SOUTH COLTON -- Clarkson University professor Spencer Thew and local sled dog trainer Andre van der Merwe represented the United States at the 2017 International Federation of Sleddog Sports (IFSS) Sleddog World Championship in Haliburton, Ontario, Jan. 24-26.

Thew placed sixth in the world in the Registered Nordic Breed 4-dog class and second in the USA delegation. Meanwhile, van der Merwe placed fourth in the world in the Registered Nordic Breed 6-dog class and third in the USA delegation.

"The trails were extremely technical, which provided for a challenging and exciting race hosted by the beautiful Haliburton Forest and Wild Life Reserve,” Thew said. “It was an honor to represent Team USA at the 2017 IFSS Snow World Championships and be part of this historical event. The camaraderie among Team USA and all 12 represented countries was something to behold and experience."

Both Thew and van der Merwe were very pleased with the Call of the Wild’s teams' performance.

"The dogs are fantastic athletes and demonstrated their abilities on the trail,” Thew said. “We could not be more proud of Call of the Wild’s teams. Congratulations to all Team USA dogs and drivers for representing USA with grace and style – while retaining their competitive edge and drive. As always, our biggest thanks go to our sled dogs…for gifting us with the privilege of being taken along on the ride of a lifetime, showing us mere humans just how much you are all capable of and for creating amazing memories."