Sled dog use is said to be over 30,000 years old. Believed to have originated in Mongolia, today sled dogs are still used in cold regions. The Alaskan Gold Rush during the late 1800s utilized sled dogs to provide prospectors, trappers and others transportation for supplies and hauling. Exploring the Arctic Circle made sled dogs indispensable. Breeding dogs that would be stronger for load‐pulling and withstand the elements were important. Mushing is the term used in sport or sled transport by dogs. Today, recreational mushing for sled dog racing is popular. The Iditarod Trail and Yukon Quest races have become internationally popular. The Iditarod came about from a diphtheria outbreak in Nome, Alaska. Serum to help the infected was in the village of Nenana, 700 miles from Nome. Dog sled relay brought the serum to the people. It was the only means to get to them. The modern Iditarod is 1,100 miles and has two routes in odd and even years from Anchorage to Nome.

Susan Butcher and her famous dog, Granite won the race four consecutive times. She died of Leukemia while planning another race. Her husband David Monson and their daughters Tekla and Chrisana continue dog sledding with education, books, breeding and racing. David has won the Yukon Quest that is a 1,000 mile race from Whitehorse to Fairbanks, Alaska. Today the Alaskan Husky is the most common dog bred for races. A mongrel, it is also called Indian Dog.

Sans snow and the sled, David uses his ATV to keep the dogs trained. Below is the hut that David had a book signing.

Other Fairbanks Info –The City –Chena River –Gold –Oil –River Culture

John R. Vincenti 2015 – ACURI.NET