Youth Dogsledding Opportunities and Equipment

Tom and I have been training and racing sled dogs for over 30 years, starting with recreational mushing and camping in the 1980s. Tom placed in the top 10 in the 1st UP200 in 1990, and continues to participate in that and other great races throughout the Midwest and Canada including the John Beargrease and the Copperdog 150. We have always promoted youth mushing, providing education, training and equipment.  Our student mushers and interns learn to feed and care for the animals, how to hook up a team of sled dogs, how to train their team of canine athletes, and how to take a dog from puppy-hood to lead dog status. When they reach a level of confidence, they may choose to race. In the past 10 years, we have worked with an average of 10-30 youth per year, with many of them coming back for multiple seasons and running races. Tom and I cover most of the expenses of care for the dogs, training, and equipment by offering dogsled rides and tours for a fee. We also personally fund many of the expenses. We are seeking funds to help defray the cost of dogfood, hardware and upkeep of houses, straw, race gear and entry fees, and race travel expenses. Our training/racing season runs from October through March, so we are already seeking your sponsorship. Research or contact us on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/otterriversleddogs/ 
We are also listed with: https://www.keweenaw.info/member-detail/otter-river-sled-dog-training-center-wilderness-adventures/  if you wish to hear more about us.