Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
9 Apr 2024
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 3 days
Feedback
8
Email verified
Badges (2)
Details
Description
My name is Nita. I live 15 miles from Fairbanks, Alaska. I operate a non-profit rescue, Sirius Sled Dogs Rescue. There is no public transportation and we do not go to town unless it's necessary, usually 1-2 times per week. Cell phones work most of the time.
Internet access is very limited. There is no TV.
There is lots of rewarding work, plenty of solitude, hiking, and enjoying the outdoors during time off.
Summer time is mostly intense physical work on the property. We have only about 100 days to prepare for winter each year. We may be: Building a new room on the log cabin, using a chainsaw to cut firewood and clear trails. This is in addition to caring for the dogs which takes about 4-5 hours per day.
Winter is more focused on the dogs. We start training for mushing when the temps drop below freezing. However there are still lots of chores.
You should be fluent in English because communication is crucial when working with and caring for the dogs.
You should be in very good physical condition, able to lift 50 pound bags of feed easily, run with the dogs during training, exercising and sledding.
You should be strong enough and coordinated enough to handle a 90 pound dog with one hand and open and close and gate with the other. The working dogs are not trained to walk quietly on a leash. They are trained to pull with all their strength.
You should be able to think clearly and know what to do in an emergency of any kind and act quickly and with confidence.
The only, occasional, paid position available is winter mushing tour guide to raise funds for the rescue and you must be pre-qualified. All staff are volunteers.
There are no paid positions at the rescue.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Charity Work
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Living in a semi remote location in Alaska is an amazing experience. Our Alaskan lifestyle is unique. Living with sled dogs in an extreme climate with beautiful landscapes and the Aurora Borealis or the midnight sun is like nothing else.
Help
20-40 sled dogs require lots of care and lots of love. Feeding, scooping poop, exercising, training, grooming, etc.
The dogs have to be cared for no matter the weather.
Summer here means getting ready for winter. The work is physical but rewarding and in a beautiful setting.
Trail making and maintenance is very physical work and safe use of a chainsaw is necessary. Firewood needs to be cut and stacked. Sled dog houses, fencing and gear need to be repaired and replaced.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
We live in a DRY cabin. This means we have no running water. Our toilet is an outhouse. Showers are in town once per week. We get water from town for drinking, cooking, animals, washing etc. so being conservative about water usage is a must.
Day time summer temperatures are around 70 F, nights 35-50F.
Daytime winter temperatures are -20 to +40F, nights -40 to +20F.
What else ...
You must love dogs. They are the #1 priority.
There is no public transportation. You would be dependent on us for transportation or provide your own.
There's lots of hiking, biking, and wilderness areas to explore.
If you love dogs, physical activity, solitude and wilderness you'll love it here.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
This host can provide space for campervans.
How many Workawayers can stay?
One
Hours expected
5 hours a day, 5 days a week
Feedback (6)
the place is so unique and gives you a ton of chances to see and experience new things,
Nita was an amazing host, taking care of everything i needed and introducing me to her fellow dog mushing friends
So many good memories ...
I came in March which is a really good season. Not too cold but the auroras still show up at night.
Anita is surprising, and I learnt a lot talking with her.
Helping with the dogs is really enjoyable but that… read more
Feedback
the place is so unique and gives you a ton of chances to see and experience new things,
Nita was an amazing host, taking care of everything i needed and introducing me to her fellow dog mushing friends
So many good memories ...
I came in March which is a really good season. Not too cold but the auroras still show up at night.
Anita is surprising, and I learnt a lot talking with her.
Helping with the dogs is really enjoyable but that… read more
This experience was amazing, the place is just breathtaking during winter and I cannot wait to come back for a summer in Fairbanks.
I’ve shared the work with Shaun, there for all winter, a really nice guy from NC who after this experience became a friend!
Nita is… read more
I got there as the full autumn colours turned to white when it snowed on my second day. It is a beautiful spot and is as secluded as she describes. For me, that was a good thing.
I slept in the cabin with north facing windows which was both a… read more
