Dog sledding offers a healthy dose of adventure for children with cancer
A team of sled dogs racing through the snowy forests of northern Canada conjures up the timeless spirit of exploration. But the intrepid youths on the sleds may not be exactly what you're picturing -- they're young girls and boys with cancer. Read more ›
ACT on the Trail promotes wellness during Iditarod
Led by two Kotzebue Iditarod mushers, ACT Program Director Katherine Keith and John Baker, ACT's primary advocate and spokesman, the aim of ACT on the Trail is to empower Alaskans to establish wellness goals, encourage their families, friends and neighbors in wellness, and to prevent abuse, neglect, suicide and suffering in rural Alaskan communities. Read more ›
Frank Attla Youth Sled Dog Care Mushing Program
“The foundation of the Frank Attla Youth & Sled Dog Care-Mushing Program (FAYSDP) is to provide young people with hands-on experience working with sled dogs under the guidance and mentorship of experienced dogmen and Native elders. This grassroots pilot program was made possible through the assistance of local sled dog kennel owners/mushers who provided dogs and other assistance.” Read more ›
Sled Dogs as Therapy
“Sled dogs as therapy UK is a non- profit organisation that uses Northern breed dogs for animal assisted therapy and activities. We work in many ways from cheering people up, to working in Mental Health services, increasing awareness of the environment, to responsible dog ownership and care.“ Read more ›
Noble Paws
“We teach people with disabilities how to run a team of sled dogs, helping them discover new forms of mobility and independence, while accessing remote areas of the backcountry.” Read more ›
Hiland inmates take a turn caring for dropped dogs
“As long as anyone can remember, Iditarod dogs that are too tired or sore to keep racing have been shuttled to a safe place in Eagle River: the Hiland Mountain prison. There, women in lockup for drugs and assault and murder ladle out kibble, scoop dog poop, pile straw into beds, and massage trail-weary pooches.” Read more ›
Female inmates continue tradition of caring for dropped Iditarod dogs
“The Eagle River inmates have been caring for dropped Iditarod dogs since 1974.” Read more ›
Racing Toward Recovery with Mike Williams Sr.
“An interview with professional Iditarod musher and author of Racing Toward Recovery Mike Williams Sr., about his struggle with alcoholism, what the Inuit community in Alaska faces and how he is working to stop alcoholism and drug abuse around the world.” Read more ›
Pulling Together Youth Dog Sledding
“Pulling Together is a non-profit outdoor experiential education program providing opportunities for young people to choose positive growth experiences involving the sled dog as both teacher and student.” Read more ›
Comfort in the Cold: Battle Dawgs Racing for Vets
“Rick Casillo and his wife, USAF Lt. Col Jennifer Casillo, facilitate an outdoor therapy camp in Anchorage, Alaska. Their Organization, Battle Dawgs, empowers veterans dealing with post traumatic stress disorders or traumatic brain injuries through therapeutic and exhilarating experiences by harnessing the natural splendor of Alaska’s landscape and the majestic healing power of sled dogs.” Read more ›
Hannah Experiences the Last Great Race
“Hannah dreamt of traveling to Alaska to see the Iditarod forever, but that dream was put on hold when she was diagnosed.” Read more ›
North Hope Sled Dog Kennel
“North Hope Sled Dog Kennel was founded on the basis of the orphanage at St. Nicholas parish in the north-east of Kostroma region as means of social and psychological adjustment and rehabilitation of orphan kids.” Read more ›
Hero image by Toni Reitter