Meet The Team
Musher: Jessica Olsen
What sparked my interest in mushing: I begged my my parents for a dog from the moment I learned to talk. When I was 12 yrs old, my parents said "yes", and by random chance, we ended up with a Siberian Husky. That was the start of my fascination with mushing and the ongoing dream of running sled dogs. I soon outfitted my little, blue eyed, white Siberian Husky with a harness I bought at a local pet store. I attached her to my snow sled, put a log in it, and had her drag it around the neighborhood while teaching her sled dog commands. Since that time I have have gotten a whole lot better at training and working with my dogs - but I will always be grateful to my patient, gentle, and loving friend - my first dog Nikka. In addition to mushing, my childhood was filled with great adventure - building tree forts, making rafts, playing on the lake ice, building igloos and snow forts, camping in my pup tent, hiking through snow storms with friends, playing in the rain, making slip and slide out of the grass/turning it to mud (yes, we got in trouble for that), and everything/anything that sounded like fun. What I'm about: I think entering into adulthood, I honor what I knew as a child - life is the adventure you make it. So besides my love of mushing, you will find me and my dogs fishing, camping, boating, making YouTube webisodes, and jaunting through town on a razor scooter. If it sounds like a fun or an adventure we're in! I am truly thrilled to be at a point in my life where I can pursue my dog sledding dream with gusto. I look forward to what I can learn, experience, and accomplish with my dogs. I am also enjoying the people I get to know along the way. Mushing is a great sport and a lifestyle that I am happy to live. Etan: Alaskan Husky, 65lbs. From: Nature's Kennel, in Michigan's U.P. Owner: Jess Olsen (me) Best Qualities: He is sweet, intelligent, and outrageously loyal - my best friend. Quirks: Steals good cuts of meat. Key role in the team: Excellent Gee/Haw leader. I trust him to l steer us through the toughest terrain. Maggie: 52lbs. Lab/Husky mix
From: Animal control, lower Michigan. Owner: She is my parents dog, who I helped raise while I was home for a while after college. Best Qualities: Love, pure love, unlimited affection for her people. A smart dog that never forgets what she has learned. Quirks: A bit shy until she knows you - but once she does, you are her's forever. Key role in the team: She is a good Gee/Haw leader, but also is an independent thinker. She notices things that the rest of us do not - a valuable thing to have when conditions get dicey. Beckett: 40 lb. Husky/Germain Shorthair Pointer mix (perhaps a bit of Border Collie mixed in)
From: BARK Animal Rescue, St. Paul Minnesota. Owner: My roommate (and good friend) Mackenzie Deese. Best Qualities: Beckett loves to run and pull - more than any dog I have ever known. She is energetic, bold, enthusiastic, a great trail leader - running full blast like a rocket. Quirks: Too smart for her own good, the only dog I've ever know to pout and hold a grudge (fortunately never for long). Key role in the team: Cheerleader, speed demon, energizer bunny that keeps the team moving fast. Eli: Alaskan Husky 52 lbs.
From: Nature's Kennel, in Michigan's U.P. Owner: Jess Olsen (me) Best Qualities: Drive and sweetness. Once hooked up she wants to go! She listens well and knows her commands. She is also a love bug and always thrilled to get a belly rub. Quirks: Eli is a boys name - but yes she is a girl :) Key role in the team: Eli is the most recent addition to the team. She will be a great addition to Etan - together pushing each other, and the team, to run at their very best. |
Susi: Alaskan Husky, 55 lbs.
From: Nature's Kennel, in Michigan's U.P. Owner: Jess Olsen (me) Best Qualities: Love bug. Soooo sweat. Just melts when you pet her. We have bikejored this summer, and Susi "lines out" (holds the team out from the bike) very nicely - like a good leader should! Quirks: If you scold any other dog, Susi thinks you a scolding her. She is sensitive, but recovers from things quickly. Key role in the team: Susi runs well in double lead when bikejoring. I look forward to seeing how she runs in 1 dog bikejor, and in more positions on the team. |