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.
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| The greatest moment of last season, riding tag sled behind DeeDee at the start of Iditarod! |
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| Was so grateful I was able to share some of this experience with my dad and enjoyed the chance to meet Sarah Palin |
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| The greatest feeling ever, being at the starting line holding one of the lead dogs right before DeeDee took off on Willow Lake! |
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| Talk about a shock, first day of work in Alaska was -35 degrees! |
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| Was so happy to see a friend from home over Christmas and got to see the Packers beat the Bears :) |
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| Love movie night at Happy Trails Kennel and the getting the watch the big game there as well! |
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| What an opportuinity to see the filming of an episode and get to have dinner at Sarah Palin's house! |
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| So blessed to have brought Chase and Lucy with me last year |
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| He is my #1, love this boy |
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| Just before I left in the spring |
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| Chase's first and only run, he is a bit too old for this, but was still a blast to try! |
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| Dream come true being on a sled working with these athletes! |
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| Learning all about Alaska winters and great practice for moving fallen trees and starting generators with all the power outages we had. |
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| Alaska Sunrise's are to die for, absolutely love my job and seeing these each day! |
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| Love how much I have learned about dog rehab and care! |
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| 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!
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| Sold my car and bought a mini-van for the big move! |
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| So happy to have spent lots of time with my God-Daughter while I was home! |
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| So honored to have been able to stand up in my best friends wedding! |
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| Alumni weekend with all the ruggers! |
The drive back to Alaska was absolutely amazing!
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| 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.
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| Property of Moose Mamas: Sutton, just got word she is doing great in the Wild |
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| First time hooking Amber and Cole up |
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| Moose Mamas |
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| Governor Bill Walker and the Moose Mamas |
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| Alaska Rugby friends :) |
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| 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 :)
