Dog Handlers

A good sled dog handler is the backbone of a dog sled kennel.  They are out in the sun, rain, and snow taking care of the dogs.  Handlers bond with the dogs and will be readily able to identify any disturbances or problems. Among their many duties, handlers have the important job of scooping poop, feeding, grooming, exercising the dogs; cutting up meat scraps from the local butcher shop, making meatballs for snacks, dumpster diving for salmon heads; keeping an eye on the moose that like to wander in the yard at 3 am; and also supporting the musher 110%.

The dog sled handlers that come to visit our kennel usually stay for six months to two years.  We’ve had handlers visit from all over the world.  They stay in a 12X18 log and timber frame cabin, with no running water, and one of the neatest outhouses in Alaska--it was even featured in the 2008 Outhouses of Alaska calendar!

Our current handler is Tiffany.  Joining us in May 2008, she comes from Minnesota with her pure bred Siberian Husky, Hiei (pronounced Hee-ay).  Tiffany came to Alaska because of her love for sled dogs, and it shows with how much attention and care she gives to them.  Her interest in mushing itself is second to the dogs, and she takes care and loves each one as if they were her own.  Day or night, she is ready to toss on a snowsuit and do anything for the dogs.  Even her other interests show her love for the huskies—she loves to scrapbook and do other crafts.  She has created a wonderful scrapbook of our huskies, and she even makes postcards and note cards for the kennel.   Our dogs love her as well, and even our very shy Tessie has warmed up to her.  When Tessie was spayed, she pulled out her stitches, and Tiffany took Tessie into her cabin to watch her 24/7 until Tessie was healed.  The bond that was created with that care still shows, Tessie will not take a treat from anyone’s hand except for Tiffany!

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