When Jocelyne showed us round the Northern Cabin her dog Yoda came with her. Then another popped up, Roxy, and another, Homer.
We’d heard that Sky High ran Sled Dog Expeditions in the winter, for enthusiasts and for anyone who wanted an adventure!
“Are these your Sled Dogs?”
“These three are retired, but I have 150 more dogs just over the hill from here.”
“Sorry, did you say one hundred and fifty dogs?”
“Yes!” “They live in Musher’s Camp. Come and visit. I’ll be feeding them in half an hour.”
We’d never seen anything like it. Imagine a Mad Max world for dogs!!
I can’t describe Musher’s Camp as well as Amanda’s photos show it – take a look.
One hundred and fifty Sled Dogs living in one hundred and fifty kennels, weatherproof huts lined with hay, each with a food bowl and water bowl attached. Outside their kennel each dog had its own exercise space with a metal post in the centre to which the dog was chained. Each dog able to walk around its own space, climb into its kennel or sit on the roof. Not able to make physical contact in any way with its neighbours. Chat - yes. Tussle – no! Not able to disappear off over the horizon on any solo adventures!
May sound a bit grim for the Pet Lovers amongst you. As the CAUTION sign says, these are Working Dogs. Between 4 and 16 are harnessed to the front of a snow going Dog Sled and off they run for mile after mile of snowy Yukon Territory. They are also Happy Dogs. When Jocelyne walked into Musher’s Camp all one hundred and fifty dogs wagged their tails and ran around, excited to see her. Every dog has a name. Written on a sign above their Kennel Door. “Go walk amongst them.” Said Jocelyne, “They are all friendly.”
And we did. Such lovely dogs. Such healthy dogs. Shiny coats, sparkly eyes and perfect teeth. All have Alaskan Husky in them, many have other breeds mixed in. All are born and bred to pull sleds. And in one corner of the Camp is the old timers area, for retired Sled Dogs – they were happy and healthy too!
Jocelyne is a competitive Musher – at international level – in the 2010 Yukon Quest she and her Dogs won both the 'Red Lantern Award' and the 'Challenge of the North Award'. It's in her blood! Jocelyne now runs Sky High Dog Sled Adventures and looks after 150 dogs 24/7 – 365!!
And I know you’re wondering – Yes, she scoops their poop every day!
