DENALI or Bust!
I am currently working on creating my third photography book about working dogs (which is available for pre-order, by the way) and in May, my husband and I made a quick trip to Alaska to meet and photograph Karelian Bear Dogs. We had only 2 days in Alaska, one being designated to the Bear Dogs, so, I figured I’d reach out to the kennels in Denali to see if we could visit.
I sent an email, which was answered quickly. The response was “fill out some paperwork and pay this fee”. I thought about it for a while and then decided to go for it. I mean, this would be an opportunity of a lifetime for me and a bucket list item, so paying the fee and filling out the paperwork was worth it.
The manager at the kennel in Denali was unsure at first, but once we spoke, he understood that I am a dog maniac and was happy to let me meet a dog and photograph him/her for the book.
The day finally arrived and we drove from Fairbanks to Denali, which took longer than expected because have you seen the roads in Alaska? =)
We arrived at the kennel and was greeted by Ranger Julie, who was skeptical of me but I won her over quickly. She loves her job and wasn’t sure I understood working dogs. When she figured out I did, we had a great time together.
We spend a few hours chatting and photographing the dogs. She was very helpful and informative. She then gave me free range of the kennel! I was stunned! So, I put on a volunteer vest, and spent time with every single dog in the kennel. The only thing that pulled me away was hunger.
It was an extraordinary experience and one I will never forget. These dogs are simply amazing. Their desire to work, their instinctive knowledge, their ability to work together as a team and their love of their people was a thing to behold!
We came away with enough information for the book, but not nearly enough information for my inquisitive mind. I wanted to know more, but our time was limited and we had a flight to catch. *sigh*
Once we got home, I edited the images and sent the gallery off to the kennel manager. He thanked me for the gallery and then INVITED ME BACK!
Yep, I am going to back to Denali for 2 weeks in the fall to WORK IN THE KENNEL, LEARN HOW TO MUSH and all the things they do up there. I am so excited! Of course, I’ll be taking my camera gear and have plans for the knowledge and experience I will gain. But, for now, I can’t talk about that. =)
I’m furiously working throughout the next few months to be sure I can pay for this adventure. Air fare, car rental, food, etc. We have housing, so that’s super helpful.
So, if you are in the Seattle area, you can book a session in the Sweet Pea Patch in Discovery Park. It’s a “Pay What You Can” fundraiser, so pay what you can. =) The session includes 3 digital files.
If you are not in Seattle, but feel compelled to help a girl out, I am hosting a fundraiser for my adventure. No pressure, though.
In 73 days, we will be on our way to an adventure of a lifetime!
Oh, did I mention if you become a supporter of this adventure, I’ll be sending you treasures from Alaska? This is one of my favorite parts of having other people join my circle of supporters.
Thanks for reading!
Hugs to your dog!
Holly