Best of luck to Alaskan Malamute Izzy who is participating in the Alaskan Malamute Working Association Backpacking Awards. She is currently working towards her copper award which entails walking 8 legs of 5 miles (total of 40 miles) carrying 10% of her body weight. As she progresses through the award levels, the mileage and weight will increase. Platinum – the top award – requires the dogs to carry 30% of their bodyweight over 180 miles in 4 lots of 45 mile legs. That’s an amazing achievement. And at the higher levels, Izzy will be camping out overnight in the wilderness and carrying the tent and the provisions. Exciting!