The Yukon Quest office has issued a second call for participants to take part in a clinic with renowned veterinarian and canine physical therapist Wes Rau in October.

Rau has come to Whitehorse to help kick off the lead up to the Yukon Quest in February for a few years now, but this year numbers were a bit slow, Wendy Morrison, executive director of the Yukon Quest said.

"He's just phenomenal for being able to teach,” said Morrison.

The clinics are mainly for sport dogs, such as those that compete in the Yukon Quest, and recently Rau has been in demand by dog owners interested in other dog sports, such as agility competitions and more.

Usually Rau is brought back due to popular demand, but this year the numbers didn't pick up until the second call was issued by the Yukon Quest office last week.

"We get many many requests to bring him back here,” said Morrison. "It's been hugely popular in the past.”

The day long clinic is completely hands on. Participants bring their own dogs, and Rau will work with each one to assess any injuries that could be hindering the dog's performance.He will then work with each owner to develop techniques to help heal the injury and improve the dog's performance.

Morrison says the vet has an ability to feel different things in dogs that their owners may not be able to.

While Rau is actually not a certified vet, Morrison says he has a way with sport dogs.

"We haven't had him on our vet team because he's not a certified vet, but he knows an incredible amount about dog mobility,” said Morrison.

Five spaces remained open as of Friday afternoon, and they were filling up fast.

"We're thrilled that he's coming back out this year,” Morrison said.

The sessions run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 17 and 18. Owners are asked to bring their own pups to be examined. The cost is $160 per session for a completely hands on, all day experience.

Also coming up to start the Yukon Quest season, is the annual birthday party celebration being held Oct. 16, where Rau will be holding a quick one hour session, to bring together the Yukon Quest racers and the public.

"(It's) an early season annual event to kick off the Yukon Quest,” said Morrison.

There will be live entertainment starting at 6:30 on Oct. 16, a chance to meet new racers, and to find out which racers are returning.

For more information on the clinics, or the birthday party, contact the Yukon Quest office at 668-4711.