Category: News

Gift a Sled Dog Sponsorship This Holiday Season

Post author By Trail Breaker Kennel
Post date November 15, 2023

A Non-Traditional Gift For A Dog Lover

With the holiday season fast approaching, many of us have begun feeling the pressure that comes with finding meaningful gifts for our loved ones. While finding the right gift can be tricky, Trail Breaker Kennel offers the perfect gift idea for the animal lover in your life: their very own Alaskan sled dog sponsorship!

Sled dog sponsorships serve as unique gifts for animal lovers and dog sledding enthusiasts alike. We offer a variety of sponsorship options to accommodate your preferences and your budget.

Why Should I Sponsor a Sled Dog?

Not only do sled dog sponsorships make great gifts, but they help provide our team of huskies the love, care, and training they deserve. When you sponsor a sled dog at Trail Breaker Kennel, you

Help Us Care, Support, and Train Our Dogs

Sponsorships directly support the care and training of our incredible dogs by helping us fund the costs of food, vet care, training, and more. By gifting a sled dog sponsorship, you play a direct role in our dogs’ success as sled dogs and their excellent quality of life.

Get a Gift That Keeps on Giving Throughout Sledding Season

The recipient of your sled dog sponsorship will receive “pup-date” emails throughout the winter season, race updates, and recap emails, as well as a holiday gift delivered to their home!

Support Deep-Rooted Alaskan Culture

Dog sledding and racing is a deep-rooted part of Alaskan history and culture. When you sponsor a sled dog, you help us preserve and promote this incredible tradition.

What Will My Loved One Receive?

Once you find the dog or puppy you’d like to sponsor; you can choose between gifting a full sponsorship or a bootie sponsorship.

Full Sponsorships Include

Four “pup-date” emails throughout the winter season (September – April) every other month, keeping you informed about your dog’s progress
Your name or business name published on the Trailbreaker Kennel website as your dog’s sponsor
A Christmas gift!
Personalized competition update and recap emails

Bootie Sponsorships Include

A training update on your sponsored dog, providing you with insights into their progress and development
A personalized training/race recap
Your name or business name published on the Trailbreaker Kennel website as your dog’s sponsor

Not Ready to Sponsor A Dog? Gift a Kennel or Team Sponsorship!

Kennel Sponsorship

For those who want to gift a deeper connection with the Trailbreaker Kennel team, a kennel sponsorship is the perfect choice! Perks of a kennel sponsorship include

Bi-monthly updates straight from the trainers, offering a behind-the-scenes look at life at the kennel
The opportunity to have your business name featured on the Trailbreaker Kennel website and gear (if applicable)

Team Sponsorship

If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, team sponsorships are available for $25, $50, and $75. By gifting this sponsorship, your loved one will be considered an integral part of the Trail Breaker Kennel Team! Benefits of team sponsorship include:

An end-of-season recap in April giving you a comprehensive overview of the team’s achievements and experiences.
Your name is listed as part of the team on the Trailbreaker Kennel website, highlighting your support and involvement.

Dog Sled Rides Make Great Gifts, Too!

Along with dog sponsorships, Alaskan dog sled tours are fantastic gifts for dog lovers! Visit us in Alaska, and meet the huskies for yourself! Trail Breaker Kennel is a mile drive from the Fairbanks International Airport and is located 15 minutes from downtown Fairbanks, Alaska. Book your dog sledding tour with us!

Tags Dog Sled ride, holiday gifts, non traditional gift, sponsorships

Alaskan Tips News

Things To Do With Family In Fairbanks

Post author By Trail Breaker Kennel
Post date May 4, 2023

Family Friendly Fairbanks Tour Stop at Trail Breaker Kennels

Summer Fun With the Family in Fairbanks, Alaska

Are you looking for a fun and affordable, family-friendly vacation this summer? Then Fairbanks, Alaska, is the perfect place to visit! This city is filled with exciting activities and tours to keep you and your family entertained throughout your stay.

Plenty of things to do with the family in Fairbanks, from exploring the natural wonders of Alaska to visiting some of the most popular tourist attractions in town. There is something for everyone. Fairbanks, Alaska, has much to offer in the summertime, with its long daylight hours and warm weather.

Family Friendly Activities in Fairbanks

Visit Denali National Park

Denali National Park is near Fairbanks and is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts. The drive takes around 2 hours and 15 minutes to cover a distance of 120 miles. Fairbanks is much closer to Denali National Park than Anchorage, which is 240 miles away. The park offers hiking, wildlife viewing, and stunning views of Mount Denali (the highest mountain in North America).

Arguably the summertime, particularly June through August, are some of the best months to visit Denali National Park, with warmer temperatures and plenty of daylight.

Take a Riverboat Discovery Tour

Riverboat Discovery offers a cruise on the Chena and Tanana Rivers, where you can learn about the history and culture of Alaska and see some of the region’s wildlife. The 3-hour Alaskan tour gives visitors a chance to meet a family living off the rivers of this great state for more than five generations. Immerse yourself in the heart of Alaska.

Tours are appropriate for all ages! Although reservations are not required, they are highly recommended. Plan on making reservations as soon as you know the date you would like to go on a tour.

See the Midnight Sun

Fairbanks, Alaska, experiences 24 hours of daylight during the summer and 24 hours of darkness during the winter months due to its location within the Arctic Circle. The Arctic Circle is an imaginary line that circles the Earth at approximately 66.5 degrees latitude. This line marks the northernmost point on Earth where the sun can still be seen at least once a year during the summer solstice. In Fairbanks, Alaska, located at approximately 64 degrees latitude, the sun does not set below the horizon during the summer months.

The phenomenon of 24 hours of daylight during summer is known as the Midnight Sun. This occurs because the Earth’s axis is tilted towards the sun during the summer solstice, so the Northern Hemisphere receives more daylight hours. You have to experience it for yourself.

Visit Pioneer Park

Right in the middle of Fairbanks, Pioneer Park is a 44-acre park with a historic theme between Airport Way and the Chena River bike path. Pioneer Park is a family-friendly destination with historical exhibits, live performances, shopping, and dining. Pioneer Park is open during the summer, from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Explore Creamer’s Field

Creamer’s Field is a historic farmstead turned into a nature preserve. Operating out of the Farmhouse Visitor Center, the original Creamer family farmhouse. From interactive displays to educational programs, these exhibits provide an immersive look into our natural world and agricultural heritage.

Attend the Tanana Valley State Fair

The Tanana Valley State Fair is conveniently located on the edge of Fairbanks, Alaska. Founded in 1924, the Tanana Valley State Fair is the oldest in Alaska. The Tanana Valley State Fair is held annually in August and offers carnival rides, entertainment, and exhibits celebrating Alaska’s agricultural heritage.

Every year this fair is the perfect place for families to get together – there’s something for everyone. Events include livestock, games, rides, an amusement park, horse shows, art and crafts, giant cabbages, contests, and other special events.

A Dog Sledding Experience in the Summer

Join Trail Breaker Kennel for a summer tour! Take a summer sled dog cart ride with our sled dogs during a once-in-a-lifetime Alaskan experience. This tour is perfect for those wanting to see sled dogs in action and immerse themselves in the world of mushers in Alaska without so many layers of clothing or snow on the ground.

Trail Breaker also has the Husky Pup Beer Garden for your family to enjoy if you are looking for a slower pace. A beer garden pass includes a flight of 4 local Alaskan brews, a short presentation on the lifestyle of modern dog mushing, and cuddle sessions with a bunch of super cute sled dog puppies – it sounds like a dream come true!

Plan Your Alaskan Summer Vacation

Alaska is perfect for families looking for an adventure, from the Trail Breaker Kennel in Fairbanks to the many outdoor activities. With its stunning landscapes and unique wildlife, it’s sure to be a memorable trip that your family will never forget.

Overall, there are plenty of things to do with the family in Fairbanks during summer. Take advantage of the long daylight hours and warm weather to explore the city and its surroundings. Your family will enjoy Fairbanks, Alaska, and with most activities a short drive from the Fairbanks Airport, you can’t go wrong!

Tags Fairbanks Alaska, family friendly, summer vacation, things to do, tours

News

Racing Season For Mushers at Trail Breaker Kennel

Post author By Trail Breaker Kennel
Post date February 17, 2023

Race Season Is Underway

We are excited for the onset of race season at Trail Breaker Kennel. Time sure flies when you’re having fun! We are past the darkest winter time here in Fairbanks, Alaska, and we are enjoying having a bit more daylight (we are rapidly gaining daylight after the Winter Solstice on December 21st, 2022) and more snow to play around in!

We have been staying very busy with winter tours but also, of course, with training our amazing four legged athletes! With about 20 dogs in our race team, varying from rookies to seasoned race dogs, we have had so much fun with the training this season. Our youngest pack members, the Slim/Chiska litter, including Farmer, Indy, Cushman, Old Steese, and Dale, have been learning the ropes of long-distance training, and they’re doing really well! We are so proud of the sled dogs they are developing into.

In fact, this litter (except Cushman – he’s sitting this one out due to being in recovery mode from a minor injury and neuter) will be heading out on the Yukon Quest trail to run the 80-mile race.

Meet Trail Breakers’ Mushers & Their Team

Trail Breaker kennel will have two teams in the Yukon Quest – one with our outstanding mushing guide and reservations, Katrina Handler, and one team with a close friend of the TBK family, Abby Klager. We want to take the opportunity to introduce and highlight these great humans to you. We hope you are as excited as we are to follow along on their race this coming weekend!

Katrina Handler

Katrina Handler- Musher at Trail Breaker Kennel Katrina was born in Austria to an Austrian and Lithuanian, who then moved to Washington state when she was little. She’s been obsessed with animals for as long as she can remember and started working with wild animals at a Wildlife Rescue when she was 14. Wanting to move out of Washington, Katrina started looking for jobs in other states and ended up coming to Alaska. In 2017, she got a job working with sled dogs in Fairbanks, and the rest is history!

History with Trail Breaker Kennel: Katrina has been working at TBK since summer of 2018
Years Mushing: 6
Race History: Valley Funally, 4 dryland races.
Fun Random Fact: Katrina went to school for photography and still practices film photography.
Most exciting thing about the upcoming race: To be out there with so many other first-timers and for her family to see what sled dog racing is about.
Dogs in Katrina’s team: Bowie, Jones, Charles, Nora, Felix, Jibe, Bolt, Ansel, Nelson, and Malcolm.

Abby Klager

Abby Klager, musher from Trail Breaker kennel in Fairbanks, AK Abby grew up in the midwest. One day she was studying hard in a coffee shop and not enjoying it very much. She started daydreaming about her favorite things; dogs, snow, and playing outside. She had a eureka moment realizing that those things added together were dog mushing. Things got even more exciting when she realized there are a whole bunch of people actually running sled dogs, and Alaska was apparently the place to do it. She first came to Alaska in 2013 and realized how many other ways Alaska is amazing. She moved to Anchorage in 2015, then to Bethel in 2018, and to Fairbanks in 2021, where she hopes actually to stick around.

History with Trail Breaker Kennel: This is Abby’s second year at TBK. Unfortunately, she isn’t here full-time, but she comes out whenever she can to hang out with the dogs, do random projects, run dogs, or just enjoy the company of the awesome crew.
Years mushing: Abby has been hopping on a dogsled at every chance since 2014, but this is her 5th winter of being able to run dogs consistently.
Race history: Bethel Season Opener in 2018, 2020 Akiak Dash
Most exciting thing about the upcoming race: Watching the two years growing up from little monsters into hard working sled dogs
Dogs in Abby’s team: Two year olds Farmer, Indy, Old Steese, and Dale, their dad, Slim, half siblings Mofarah and Simone, and friends Frank, Wookie, and Trout.

You can learn more about our teams and sponsorship opportunities!

Have Your Own Mushing Experience

We are all for promoting our huskies and our team! We also want to ensure you know you can get a small taste of what it is like to be a musher when you visit us in Fairbanks, Alaska. Close to the Fairbanks airport, Trail Breaker has a number of tours, including dog sledding and petting puppies. Learn more about Trail Breaker or contact us today to start your mushing journey!

Tags dog racing, Mushing, Yukon Quest

Alaskan Tips News Trail Breaker History

What Happens During The Yukon Quest & Other Mushing Races?

Post author By Trail Breaker Kennel
Post date January 17, 2023

What Is the Yukon Quest?

The renowned Yukon Quest is a 1,000 Mile International Sled Dog Race, named for the “highway of the north,” which is made up of the Yukon River and the land routes historically used by prospectors, adventurers, and carriers of mail and supplies between the Klondike gold fields and those in the Alaska interior.

The First Yukon Quest

As early as 1976, mushers discussed holding a sled dog race from Fairbanks to Whitehorse. Then, in 1983, mushers Roger Williams, Leroy Shank, Ron Rosser, and William “Willy” Lipps, gave life to the idea in the Bull’s Eye Saloon in Fairbanks, Alaska.

In February 1984, twenty-six teams left Fairbanks to run the first Yukon Quest. Twelve days later, Sonny Lindner would become the first Yukon Quest champion. Within 16 days of the start, 20 teams arrived in Whitehorse, and six had dropped out. The Yukon Quest, in some form, has been run every February since.

Trail Breaker Kennel’s Yukon Quest History

David Monson, the owner of Trail Breaker Kennel and Yukon Quest Veteran, has raced in the Yukon Quest multiple times,competing in both the 1000-mile and 250-mile races. His first Yukon Quest 1000 was in 1987, and his last race was in 2002. In each race Monson participated in, he finished the race in the top 5.

Monson won the race in 1988 and also obtained the Joe F eller’s Dawson City Award the same year with a finishing time of 12 days, 5 hours, and 6 minutes. Multiple additional awards are given during the race, and the Joe Feller’s Dawson City Award is presented to the first musher to arrive in Dawson City and continue to finish the race. You can read more about Monson and Trail Breaker’s history here.

The Yukon Quest Today

Today in 2023, the race looks a little different, with two separate races held in the US and Canada, with neither currently hosting a 1000-mile race. In Canada this February, The Yukon Quest begins in Whitehorse of the Yukon Territory. In 2023, from Whitehorse, there will be a 100-mile race to Braeburn, a 250-mile race to Pelly Crossing, and a 450-mile race to Dawson City.

The Yukon Quest Alaska also hosts races in February of 2023 from Fairbanks, Alaska. They, too, have three different races, including a 550-mile, 300-mile, and 80-mile race. Trail Breaker Kennel’s guide and reservationist Katrina Handler as well as Abby Klager, friend of Trail Breaker Kennel, will have a team in the 80-mile race this year.

Ensuring the Sled Dogs Are In Good Condition

Because excellence in sled dog care is one of the founding principles of the Yukon Quest, all sled dogs participating in the Yukon Quest must receive the highest standard of care.

Two weeks before the start of the race, all mushers’ food and equipment must be organized and brought to the designated drop-off. Mushers mark their food drop bags (one for each checkpoint) with their name and the checkpoint’s name. The bags must not exceed the weight limit of 40 lbs/18.2kg. The Yukon Quest then distributes these bags to the checkpoints for mushers to retrieve throughout the race.

One week before the race starts, dogs entered in the race undergo a complete physical exam at the Official Vet Check. This checkup ensures all dogs participating in the Yukon Quest are in proper condition to complete the up to 1,000-mile sled dog race. This is just the first of at least six examinations each dog will receive from Yukon Quest Veterinarians before they reach the Finish Line.

Checkpoints Along the Route & What They Mean

In addition to the Race Checkpoints, five vet stations are situated along the race route. They provide opportunities for professional veterinarians to monitor each dog’s well-being throughout the race. If a dog’s condition fails, a musher may need to remove it from the competition. If this is the case, the dog will then be placed in the vet or the musher handler’s care, depending on their condition.

Every musher leaves each checkpoint with a minimum of 8 booties per dog and enough food and equipment for themselves and their team to safely travel to the next race checkpoint. Mushers carry a wide variety of food and snacks for their sled dogs. This food, along with emergency rations and special nutritional supplements, makes up a significant amount of the weight on the dog sled.

Mushers and Their Dogs Like it Cold

Mushers and their dogs are prepared for the coldest weather. They often run in temperatures of -40 or colder. If the mercury rises ( 25F/-4C), mushers may consider running more in the cold of the night and resting longer during the “heat” of the day.

Teams often run and rest around the clock, according to their dogs’ schedules. There are four mandatory layovers during the race, where mushers must stop for designated lengths of time.

During a typical rest stop, mushers:

Remove their dogs’ booties
Feed their dogs
Cook their next meal
Check and re-check their dogs’ feet
Check their dogs’ coat
Check the harnesses
Do a doggy attitude check
Maybe grab a bite to eat
Catch a few Zzzzzs

Mandatory Layovers Give Mushers and Dogs Needed Rest

The mushers may choose to serve their first mandatory layover at either Mile 101 or Central in even-numbered years or at either Braeburn or Carmacks in odd-numbered years. During this first stop, the musher must rest a minimum of 4 hours, allowing Race Veterinarians to examine every dog after the first 100 miles of the race.

Eagle is the most remote checkpoint on the original Yukon Quest Trail, with no highway access during the winter. Mushers must rest there for at least 4 hours.

At the halfway checkpoint in Dawson City, there is a 36-hour mandatory layover. This unique feature of the Yukon Quest allows mushers and their dog teams to rejuvenate before starting the second half of their race. This checkpoint is also the only race stop where mushers can receive assistance.

The Final Check Point Of Yukon Quest

At the last checkpoint of the race, there is typically a mandatory layover. Race veterinarians examine all of the dogs on every team carefully. They also check in with the mushers to ensure that all race participants are in good condition to run the final race miles. The purse is shared between the first 15 finishing teams.

Get A Taste Of The Yukon Experience In Alaska

Are you ready to know firsthand what it is like to be on the Yukon Quest? Visit Fairbanks, Alaska, and experience the thrill of being a musher yourself or with your family on our Alaskan Dog Sledding Tour or our 30-minute Sled Dog Sampler, or craft your own action-packed experience on a Custom Alaskan Winter Tour.

Tags Alaska, Canada, Mushing, Sled Dogs, Yukon, Yukon Quest

News

We Were Featured By The Iditarod Education Department

Post author By Trail Breaker Kennel
Post date November 8, 2022

In October, we were honored to be featured in the monthly newsletter of the Iditarod Education Department. Their Director of Education, Jane Holmes, visited us this summer to show her around Trail Breaker Kennel. Holmes was inspired by the kennel and the legacy of Susan Butcher. We were happy to have her tour and promote us to students and teachers all over the country that use the resource to teach students.

Information About The Iditarod

If you are not already familiar, The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, commonly known as The Iditarod, is a long-distance sled dog race held in early March. The Iditarod began in 1973 as an event to test the best sled dog mushers and teams but evolved into an annual competitive race. The sled dog race travels from Anchorage to Nome, entirely within the US state of Alaska.

The Iditarod Education Department was founded to help teachers be better teachers and students to achieve higher academic success using the Iditarod-based curriculum. Teachers can freely use the lessons and curriculum on the website and create Iditarod-based lessons for their students. In addition, Holmes has been reconnecting with past Iditarod winners and participants at their kennels. The newsletter is an excellent way for Iditarod enthusiasts and educators alike to stay up to date on all things Iditarod.

Susan Butcher’s Legacy Lives On

We were honored by this visit, but it reminded us that we are very proud of what we do here at Trail Breaker kennel. All of our tours mix in some history, experience, and education and are great for all ages. We want all of our visitors at Trail Breaker Kennel to leave having created a memorable experience with some newfound knowledge and wisdom about mushing. We are so happy to see that a key takeaway from this visit was Trust & Be Trusted.

We are glad that the simple motto of “Trust and be Trusted” could resonate with Holmes, especially because Susan’s belief in “trust and be trusted” is the founding principle of Trail Breaker Kennel. It’s something all of us at Trail Breaker Kennel stand by to this day. It’s a big part of the foundation of the relationship between a musher and her huskies. We believe it also transcends many different areas of life, such as teaching for Holmes. In fact, we would argue it rings true whenever you are building any kind of relationship in work or life in general.

Experience A Sled Dog Ride For Yourself

We encourage you to read the Iditarod Education Department Newsletter here. Of course, we also encourage you to experience Fairbanks, Alaska, for yourself and have a taste of what it is like to train for the Iditarod with folks that know exactly what it takes. You can visit us for a winter sled dog ride or an available seasonal tour year-round. We are conveniently located close to the Fairbanks airport along the Chena River.

Tags Dog Sled Racing, Iditarod

Alaskan Huskies Alaskan Tips News

Enjoy The Fall in Fairbanks, Alaska

Post author By Tekla Monson
Post date October 6, 2022

Alaskan husky dogs playing in Fairbanks Alaska Fall changing leaves.

The Seasons Are Changing At Trail Breaker Kennel

We are ready to usher in the Fall here in Fairbanks! As we have wrapped up our 2022 Summer season, we wanted to send out a big “Thank you!” to all our fantastic guests who have visited us this summer. It’s been so lovely to welcome people back to the kennel from all over the United States and beyond this season, and we’ve had many great moments with all of our visitors. We also appreciate all of the 5-star reviews!

During the summer, our guests have learned about the history of dog mushing and Trail Breaker Kennel. We taught how to dress for cold and dark winter runs with the sled, how we train husky puppies from day one, and MUCH more! Our Alaskan guides shared fun stories from their adventures (and misadventures) on the sled and answered many good questions regarding the ‘dog sled’ racing lifestyle and our world of dog mushing and Alaskan Huskies We are leaving the season with unforgettable memories and inspiration to make this coming winter yet another successful one for the whole Trail Breaker crew!

Create A Lasting Connection With An Alaskan Husky

We have quite a few guests who return to the kennel from as far as Florida or overseas for tours with us in Alaska. Sharon and her husband Kurt are two return visitors who have been to Trail Breaker Kennel multiple times. They have said they have enjoyed coming in different seasons. And, sometimes, extra unique connections are made with these repeat visits.

A lovely Floria couple first met Havak as a puppy and fell in love with him. They’ve since been back to visit us a few times, both in winter (pictured), and the latest time they met was this summer. Of course, we made sure that they got some extra Havak time (see Havak, Sharon, and our guide Kiana pictured).

They’ve also decided to become Havak’s sponsors, and we’re so excited they’ll have a chance to help support Havak and stay updated on Havak’s season through our sponsor updates. It’s beautiful to have our dogs be cared for and loved by so many people, and we’re lucky to have such fantastic support from you all. Find out more about becoming a dog sponsor.

What To Do In Fairbanks This Fall

The change of season means a change of priorities around Trail Breaker Kennel. The cooler mornings mean we can take the sled dogs out on longer training runs to prepare them for race season. Tekla Butcher-Monson (TBK General Manager and Race Musher) has already started the process of putting miles on the Varsity and JV race teams!

TBK Tour Guide, Katrina Handler, has been spending time working with the rest of the kennel, getting them ready for adventures and expeditions this winter. As the miles are still relatively short, Tekla and Katrina have opened their training runs up to Fairbanks guests for the Fall season. You can book your autumn “SLED DOG CART RIDE” to see what it’s like to run dogs or have a sled dog experience in Alaska before there is snow on the ground.

In preparation for the snow flying and longer miles, some of the

TBK crew headed out to our remote training camp in Eureka, AK (150 miles north of Fairbanks) to prepare for November, when Tekla and the dog racing team will head out for a month to train for the racing season. The training camp in Eureka is the same remote training camp that Susan Butcher used to train at years ago. The Trail Breaker Kennel guides and a few Alaskan Huskies enjoyed the weekend raking, brush cutting, chopping wood, and picking berries (pictured).

Support Us This Season at TBK

As we head into the winter/race season, many people have asked us how they can help support the Trail Breaker team! First of all, if you can, come and visit us in Fairbanks and book a fall or winter tour with us. We are also happy to announce that our Race Dog Sponsorships are open for the 2022/23 race season! You can also sign up for our newsletter to get information about updates, race season, sponsorship, and more!

Sponsorships are so important to sled dog racing because they allow us to give our beloved huskies the best care possible to stay happy and healthy while doing what they love. Tekla and the dogs plan to run 2 mid-distance races this winter and are so excited to bring sponsors along on the journey as part of the team. Learn how to become a sponsor today!

Tags Alaska, Alaskan Huskies, autumn, Fairbanks, fall, fall tour, Trail Breaker Kennel

News Trail Breaker History

Summer In Fairbanks At Trail Breaker Kennel

Post author By Trail Breaker Kennel
Post date August 4, 2022

Summer Fairbanks Riverboat Discovery Tour Stoping At Trail Breaker Kennel

Enjoying The Summer With Our Sled Dogs

Summertime in Fairbanks at Trail Breaker Kennel means lots of tours and lots of love for our sled dogs and puppies! This summer, we have been lucky enough to partner with several new tour companies to bring their guests an authentic sled dog experience and an exciting look into the Alaskan dog mushing lifestyle. Guests from all over the world have the opportunity to visit Trail Breaker Kennel to cuddle husky puppies, experience an exciting training demonstration and hear authentic racing stories from our experienced staff of race mushers.

Meet Our NBA Alaskan Husky Puppies

Litter of Trail Breaker Kennel Alaskan Husky Puppies in Fairbanks Named After NBA Teams.

If you have been to Trail Breaker Kennel this summer, you probably met a litter of 6 adorable grey and brown sled dog puppies. These Alaskan husky pups, born to mother Jenna of Robinson Racing Kennel, were finally bestowed with names at 8 weeks old after much deliberation. We asked you, our online community, for name suggestions, and we were so excited by all the excellent responses! Thank you for helping us. As the puppies developed their personalities, we weighed our favorite theme options… and while the FRIENDS theme (Joey, Monica, Rachel, Chandler, Phoebe & Ross) was a close runner-up, we went with NBA teams. Take a look at how cute the puppies are!

Our Summer Stars Of The Kennel

While our puppies at Trail Braker Kennel are the cutest, they are not the only age group enjoying having guests visit us in Fairbanks this summer. At 1.5 years old, this is the first year in “show business” for the Chiska x Slim litter (Dale, Indy, Cushman, Farmer, and Steese). These guys have impressed staff and guests alike with their enthusiasm and maturity this summer. Just last winter, they were still goofy yearlings learning how to handle themselves in harnesses; now, they have become cool and confident 2 year olds who are excited to demonstrate their abilities daily for guests on the Riverboat Discovery Tour. This litter of yearlings will be graduating to training with the race pool this winter, and we are looking forward to trying them out in their first 100-150 mile race! If you are interested in supporting these youngsters in their first racing season, please consider sponsoring a sled dog for winter 22/23!

A Special Summer Event In Fairbanks

Finally, we are happy to announce that we hosted our first wedding on the kennel property this July! We are so excited to become a more active event venue in the coming years. This Fairbanks couple was blessed with a beautiful night to celebrate their love at the TBK pond.

After their ceremony, the newlyweds were greeted by their guests on the banks of the Chena River. From there, they went for a sled dog cart ride, which delivered them to the event tent for their reception! The children (and adults) in attendance were delighted at the presence of “wedding puppies,” and by the end of the night, all dogs and humans were thoroughly socialized!

Book Your Fairbanks Event With Us!

If you are interested in hosting your next event at Trail Breaker Kennel, please reach out to us. We are excited to share our beautiful waterfront property and Alaskan lifestyle with our Alaskan community!

Tags Alaska, Alaskan Huskies, Fairbanks, Huskies, husky, news, newsletter

News Trail Breaker History

The Legacy of Dog Sled Racing Continues

Post author By Trail Breaker Kennel
Post date January 25, 2022

Susan Butcher Pulls Baby Tekla Monson On Dog Sled

The Legacy of Dog Sled Racing Continues

For the past few years Trail Breaker has taken a brief recess from racing, but this season we are proud to announce that your favorite Trail Breaker dogs will be hitting the trail and competing in two mid-distance sled dog races! We’ll have more details near the bottom, but first, let’s dive a little into our past. We are proud to continue the legacy of dog sled racing from our founder, Susan Butcher.

The Foundation Of The Mushing Legacy

Kennel founder, Susan Butcher, ran her first Iditarod in 1978 at age 24. She finished 19^th and with that finish, she became the first woman to place in the top 20. That race sparked a love for racing in Susan and she went on to run the Iditarod every year until 1994. Susan loved training Alaskan Huskies and saw her entire kennel of dogs as her family, but this maternal nature in Susan would not be satiated until she herself became a parent. Susan retired from competitive dog racing when her eldest daughter Tekla was born.

Fast forward a little, as Susan and David Monson were now raising strong, independent, and passionate daughters, Tekla and Chisana. They wanted to share their love of mushing with their daughters to encourage them to find their own passions. So as kids, Tekla and Chisana would go with their parents on training runs with the dogs, learning how to harness and hook up a team, and of course, learning about the importance of the trust and be trusted relationship.

Growing Up In Alaska

Neither parent of the Butcher Monson household pushed their daughters to pursue a career as mushers. Susan wanted her daughters to find their own passions and share that joy with the rest of the world. Once the family moved from their bush homestead in Eureka to their Fairbanks kennel Susan enrolled Tekla in classes in The Arts: dance, music, and theater. She saw that Tekla had a creative spirit and she wanted to foster that love and encourage her the way she wished she had been encouraged to pursue her love of animals and the outdoors.

Tekla Monson grew up as a tough and rugged young musher, but also a creative and crafty child. She would spend the cold winter nights writing plays, knitting hats, and sewing quilts. When Susan passed away from Leukemia in 2006, 11-year-old Tekla threw herself into her artistic pursuits. She would make videos and write songs with her friends and family and became very active in the local ballet school. Losing her mother so young made Tekla a fiercely independent and confident teenager. At 14, Tekla decided to explore the world outside of Alaska by attending a boarding school in New Hampshire where she discovered her love of Theater. Even then, Tekla returned home every summer throughout high school to work with the sled dogs at Trail Breaker and share her mom’s story with guests of the kennel.

Tekla’s Time Away From Trail Breaker Kennel

Tekla grew into a young adult during her time on the East Coast. She developed a love for storytelling and tight-knit communities. She attended Wesleyan Univerity in Middletown, CT where she studied Theater with a focus on Set and Costume design. During trips home to Alaska, she would tell her friends and family about the adventures she was having. They often told her they saw the same light and passion in her eyes as they had seen in Susan’s when she discovered dog mushing.

After college, Tekla spent two winters in New York City pursuing a career in Theatrical set and costume design. However, she noticed something did not feel right about living in the big city. She began to crave the large open spaces and rolling hills of her home in interior Alaska. As she helped her friends and collaborators in New York City tell their stories she realized all the stories she wanted to share were at home in Alaska. In December of 2019, Tekla packed up her room in Brooklyn and moved backed to Fairbanks.

Carrying On Susan Butcher’s Legacy

Tekla managed and trained the Trail Breaker dogs throughout the pandemic winter of 2020. She was delighted to be home and knew her decision to move back to Alaska was the right one. Mushing through the rolling hills for their Eureka homestead, Tekla finally felt a place where she could let her joy for life settle. Although her schooling and traveling had given her joy and introduced her to the great passions of her life, Alaska would always be her home.

Last winter, Tekla was out in Eureka training the dogs with her friend and handler Kiana Korta. While there, Tekla began to contemplate how to keep Susan’s empowering story alive for the next generation of Alaskans. In December they received news of a new 200-mile race that was going to happen the following March on the Denali Highway: The Ididn’trod. Having never competed in a race before, Tekla and Kiana decided to run the Ididn’trod together and give the newest generation of Trail Breaker dogs some race experience and continue the legacy of dog sled racing. Kiana and Tekla finished the race in 30 hours in 7^th and 8^th respectively with wind burnt faces, happy dogs, and a newfound love of dog racing.

Dog Sled Racing Is In Full Swing

Now, back to our exciting announcement! This winter, the Trail Breaker Kennel dogs will be back on the race trail! Starting January 8^th, Tekla will compete in the 300-mile Copper Basin. This is Tekla’s first 300-mile race and is a qualifier for the 1000-mile Iditarod – she hopes to run the Iditarod in 2024 or 2025! On January 25^th Kiana will be the one to hit the trail and compete in the Willow 300, another 300-mile qualifying race. Both mushers have been training the Trail Breaker huskies throughout the fall and winter in preparation for the January race season. Make sure to follow @trailbreakerkennel on Instagram and Facebook for updates from both mushers. We wish them happy trails as they embark on this next adventure!

Get Involved in Our Race Season

Out of 35 Trail Breaker Kennel sled dogs, Tekla and Kiana will choose just 12 all-stars to join them on the trail. Stay tuned for an announcement from us on social media with which dogs will be joining Tekla on the Copper Basin. Before that announcement, get to know all the Trail Breaker Kennel sled dogs here. Learn a bit about each dog’s personality and what role they play at the kennel. And, if you’re interested, choose your favorite to sponsor for the 2022 race season and become a member of the Trail Breaker Kennel team!

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Tags Dog Sled Racing, Dog Sled ride, Fairbanks Alaska, Susan Butcher

Alaskan Huskies News

Welcoming 2022 In Fairbanks, Alaska

Post author By Trail Breaker Kennel
Post date January 4, 2022

2022 has arrived and winter is in full swing here in Fairbanks, Alaska. With the temperature dipping below negative 40, our days have been spent keeping the dogs happy and doing our best to stay warm. Our evenings have been spent huddled by the fire, sewing dog jackets, booties, harnesses, and any other gear that might be in need of repair. The work doesn’t stop, even at 40 below. This weather has been great for preparing us for the upcoming race season, which is fast approaching and expected to be a cold one.

Dog Teams Training In The White Mountains

Our team will be competing in their first race starting on January 8th, the Copper Basin 300. Being so early in the season, the team could be up against some pretty cold temperatures and tough trail conditions. In order to prepare for that, we need to be equipped with the best gear for ourselves and the dogs. Staying warm can be tricky business up north. Some of the dog’s high quality everyday gear includes dog jackets, booties, harnesses, high calorie food, meat snacks, fat snacks, and much more. Our dogs are high performance athletes, and they get treated as such! While the mushers aren’t quite as high performance, it can still be a chore keeping ourselves warm. We don’t have the nice, thick coats that the dogs do so we depend on high quality gear made specifically for these temperatures and conditions.

Mushers Working Hard

(and taking some breaks to eat pie)

As you know, we’ve been teasing some exciting new changes here recently, and we’re thrilled to say they are finally here! From the comfort of your home, you can keep up to date with our teams and information on their races as we head into 2022. Head to our website and click here or on the Racing tab for details on our mushers Tekla Butcher-Monson and Kiana Korta, which races they’re training for, and information on how you can sponsor the kennel and their teams!

Alaskan Husky Puppy Update

Our Fairbanks’ Puppy Litter is officially grown! On November 13, the youngest members of our crew, including Cushman (pictured), turned one year old! This year, these guys will be participating in some fun runs while learning the ropes from their more senior teammates. They’ve still got a couple of years before they are on the race team, but they are more than excited to participate in tours and short runs. They still have more energy than they know what to do with. Some things never change!

Get To Know Our Mushers & Sled Dogs

You can also meet the huskies of Trail Breaker Kennel! To do so, head to the Our Huskies tab for information on each dog and amusing descriptions of their unique and special personalities. Just like us humans, no husky is the same! You can even sponsor your favorite member of our team (or even the one you think is cutest!)

We wanted to make it easy for you and all those who have supported us through the years to follow along and get to know our team a little better. Of course, many of you know Susan’s story, but now you can follow along as her legacy in the mushing world continues through her eldest daughter Tekla.

We would love for you to visit us and experience the Alaskan Musher lifestyle for a tour in Fairbanks Alaska for a winter or summer tour! We are just a short drive from the Fairbanks airport, and can accommodate the whole family!

Tags Alaskan Huskies, Fairbanks, Fairbanks Alaska, Mushing, Sled Dogs, Susan Butcher, Tekla Monson, Trail Breaker Kennel

Alaskan Huskies News Trail Breaker History

Our Time In Eureka, Alaska

Post author By Trail Breaker Kennel
Post date December 6, 2021

Our Time In Eureka, Alaska

As winter approaches, we are filled with gratitude as we prepare for the season ahead. The entire kennel, puppies to retirees, are out in Eureka, Alaska until December. For those unfamiliar with Trail Breaker history, Eureka is the community roughly four hours north of Fairbanks where kennel founders Susan Butcher and David Monson began their racing journey. In the early 1900s, Eureka was a significant mining town, so there are many small, run-down miners’ cabins and equipment that have been left out over the years. Susan’s original homestead consisted of a small living cabin and an old blacksmith shop where they made wheelbarrows and horseshoes for the sourdoughs in the area.

Our Eureka, Alaska Homestead

Today, the property is home to a barn, three cabins, a workshop, and, of course, a dog yard. The area is full of old mining roads that have become great trails and training routes for the mushers who live out there today. The history that is embedded in those trails is felt on every run. Both musher and husky can feel the energy of all of the mushers, including Susan and David, who trained on them in the past. It’s on these trails that we will get our team race-ready and get a break from city-living!

Training For Race Season In Alaska

With the exciting prospect of the race season ahead, the race team will be exploring the trails around the homestead and putting on the miles. The team is currently running 15-20 miles a day, and we will slowly build until they are doing 50 or more miles at a time. There is still much anticipation hanging on the first significant snowfall. We wait eagerly for it to come, but we will stick with ATV training until it does. Whether we train on sleds or ATV, we are having fun and learning just the same. As our machines are not made to start in the winter, it can be a chore keeping our ATVs running, but it just adds to the adventure of life in rural Alaska.

While the mushers and race dogs are hard at work, the retirees and puppy team will be having nothing but fun. Eureka’s trails are perfect for puppy teams because they are introduced to many different obstacles. They’ll learn how to eagerly take on hills, push through windy conditions, battle snowdrifts, and many other conditions they may not encounter in the heart of Fairbanks. The Eureka homestead has been crucial in preparing our team for all conditions, getting the mushers comfortable to train in remote settings, and providing a unique bonding experience between musher and dog.

Want To Know More About Trail Breaker Kennel?

We are so thankful to train from a place like the Eureka homestead, and we are thankful for all of you who make it possible. Later this month, we will be releasing some exciting news that will allow you to learn more about each of our huskies and mushers, so stay tuned! Contact us today if you would like to receive Trail Breaker’s newsletter directly to your email!

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Tags Alaska, Huskies