A Springfield couple and their dogs will head to Poland next week to represent the U.S. in the International Federation of Sleddog Sports’ (IFSS) 2017 World Championships.
Nick and Joy Weis will compete in the Men’s Elite and Women’s Elite Canicross events with their huskies, Prudhoe and Oso, November 23-26.
According to Joy, canicross is the sport of running with your dog.
"So, the dog is attached to your waist with a waist belt, and, essentially, they pull you, and you keep up," she said.
The Weises got into dry land sledding and canicross six years ago after researching ways to channel the energy of their new malamute puppy. Today they have six dogs--a full dog sled team--and have participated in several dry land and canicross races.
They train year-round with their dogs near their home and on the Frisco Highline Trail near Walnut Grove.
Joy Weis is senior manager of satellite clinics for Jordan Valley Community Health Center. Her co-workers showed their support for the couple Friday by wearing red, white and blue and by donating dog food to the Southwest Missouri Humane Society in Team Weis's name. They also threw a surprise party for the couple, complete with cake, ahead of their trip to Poland next week.
To keep up with the couple as they compete in Poland, click here.
