Help us build the Sanctuary!

Building Our Future

The Sled Dog Sanctuary began with a small idea of helping a select few dogs in need find homes while acquiring a few rescues to add to the line up of the main kennel at Where Spirits Walk.

As the dogs came in from all areas of Alaska we found ourselves consumed with the art of rescue. Before long we realized that our lives were speeding us toward a much longer and larger path.

At the realization of the 'bigger picture' the next obvious step was to focus on expansion. This would not only insure the future of the Sanctuary but it would allow us to work with these dogs in a more diverse manner and open up the ways of trust to the ones most in need of our help... those who are extremely shy or considered feral and most often destined for certain death when passing through the animal shelter system.

It starts with a foundation...

On December 1, 2009 James and Miriam Cooper found and purchased 40 acres of land at mile 90 of the Parks Hwy. This land offers amazing views
of Mount McKinley and boarders one quarter mile of highway frontage, considered to be an excellent commercial opportunity.

While the Cooper's do not intend to offer sled dogs up as a commercial commodity it was quickly realized that the idea of exposure to 1000's of tourists traveling up the road was an opportunity not to be missed.

Such exposure would allow the Sanctuary to teach thousands of visitors about our great sport of dog mushing and to show others that these hard working dogs are not worthless cast offs but remain loyal, hard working, loving companions when properly matched in
the right home.

Forty acres provides plenty of room
to build permanent residences for multiple care takers throughout the winter and summer and the terrain of the land varies so much that it can support many play areas specially designed for the needs of all dogs within the Sanctuary, regardless of how specialized those needs may be.

We are currently working on a solid layout of plans that will help us direct visitors to the Sanctuary directly
from the Park's Highway.

This new land will provide enough space for outbuildings to display
gear, examples of the history of dog mushing, introductions to the dogs in foster care as well as a public dog yard where those dogs who are comfortable can soak up the sun and attention from thousands of kind visitors all summer long.

We also are incorporating plans for a gift shop so our visitors can take home souvenirs and remember the wonderful time spent at the Sanctuary, all the while supporting our efforts as the proceeds of these products will go directly back into the operation of the Sanctuary itself.

The arrival... 

Just as this project started taking on a life of its own, and the realization of how grand a scale it would become started to sink in, came the arrival
of two key members who have made this monumental task seem easy. 

On April 18th, 2010 Zephyr, a very special three legged dog, followed
by his faithful human, James Langston, entered into the project.

Not much was known about these
two and what impact they would
have on the Sanctuary's efforts but
it was clear that they needed a direction, a sense of hope, and a purpose that only the Sanctuary could fulfill.

Zephyr's influence was obvious from the start. Before we knew it he was inspiring people from all walks of life with his ability to maintain as a working sled dog, even with his missing limb. Those who traveled the trails with us marveled at his ability to never let this handicap bring him down as he greatly inspired all those he came in contact with.

Shortly afterward it was clear this wonderful soul had to be our mascot and the logo for the Sled Dog Sanctuary was born...

James Langston continued on as a volunteer long after it was clear
that Zephyr had found a new unique home within the Sanctuary.

Through the weeks and months that followed James' tireless effort of tackling any job that was handed to him brought the success and speed of building the Sanctuary up to levels only previously dreamed of.

His passionate work with the dogs shined through everyday tasks and that feeling grew month after month, on the trail and off. As he grew to know and love all the dogs that called this place home he slowly realized that he had become not only a volunteer within the Sanctuary but a Lead Dog Handler that would launch the program on to a grand scale. 

How you can help...

Through your donations we can continue to make this new site a dream home for so many unwanted sled dogs.

To learn more on how you can help click the How Can I Help link on the upper left side of your screen.

Thank you for visiting us at our home on the web and for loving shelter dogs all over the world...

We hope to see you soon as a visitor at our new 40 acre facility!