A Canine + Human Cooperative
Mission Statement: What Sets Us Apart
At our company, we operate differently from large dog mushing tour providers: we do not own the sled dogs. Instead, all sled dogs are owned and cared for by our independent co-op guides, each of whom maintains their own small kennel.
What does this mean for the dogs?
Each dog is raised, trained, and cared for by a single, consistent caretaker—their musher—for the entirety of their life. This long-term relationship allows for personalized, attentive care, as each guide deeply understands their dogs' individual health, behavior, and performance history. Unlike larger operations that rely on rotating seasonal staff, our model ensures no dog is overlooked, and any changes in health or behavior are quickly noticed and addressed.
What does this mean for the guides and the business?
Because the company does not carry the financial burden of owning and maintaining a kennel, we operate with lower overhead, allowing us to fairly compensate our guides for their expertise and dedication. This, in turn, enables them to provide exceptional care for their dogs—without compromising their well-being for profit.
We offer ARTISANAL ADVENTURES that capture the breathtaking beauty of Alaska, through both the landscape & our states’ rich heritage.
Co-op founder
Golden Grit Kennel
Amanda Henderson founded the Co-op in 2017, operating from her off-grid yurt on 40 acres of untouched wilderness in Two Rivers, Alaska. Today, Golden Grit Kennel is home to 24 Alaskan Huskies—a beloved mix of seasoned retirees, spirited shelter rescues, and a few unique companions, including two Chihuahuas and two Caucasian Shepherds.
Amanda and her husband, Bill, provide lifelong care for retired champions of elite races such as the Yukon Quest 1,000 and the Copper Basin 300, along with veterans of the Iditarod Trail—dogs who have logged thousands of miles across Alaska's frozen backcountry.
Amanda has a special place in her heart for senior dogs, special-needs cases, and those who simply haven't found a place to belong—until now. At Golden Grit Kennel, every dog receives the respect, care, and companionship they deserve, regardless of age or ability.
Co-op Shareholders
Chase TIngle
Chase Tingle of Tukaway Sled Dog Kennel joined the Co-op in 2021. They are a mid/long distance racing kennel located in Two Rivers, Alaska. Their happy place is on the runners of a sled behind a team of Alaskan Huskies. To some it seems like a cold and frigid life—To the team of Tukaway, running long and sleeping less under the darkness of the Alaskan winters illuminated by the dancing Aurora Borealis invigorates them to drive on!
Co-op Members
Howling ridge kennel
Jeremy Traska moved to Alaska from Idaho on scholarship for Mathematics at the University of South East Alaska. Jeremy very quickly realized his love for Alaska revolved around dogs and not numbers! He has been living in Alaska for 17 years, working with sled dogs from the South East glaciers of Alaska to the interior of Fairbanks. He and his wife run a long distance racing kennel named Howling Ridge Kennel, where they both compete in competitive mid-long distance races, including the Iditarod!
Check them out at www.howlingridgekennel.com
NEW MEMBER
Want to join the team? We’re always looking for new members. Email us themushingcoop@gmail.com.