is one of the most stubborn that they have ever seen. Kesler’s mother says Stephanie got the dog she deserved.
Kesler was pleased to note that she turned in better times than everyone – including the men. Not to be outdone, Clem exclaimed that she was thrilled to have turned in a faster time than all the huskies. “Take that, you Iditarodders,” Clem gloated.
For her performance, Clem won a big blue ribbon, 20 pounds of dog food and a $25 certificate to Rae’s Harness Shop. She plans to purchase a big supply of pigs' ears and hickory-smoked dog bones to gnaw on while dreaming of future races and appearances in the winner’s circle.
