• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Profiles
    • Athletes
    • Cuties
    • Entertainers
    • Fashionistas
    • Heroes
    • Tricksters
    • Working dogs
  • Listings
  • Privacy Statement
  • Website Terms Of Use
  • Work With Us
  • Contact Us
Talent Hounds
Join Talent Hounds
Training tips, videos, photos, news and more for dog lovers.
  • News
    • Latest Buzz News
    • Feature Stories
    • Wordless Wednesday Wisdom
    • Inspiration
    • Gallery
      • Athletes
      • Cuties
      • Entertainers
      • Fashionistas
      • Funny
      • Heroes
      • Rescues
      • Service Dogs
      • Trailer
      • Tricksters
      • Working Dogs
      • Promos
  • Fun
  • Training
    • Training Tuesday
    • Dog Training Tips
    • Trainer Profiles
    • Puppies
  • Dog Health
    • Fit Dog Friday
    • Dog Health Tips
  • Rescues
    • Rescue Rock
  • Contests
  • About
    • About Talent Hounds TV
    • Behind the Scenes
    • Hop To It Productions
      • Susan Nation
      • Carrie Cutforth
      • Nina Beveridge
      • Paul Hart
  • Product Reviews
  • Recipes & DIYs
  • Pugs

Dogs Make Life Better In Alaska

November 11, 2015 by angela casullo 28 Comments

0 shares
  • Share
  • Tweet

Kids and Dogs Make Life Better for an Alaskan Community

MayaHusky-DMAD

I joined leading pet experts at Purina’s Third annual Better With Pets Summit, last week in New York. The day-long summit explored emotional wellness and the evolution of the human-animal bond.

Read more about the Summit: How Well Is Your Pet? Physical and Emotional Wellness in Pets

Through our interviews and research for our TV Documentary, we found evidence of how powerful the human-animal bond can be and how dogs make a difference in the lives of many. The Summit Opening Keynote gave another wonderful example of how Kids and Dogs Make Life Better together.

arleigh dog
Arleigh and his dog

Arleigh Reynolds Opening Keynote Speech – the human-animal bond in Alaska

Purina Senior Research Nutritionist Arleigh Reynolds gave his opening keynote speech on research regarding the human-animal bond in Alaska. It was fascinating to learn about the impact having positive interactions with dogs has had on Alaskan children’s development and sense of community.

Reynolds announced that Purina will donate $50,000 to The Frank Attla Youth Program – a program developed to help at-risk youth in rural Alaska and improve care for sled dogs initiated by George Attla and his partner Kathy Turco.  Sled dog racing is a popular sport in Alaska and northern Canada and George Attla was a well-known Sprint Dog Mushing legend. Reynolds himself is a keen Musher.

“By pairing at-risk youth with working dogs in rural communities, this remarkable program has managed to alleviate some damaging social problems. Through curriculum, training and hard work, students reignite a passion for their heritage and learn many valuable life skills in the process, all while bonding with working dogs. The program has helped decrease social issues such as violence, drug use, and teen pregnancy and is credited with improving the emotional wellness of students.” source Purina 

George Attla – the “Huslia Hustler” – a Racing Legend.

George Attla overcame illness, physical problems and adversity in his youth to become an incredible dog breeder and racer living in Huslia, Alaska.  Attla ran dogs into his eighties and won many races. He was known as the “Huslia Hustler” during his prime racing days. Attla won his first of 10 Fur Rendezvous sled dog races in 1958, at the age of 24.  In the following years—with grit and determination and his knowledge of dogs—he won nine Tok Race of Champions titles, eight North American Open Championships, eight Koyukuk River Championships, and 10 International Sled Dog Association unlimited class medals.

History and Tradition

Dogs had been a part of the lives of Attla’s people since before memory. There have apparently been several top-notch dog drivers from the Koyukuk River villages. “He came by dog mushing naturally because of where he was raised and because his parents knew more about dog mushing than he believed he’d ever know in his own lifetime,” Iditarod education director Diane Johnson Johnson wrote on the Iditarod website. “George enjoyed dog mushing. It was his way of life and driving a dog team and racing dogs was what he really enjoyed doing.”

However with the ready availability of snowmobiles, dogs were no longer needed for transport and young people were not learning about racing and dogs.  In some of the small rural communities in Alaska, kids and youth had become less connected with elders and tradition. Many faced not only the harsh environment, but also issues such as violence, substance abuse, depression, unemployment and teen pregnancy.

George started thinking about his yard full of dogs and how to engage youth in his home of Huslia. Having been involved with dogs for most of his life, he understood the benefits they provide to a person’s mind and body. George wanted to share his knowledge with youth. He advised and loaned dogs to young mushers. He wanted to inspire some kids to participate in the  Junior North American Dog Sled Races in North Pole.

“I don’t think the kids really understand the importance dogs had in our culture,” Attla said. “We want to bring back the pride people had in their dogs.”  Iditarod website.

He talked about building community collaboration for healthy, happy youth at the Alaska Federation of Natives Elders and Youth Conference.

sled dogs

The Frank Attla Youth & Sled Dog Care Program

George developed the program to engage youth with Kathy Turko and named it after his late son Frank. It is focused on teaching youth about caring for dogs, the science behind it, and how to race dogs. It features hands-on training in the four dog kennels in the Huslia area. Attla was a coach and inspiration and worked at instilling pride and committment.

The community of Huslia has embraced the program. It has reportedly attracted more than 30 middle-school and high-school students and been expanded to younger children too. High school students in the program are enrolled in a veterinary science class, while middle school students are enrolled in a math and science class. High school students are receiving dual high school and college credits for completing the class. The program includes two field classes per week working with local kennels in Huslia.

The youth from Huslia had to decide who to send to the first races. They elected four students to participate. Thomas Henry raced in the six-dog class, while Attla’s granddaughter, seventh-grader Jazmyn Vent, ran in the four-dog class Tuesday afternoon. Other kids served as served as the handlers for both teams.

Attla reportedly said Teresa Cox, Principal at Huslia’s Jimmy Huntington School, is the person who made the program happen by embracing it and making it part of the school’s curriculum. According to Cox,  the youth are learning to feed dogs, learning about nutrition, and how to hook the dogs up to a harness. They are also learning to work as a team.

Teresa said  “They come back so excited.” They are learning how to race and handle dogs, how to become race marshals, race timers and checkpoint volunteers.”

Remembering with Pride

On February 15, Attla passed away peacefully at Alaska Native Medical Center in Anchorage after a brief battle with cancer surrounded by family and friends. He was 81. As he passed, his grandnephew, Joe Bifelt, was readying for the Fur Rendezvous Sled Dog Race. Bifelt races his granduncle’s team. He attended the Summit so I had the pleasure of meeting him.

Susie and Joe

Attla was the subject of a movie (“Spirit of the Wind,” 1979) and of a book (George Attla: The Legend of the Sled Dog Trail, 1993).

Racing Toward Recovery:The Extraordinary Story of Alaska Musher Mike Williams Sr.

Another successful Musher that dogs have helped is Mike Williams.

Williams said of George “To young Alaska Natives, he’s a fine example of how an Alaska Native can succeed and become an all-time champion, that if you get your mind focused on succeeding and work hard at it, good things will happen.”

In his  book, Racing Toward Recovery:The Extraordinary Story of Alaska Musher Mike Williams Sr. (co-written by journalist Lew Freedman and published by Alaska Northwest Books) Williams writes that mushing is keeping alive an important part of Alaska Native culture. He also writes about mushing to promote sobriety.

“He was glad I was telling my story,” Williams said. “He wanted young people to be free of substance abuse, and he felt education was an important part of the process.”

RELATED Source :Mike Williams Races Toward Recovery

Dogs Make Life Better

The program helps students gain confidence, valuable life skills and self-esteem by introducing dogs into the school curriculum. This gives students the opportunity to create unique bonds with the dogs and teaches them how to care for them.  So far the program appears to have been a big success. The dogs are truly making a difference and the students are also impacting the dogs. By pairing dogs and kids, this program has done an incredible job of empowering and connecting a community. I’m excited to see how Purina’s donation will help them go even further.

Read: How Dog Mushing Helps Village Youth

Share your stories about the people who are transforming their communities by bringing people and pets together.

With your help and support programs like these thrive and show how life is #BetterWithPets.

 

 

Filed Under: WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Teresa says

    November 11, 2015 at 6:55 pm

    What a fantastic program, thank you for sharing! Love that the program has been introduced into the school curriculum and had such a positive effect on the young people. Wish we had more dog related programs for young people here in the UK!

    Reply
  2. Diane @ To Dog With Love says

    November 11, 2015 at 7:53 pm

    I love this program and the positive impact it’s having on the kids. It was great seeing you at Better With Pets too!

    Reply
  3. M. K. Clinton says

    November 11, 2015 at 8:49 pm

    One of our local shelters has our local Boys’ Home do obedience training with their dogs. It helps to get the dogs a forever home since they have had basic training. ☺

    Reply
  4. Tenacious Little Terrier says

    November 11, 2015 at 11:32 pm

    That’s a really neat program. I haven’t heard of it before. The counselors at the shelter have told me the kids are calmer after Mr. N visits.

    Reply
  5. Jackie Bouchard says

    November 12, 2015 at 6:03 am

    What a great program. Thanks for sharing about it. Pets definitely make life better!

    Reply
  6. Tripawds Community says

    November 12, 2015 at 6:46 pm

    Bravo! You did such a fantastic job covering Dr. Reynold’s work with the program! Great post, we’ll be sure to share it.

    Reply
    • Talent Hounds says

      November 15, 2015 at 6:09 pm

      Thank you so much- I think it is such a great story to share. They are expanding to 14 more schools with similar programs apparently.

      Reply
  7. Seville at Nerissa's Life says

    November 13, 2015 at 5:01 pm

    That sounds so very, VERY interesting! Thanks so very much for sharing it with us. purrs

    Purrs,
    Seville

    Reply
  8. Groovy Goldendoodles says

    November 13, 2015 at 6:46 pm

    I was just talking about sledding, Husky’s and Alaska to someone the other day! I must forward this post to her. Such a fantastic program, thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  9. Carleen says

    November 13, 2015 at 7:53 pm

    This was very interesting. It seems like a great program.

    Reply
  10. The Island Cats says

    November 14, 2015 at 12:23 am

    Thanks for sharing this with all of us. This is such a great program. We’re glad it’s helping the kids in school. 🙂

    Reply
  11. Dogvills says

    November 14, 2015 at 9:49 am

    What a great program. We need more dog related programs like this for the youth.

    Reply
  12. FiveSibesMom says

    November 14, 2015 at 3:14 pm

    Fantastic post about a wonderful program. I’m sharing this over on my FiveSibes media!

    Reply
  13. Jenna,Mark “HuskyCrazed” Drady says

    November 14, 2015 at 5:21 pm

    Wow, this is fantastic!

    Reply
  14. Val Silver says

    November 15, 2015 at 1:03 pm

    Wow- I love programs that teach children how to care for animals properly and how to enjoy life together with them. This sounds like something that will have a positive impact on those youngsters for years to come and for their dogs too.Way to go Purina and all who help make good things happen for people and pets.

    Reply
  15. Fur Everywhere says

    November 15, 2015 at 2:08 pm

    Thank you so much for sharing about this program. I have been wanting to learn more about it. It sounds like such an excellent opportunity for kids, and it’s wonderful that Purina made a donation to help the program continue to be a success!

    Reply
  16. Caorl says

    November 15, 2015 at 4:47 pm

    What a great legacy!

    Reply
  17. Suzanne Dean says

    November 15, 2015 at 5:14 pm

    What a great program. This is such a positive influence on the younger generation. I can only hope that with enough people such as yourself spreading the word, we will someday have a generation “pet”. The world will then be a much better place for kids and animals.

    Reply
  18. Beth | Daily Dog Tag says

    November 15, 2015 at 7:42 pm

    What an interesting video! I’m glad that this program is getting financial help from Purina as it seems like it is making a positive impact on the community.

    Reply
  19. Cathy Armato says

    November 15, 2015 at 11:21 pm

    Thank you for this wonderful post and for sharing these resources. I’ll be visiting the Iditarod web site for sure. Since getting my Husky 6 years ago & learning about the breeds history I have dreamed of visiting Alaska during the Iditarod, its my dream vacation! I’m so inspired by the work being done with Alaskan youth. My Husky and I are a therapy dog team, we help children improve reading skills in Chikdren Reading To Dogs programs. Through our volunteer work I get to see first hand the positive impact dogs have on people, especially kids.
    Love & biscuits,
    Digs Luv Us and We Luv Them

    Reply
  20. Sweet Purrfections says

    November 16, 2015 at 2:14 am

    Sounds like a great program!

    Reply
  21. Maureen says

    November 16, 2015 at 3:02 am

    What a wonderful program and thanks for sharing. Dogs make such an incredible impact on our lives, it’s truly amazing!

    Reply
  22. MattieDog says

    November 16, 2015 at 3:41 am

    You did such a grab job covering the program – your write-up inspires and shares so much great information! I found this part of the #BetterWithPets program so moving. I covered it as well. It’s important and needs to be shared far and wide!

    Reply
  23. Robin says

    November 16, 2015 at 6:40 am

    It is great that Purina is doing so much to help the troubled youth in Alaska. Pets really do make that much of a difference in people’s lives. Very interesting story!

    Reply
  24. Carol Bryant says

    November 16, 2015 at 4:11 pm

    This is a wonderful program. I love when a community gets involved and that way, press can take notice, too.

    Reply
  25. Spencer the Goldendoodle says

    November 16, 2015 at 11:47 pm

    Great post! My humans went on their honeymoon in Alaska and were able to see a lot of sled dogs!!! 🙂

    Reply
  26. Bernard Lima-Chavez says

    November 17, 2015 at 4:09 am

    The story of Frank Attla and the people of Huslia was a phenomenal story thread at the #BetterWithPets summit. I was thrilled that Purina made such a generous donation to a program that is literally saving lives.

    Reply
    • Talent Hounds says

      November 17, 2015 at 4:26 am

      I know- so inspiring. Felt very lucky to share these stories and loved seeing you there. Hope to do more.

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

newsletter

Follow Us!

Follow Us on FacebookFollow Us on TwitterFollow Us on InstagramFollow Us on PinterestFollow Us on YouTubeFollow Us on RSS

ABOUT TALENT HOUNDS

Talent Hounds started as a TV series exploring the changing roles of dogs and how they enrich our lives. We have grown into a Content Hub and Community for Dog Lovers. Our mission: Inspire. Connect. Inform. Entertain. I am Susan Nation - I manage the community. Kilo the cute little Black Rescue Pug is my sidekick and inspiration. Please join our community. Contact us if you have content, tips or resources to share.

dog breed quiz

dog breed library

SPONSORS

bullwrinkles

Bullwrinkles delicious dog treats

influencer group

Badge

Recent Articles

  • Tick and Flea Prevention June 2, 2021
  • Border Collie Dog Breed June 1, 2021
  • Round Up of Talent Hounds Best Dog Breeds May 27, 2021
  • Cocker Spaniel Breed May 23, 2021
  • What Is A Maltipoo? May 18, 2021

© Copyright 2020 Talent Hounds · All Rights Reserved