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About Me
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In my late teens I seemed destined for a career in business management. At 19, I was made the youngest manager ever hired by the largest chain of Western Wear stores in Canada. By 21, I had opened and established 2 new stores for the chain and moved into the office as head buyer. At 24, I was recruited and went to work as a store manager for Royal Doulton China.
And then a dog named Libby entered my life.
I am the first Canadian woman to finish the grueling 1000-mile Iditarod sled dog race across Alaska. I participated in this "Last Great Race" 11 times as well as competing in numerous 100- to 300-mile long sled dog races throughout the U.S. and Canada with my team of purebred Siberian Huskies. The team and I established many 'firsts' for the breed, especially in Canada, but I am most proud of the respect that we were able to carve for the breed on the mid and long distance sled dog racing trails.
While I am no longer racing competitively, I try to give back to the sport through service to the mushing community and by serving as a race official at events around the world. I was recently appointed to chair a newly formed Iditarod advisory committee. The committee will develop standards for a “Best Care” kennel management program that will include certification of sled dog kennels that meet these standards.
I have also taken on the new challenge of training Border Collies to compete in sheep herding trials, another demanding sport that requires a high level of trust and cooperation between the handler and dog. While it was humbling to go from being an expert in one area to a complete novice in a new venture, I sought out world-class mentors, trained at every opportunity, and am working at mastering new skills. I am now competing in herding trials, including at the famous Calgary Stampede.
In my late teens I seemed destined for a career in business management. At 19, I was made the youngest manager ever hired by the largest chain of Western Wear stores in Canada. By 21, I had opened and established 2 new stores for the chain and moved into the office as head buyer. At 24, I was recruited and went to work as a store manager for Royal Doulton China.
And then a dog named Libby entered my life.
I am the first Canadian woman to finish the grueling 1000-mile Iditarod sled dog race across Alaska. I participated in this "Last Great Race" 11 times as well as competing in numerous 100- to 300-mile long sled dog races throughout the U.S. and Canada with my team of purebred Siberian Huskies. The team and I established many 'firsts' for the breed, especially in Canada, but I am most proud of the respect that we were able to carve for the breed on the mid and long distance sled dog racing trails.
While I am no longer racing competitively, I try to give back to the sport through service to the mushing community and by serving as a race official at events around the world. I was recently appointed to chair a newly formed Iditarod advisory committee. The committee will develop standards for a “Best Care” kennel management program that will include certification of sled dog kennels that meet these standards.
I have also taken on the new challenge of training Border Collies to compete in sheep herding trials, another demanding sport that requires a high level of trust and cooperation between the handler and dog. While it was humbling to go from being an expert in one area to a complete novice in a new venture, I sought out world-class mentors, trained at every opportunity, and am working at mastering new skills. I am now competing in herding trials, including at the famous Calgary Stampede.
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My PassionsWhile Sled Dogs have been my life for over 28 years, I have many other interests and passions!
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Public Speaking
I have done public speaking engagements around the world, speaking on my personal adventures with dogs, kennel management, the dynamics of the sport of dog sledding, team building and leadership.
