C E L E B R I T Y
This is a message we need to keep on
spreading to our girls of future generations. I
am a mother and a wife now and still living
my dreams. But I work very hard for all of it.
What conditions were these Alaskan hus-
kies living in before you launched your
institution to do something?
Some of these huskies came from other
kennels where they were neglected,
starved and sometimes handled poorly.
Each dog has a story and it takes time
to gain its trust, but once we do, it is like
watching a flower bloom. We have a very
basic kennel set up outside but it is the work
we do with them that creates a change.
How tough was it for you when it came to
learning the know-how of this highly com-
petitive race?
It takes time but yes, it was a great
challenge. Knowing how to train, feed, and
take care of these canine athletes under
extreme weather conditions is very
important and the key to success.
Learning how to take care of ourselves
(keeping hydrated, mental clarity when
sleep deprived) takes time, practice and
error…but we evolve as we race from year
to year.
Also the strategy of racing itself takes time,
patience, common sense and a little bit of
luck. There are layers and layers to mushing
and racing dogs. Like in life, we hopefully
evolve and become better!
is not just fun but very satisfying. We all work
very hard at this together.
How integral is the sport to one’s way of life
over here?
Our life is scheduled around the dogs train-
ing and racing schedules. It is an
all-encompassing lifestyle. Spend a week at
our kennel, you will forget about everything
else for a while!
How many huskies have you rescued so
far?
Hundreds! We have also re-homed many
each year, when they are ready and once
we find suitable homes. Some go on to be
house pets whereas some go on to race
here or with others.
Where are the rescued ones being sent to
or rehabilitated?
They come here. We do everything here.
We just bought a home on 30 acres near a
great little community. This is why it is
important that we build a nice facility for
education and rescue.
What foods do you give them to eat?
A high performance dry kibble is made for
race dogs. Also salmon, beef, chicken, pork
fat and horsemeat are served which they
eat 2-4 times daily.
Were you ever criticised by the male rivals?
Yes! Some of the men would say I would
not last because I was a model or I was too
pretty to be on the trail with dogs. Once I
overheard them saying it was my husband’s
team, I quickly replied, “No guys, this is my
team that I have trained.” That got their
attention and respect.
What is it that you like about this sport?
I like seeing my dogs do what they love to
do, it is in their blood. They were born and
bred to run. I also love it when other people
see my beautiful dogs in action. Being able
to run across Alaska on a sled with my furry
friends in a prestigious competition with
other well-regarded and well-trained teams
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