Source: Alaska Public
Musher Justin Olnes is competing in the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race with a unique team—11 of his 15 dogs are rescues from Alaska shelters. His lead dog, Fly, adopted from Fairbanks North Star Borough Animal Control, has proven to be an exceptional leader. Olnes and his wife, Kailyn, run ReRun Kennel near Fairbanks, where they promote dog mushing while giving shelter dogs a second chance. Racing with rescues can be unpredictable, as their background and genetics are unknown, but Olnes embraces the challenge. He believes a diverse team brings unique strengths, allowing for versatility on the trail.
Even dogs that don’t excel in racing find other roles, such as running shorter distances or helping socialize foster dogs. Despite challenges on the trail, including a sandstorm, Olnes remains focused on finishing with healthy, happy dogs and proving the untapped potential of rescue sled dogs.