ELY, Minn. (Northern News Now) – At a young age, it became clear that Skye wasn’t a sled dog fit for racing due to a health condition.
She spent a few working years outside of Grand Marais, Minnesota, as a touring dog before being adopted by Nick Auerbach and Caroline Green.
Now, she’s spending her retirement days in Leadville, Colorado.
“She loves skiing,” Green said. “She loves running. She likes spending big days outside, and then she will promptly go home and sleep for like 13 hours nonstop.”
Although she retired from working, Skye still has plenty of energy, making her a perfect fit for her owners’ active lifestyles.
“I wanted an older dog,” Auerbach said. “I wanted a really active dog, and they’re just so loving and have so much enthusiasm.”
Skye isn’t the only sled dog that’s found a retirement home—it’s common for kennels in the Northland to turn to adoption when they have dogs past their running prime.
Voyageur Outward Bound School in Ely adopts out about 10 of their roughly 50 dogs each year.
The dogs pull sleds of people and gear for expedition trips, and Winter Program Director Nora DuBois said most of them clearly love their work.
“Seeing these dogs have jobs and be fulfilled and really love what they’re doing, like loving their job and having that job and having that purpose, is so incredible,” DuBois said.
A few aren’t as suited for working or become unable to work due to health conditions.
Whatever the reason, there comes a time for all dogs to retire, and DuBois works hard to find the perfect home for each dog’s unique needs.
“We kind of provide them with this opportunity to have a really awesome retirement, as like a thank you for working for us and working alongside us for so many years,” DuBois said.
They adopt out many dogs around age 10, and they often live to be 14 to 16.
Adopting an older dog means owners will have them for fewer years, but DuBois said sled dogs form special connections.
“It really feels like they understand people in a way and are just so happy to be with you because you’re now like part of their pack, and you’re going on this final expedition with them for the remainder of their life,” DuBois said.
As for Skye, her pack has decided it’s going to be an amazing final expedition filled with skiing, running, and camping in the mountains.
“I think that’s like one of the easiest parts about getting her has been how easily she integrates into the stuff we do,” Green said.
Voyageur Outward Bound School is still looking for forever homes for a few of their dogs.
Adoption is free, but they ask that new owners spay or neuter their dog if need be.
More information can be found on their website here.
The site is currently under maintenance, so not all available dogs are listed.
Those interested in adopting can reach out to DuBois directly.
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