Tragedy Strikes Close to Home

Today was a tough day....
While getting dogs ready for a run DeeDee came out and told Peter and I there was a house fire at our neighbors house and to go now. Our neighbors Jaimee and Justin use to work for DeeDee and Jaimee is training Dee's B team for Iditarod this year.

I got to their house across the street and the shop was completely engulfed in flames and their cabin was close to that as well. There was no way we go save anything from the cabin so we tried for the chicken coop that was starting on fire. Sadly it was too hot and not very safe for someone to try and get through the door. We retreated from the house to the dog lot and just watched the house burn. Such an extreme hopeless, and useless feeling. We moved dogs as far back in the lot as we could as the propane tank started on fire. After this we realized some chickens had gotten out of the burning coop so Jaimee and I ran to the fence and I tore it down and we were able to get 2 of them out. To our surprise 2 more showed up after the fire was put out.

Fire Fighters have a hard time responding to fires as things are far away and hard to find at times. By the time some arrived there was nothing left to save just there to stop it from spreading to the trees.

Words can not describe the how it felt watching it burn wishing I could help my friends. I can't even imagine how they are feeling right now.

We transferred all the dogs over to the kennel here so we have almost 100 dogs here now. I gained 2 more house dogs, some sweet ladies. Along with 2 of the chickens that had some pretty scorched feathers and don't want them getting too cold out side.

All in all grateful for the safety of my friends and all the dogs. I set up a gofundme site to help them in the rebuilding process. Please feel free to share the link. http://www.gofundme.com/j40wdc

Through all the crazy and processing of the day I want to also take a moment to say Happy Birthday to DeeDee. She has been such an amazing encouragement and mentor to me over the last year. I am forever grateful for all she has done for me and taught me.

A Picture is worth a 1000 words

My winter wonderland has returned!

Wow I feel like way to much has happened in just a month to catch you all up!
Either way here we go... (read through to the end, wink, wink)

Fall training went well just lasted much longer than anticipated. We were training on 4-wheelers till the beginning of December! Last year when I came in November we had over a foot of snow and very cold days. So far we have only hit one foot of snow and no colder than low teens. Which I can't complain, the warmer weather makes work days much more pleasant.

Crossing a frozen lake on a 4-wheeler

Going up the pass on the road

Coming down Hatcher Pass

Beautiful runs

Days are getting much shorter around here and the work is increasing. I have been learning so much about running big teams to help DeeDee train some of the race dogs which is super exciting for me. I've also been working with the other handler to train the tenders. While still prepping for races and keeping things up to speed at the kennel.

Been resizing harnesses

Cutting so much meat into snacks for training and racing

Organized all the harnesses I could find here at the kennel, yet somehow I'm still finding some more :)

Changing out straw in all the houses

Huge job of changing out all the straw after all the rain then snow

Getting the sled out and ready to ride!

Snow! It has finally fallen which means the sleds are back out! Trails are being put in slowly around here and I have learned how to break trail with a dog team, which is a lot of hard work for musher and dogs.

First 10 dog team! 1 year old pups with 2 lead dogs

Running the pups

Riding tag sled with DeeDee with a 16 dog team

Took Amber and Cole out for their first run!

Amber and Cole in the middle

Happy Happy dogs running in the snow :)

Helping train the big boys :)

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! I feel so blessed to have spent it with so many friends! I had 4 big meals this year! I went to church with DeeDee and had a big meal there and met lots of new people. Was able to have a meal with some neighbors then to DeeDee's friend's house. I finished off Thanksgiving with my new rugby family! I am thankful for the amazing opportunities I have been blessed with and for the courage to take those opportunities and run with them. Thank you for taking part in my life by supporting my blog, your encouragement and support is invaluable!

And Chase relaxing after being spoiled by everyone

Chase finding the best seat in the house!

Chase watching football with the boys

Rugby family and Chase for Thanksgiving

Chase again finding the best seat in the second house. Also got to play with 2 puppies.

So so so thankful for my new found rugby family out here, such awesome friends!

Thanksgiving sunset

Thankful for this man in my life, he is my number one.

Thanksgiving Sunrise

Chase has been joining us for movie nights, Annabell came along once, she is a bit too young yet.

So super exciting news to tell everyone.
1) Reminder of the TV show I'll appear on. Dr. Oakley, Yukon Vet on Nat Geo Wild airs December 27th!
2) I just got confirmation that I will be on the Iditarod Trail in Unalakleet as a dog handler taking care of the drop dogs during the 2nd week of the race. I am hoping I will be able to shadow one of the veterinarians there as well. This is huge for me. My dream since I was 7 was to work as a veterinarian on the Iditarod trail, so one step closer!!
3) I just got asked to be a guest on a radio show to talk about the the up and coming mushers who are working for big kennels to learn more about it. I'm super nervous, but very excited for this. It will tape next week and air in March during the Iditarod. You will be able to hear it from itunes. More information once I know more
4) I still have not heard back about vet school, I should hear back by the end of the month or in February! oh the wait is so hard.... but worth it I hope!


Hope you are doing well and chasing your dreams! Thanks for reading!

Celebrating 1 year in Alaska! Officially an Alaska Resident!

I can not believe I have been in Alaska for a year! This has been the most rewarding, life changing experiences of my life. I want to truly thank each and every one of you for being a part of this adventure with me and for your amazing support and encouragement!


I have been staying very busy around the kennel, but not too much exciting news as of lately. So I want to take this opportunity to reflect on the past year with some of the great moments.

I remember, like it was yesterday, getting the phone call about the job. I was in shock and could not believe what I was about to do. Thank goodness for amazing friends who's first words to me were "you're going!". It was the easiest decision I have ever made. The day I flew out here was surreal, I had Chase and Lucy all set to fly for the first time and was so nervous. I had no idea what to expect and definitely could not have imagined all the amazing things that have happened to me since. 

The greatest moment of last season, riding tag sled behind DeeDee at the start of Iditarod!

Was so grateful I was able to share some of this experience with my dad and enjoyed the chance to meet Sarah Palin

The greatest feeling ever, being at the starting line holding one of the lead dogs right before DeeDee took off on Willow Lake!

Talk about a shock, first day of work in Alaska was -35 degrees!

Was so happy to see a friend from home over Christmas and got to see the Packers beat the Bears :)

Love movie night at Happy Trails Kennel and the getting the watch the big game there as well!

What an opportuinity to see the filming of an episode and get to have dinner at Sarah Palin's house!

So blessed to have brought Chase and Lucy with me last year

He is my #1, love this boy

Just before I left in the spring

Chase's first and only run, he is a bit too old for this, but was still a blast to try!

Dream come true being on a sled working with these athletes!

Learning all about Alaska winters and great practice for moving fallen trees and starting generators with all the power outages we had.

Alaska Sunrise's are to die for, absolutely love my job and seeing these each day! 

Love how much I have learned about dog rehab and care!

One of the greatest rewards of the job, the love of these dogs! The bonds with these incredible athletes makes all the long days and hard work completely worth it!

I was so thankful to be able to spend time with everyone back in Wisconsin while I went home this spring!!
Thank you to everyone it was a great few weeks home! Miss you all so much!















Alumni weekend for all the rugby players, I love getting to watch every one playing again! 

Sold my car and bought a mini-van for the big move!

So happy to have spent lots of time with my God-Daughter while I was home!

So honored to have been able to stand up in my best friends wedding!

Alumni weekend with all the ruggers!

The drive back to Alaska was absolutely amazing!

love my niece and nephews!

My first summer in Alaska and had so many experiences! Absolutely love this state! With the camping, kayaking, hiking, fishing, and rugby! I have met and made so many amazing friends here. I am so grateful for the chance to be a part of Moose Mamas and to be helping at the Alaska Wild Bird Rehab Center. I also had such a wonderful time with my sister when she came to visit.

Property of Moose Mamas: Sutton, just got word she is doing great in the Wild

First time hooking Amber and Cole up

Moose Mamas

Governor Bill Walker and the Moose Mamas

Alaska Rugby friends :)

DeeDee, US Senator Lisa Murkowski, and I

 Now with fall training and back to work at the kennel I am learning so much.
I have about a month left till I find out about veterinary school, and I am really trying to not think about it too much. Easier said then done....  

I can not wait to see what the future holds for me this coming year! Thank you again for following my blog and being a part of this dream come true!


Reminder December 27th Nat Geo Wild: Dr. Oakley Yukon Vet, watch the show :)