I Was A Sled Dog, Part One
i was a sled dog is my photographic study depicting the visual diversity of sled dogs
about the project
When I met my first sled dogs in 2012 they were not what I was expecting - there were a couple husky-like, but they certainly didn't all look like huskies I had known as sled dogs. Over the years since, I've been photographing and documenting this specific group of dogs and their lives for a variety of projects, and the one consistent comment I hear from those not familiar with the 'modern sled dog' is "THAT's a sled dog? he/she's so small!" and "That doesn't look like a husky!"
Yes, there are big fluffy former sled dogs in this project, but there are also petite, single-coated dogs who weigh less than 40lbs!
What I'm hoping for by creating and sharing this project is for people to view the photographs, read the bios and make up their own minds about whether the dogs within are suited to living outside 24/7, 365 days a year. Whether they deserve to spend their lives tethered to a 6' chain in a dog yard - eating, sleeping, urinating, defecating in that same space - when they aren't pulling tourists through the snowy tundra. And whether it's fair that they receive sub-standard vet care (if any regular vet care at all - some dogs in here had regular staples used to close wounds) and spend their time eating rocks, their shelters (if they have one) and chewing chains. All for the benefit of human entertainment.
I understand some may think this is a small sample size of dogs in this project. But I will disagree because here are 59 dogs, who live just in my little corner of the world who were able to come to my little photo studio. There are hundreds of retired sled dogs who have been adopted out in my area, and if you want to look at Part 2 of my project, please do because within the gallery of 200+ individuals, there are another 140+ more dogs who I've photographed over the years, who couldn't make it to my studio for various reasons, but they still lived and endured what the dogs in the project below went through. I have spent time getting to know the dogs and their adopters. I follow their highs and lows.
No one was paid to participate in this project and no one paid me for sessions. I'm extremely fortunate to be able to continue my relationships with adopters (some since 2012!) and meet new adopters along the way. All I had to do was put the ask out, and really lovely, dedicated people who want to advocate for sled dogs jumped on board.
Any money that does get raised from any part of this project will go right back into helping sled dogs.
the on-line project
On march 3, 2018, the start of the deadly Iditarod - I shared a new rescued sled dog each day for 54 days. The the final dog was revealed on april 23, 2018 - the 8th anniversary of the second and final day of the whistler sled dog cull. To date, 22 dogs in this project are survivors of that cull.
the gallery show
a gallery showing of this project is currently on hold
the book
a photo book of this project is currently underway and will be available sometime in 2021/2022
the photo sessions
When I came up with the idea for this project, I knew I only needed two photographs of each dog - one against a specific backdrop and one of his/her face. When that first session began, a dog I knew to be very easy going was having a hard time getting into position so right then I knew I'd have to ease up on my expectations and just 'go with it', allowing space for the dog to just give what he/she was willing to give that day. Here are some more notes:
Ultimately, this project wasn't about getting a 'perfectly posed' photo. I know what that can take when it comes to fearful dogs, so I have tried to capture what the dog was willing to give that day. For those who study dog behaviour, you will easily notice signs of stress in the dogs, including tucked tails, low bodies, stress panting, eye-contact avoidance, big eyes, and ears pointing back to name a few. Hopefully by sharing how the dog was feeling it will provide more insight into the diversity of their natures.
But most importantly... like all dogs - no matter what breed or breed mix, whether they came from sledding lineage or not, no two dogs were the same and each dog was different.
Please click on the dog thumbnails below to see more and learn more about each of the dogs.
*if you've adopted a former sled dog and are interested in participating in this project, please contact me*
about the project
When I met my first sled dogs in 2012 they were not what I was expecting - there were a couple husky-like, but they certainly didn't all look like huskies I had known as sled dogs. Over the years since, I've been photographing and documenting this specific group of dogs and their lives for a variety of projects, and the one consistent comment I hear from those not familiar with the 'modern sled dog' is "THAT's a sled dog? he/she's so small!" and "That doesn't look like a husky!"
Yes, there are big fluffy former sled dogs in this project, but there are also petite, single-coated dogs who weigh less than 40lbs!
What I'm hoping for by creating and sharing this project is for people to view the photographs, read the bios and make up their own minds about whether the dogs within are suited to living outside 24/7, 365 days a year. Whether they deserve to spend their lives tethered to a 6' chain in a dog yard - eating, sleeping, urinating, defecating in that same space - when they aren't pulling tourists through the snowy tundra. And whether it's fair that they receive sub-standard vet care (if any regular vet care at all - some dogs in here had regular staples used to close wounds) and spend their time eating rocks, their shelters (if they have one) and chewing chains. All for the benefit of human entertainment.
I understand some may think this is a small sample size of dogs in this project. But I will disagree because here are 59 dogs, who live just in my little corner of the world who were able to come to my little photo studio. There are hundreds of retired sled dogs who have been adopted out in my area, and if you want to look at Part 2 of my project, please do because within the gallery of 200+ individuals, there are another 140+ more dogs who I've photographed over the years, who couldn't make it to my studio for various reasons, but they still lived and endured what the dogs in the project below went through. I have spent time getting to know the dogs and their adopters. I follow their highs and lows.
No one was paid to participate in this project and no one paid me for sessions. I'm extremely fortunate to be able to continue my relationships with adopters (some since 2012!) and meet new adopters along the way. All I had to do was put the ask out, and really lovely, dedicated people who want to advocate for sled dogs jumped on board.
Any money that does get raised from any part of this project will go right back into helping sled dogs.
the on-line project
On march 3, 2018, the start of the deadly Iditarod - I shared a new rescued sled dog each day for 54 days. The the final dog was revealed on april 23, 2018 - the 8th anniversary of the second and final day of the whistler sled dog cull. To date, 22 dogs in this project are survivors of that cull.
the gallery show
a gallery showing of this project is currently on hold
the book
a photo book of this project is currently underway and will be available sometime in 2021/2022
the photo sessions
When I came up with the idea for this project, I knew I only needed two photographs of each dog - one against a specific backdrop and one of his/her face. When that first session began, a dog I knew to be very easy going was having a hard time getting into position so right then I knew I'd have to ease up on my expectations and just 'go with it', allowing space for the dog to just give what he/she was willing to give that day. Here are some more notes:
- because a number of the dogs are survivors of the whistler cull of 2010, I've chose to use the term photo session, instead of photo shoot
- each dog was photographed within a 4'w x 3'h outline taped on the wall at my studio - the idea was to have the dog stand within the outline of the box to best show the size differences between each dog - it worked most of the time and when it was difficult, I utilized a few 'treat systems' that sometimes helped.
- the size of the outline represents a general dog house plan I found online - not all sled dogs are provided shelter, but if they are, it's generally whatever's cheapest - plastic barrels, stacked tires, simple wooden boxes, pallets, etc
- some dogs are wearing their collar, harness and/or leash and/or GPS trackers because for some dogs getting the harness on and off took some time as that exercise represented something else to them - some dogs needed the leash or a gentle hand or treat being held to help them know to stand in one place. The leashes are all soft, except for one because he physically needed it to help him stand.
- some dogs are standing on a mat - the mat helped that particular dog stay in position due to issues with standing on wood floors
- some dogs would not stand in the box so they were photographed while walking through the frame or standing while eating treats off of the floor
- some dogs would only sit within the box
- some dogs didn't want to get too close to the wall so are shown standing a foot or two out from it
- some dogs had no issue with what was asked of them and easily stood in position and then wanted to play
- some dogs were nervous at first, but then relaxed while the humans had a pre-session chat
- some dogs just went and stood in position without any prompting
- some dogs went and slept in front of the box after the session was done while the humans talked
- some of the dogs that i knew to be very outgoing were some of the most nervous indoors
- dogs in this project have worked in various parts of North America including Ontario, Northwest Territories, British Columbia and the US (Utah, Idaho). As sled dog are sold, traded, rehomed from one operation to another and moved around it's very difficult to track where they were born, where they came from and where they've worked along the way.
- some dogs are of sled dog lineage and have not pulled a sled but they are included because they help illustrate the diversity of modern sled dog breeds and some of them have siblings that became working sled dogs
Ultimately, this project wasn't about getting a 'perfectly posed' photo. I know what that can take when it comes to fearful dogs, so I have tried to capture what the dog was willing to give that day. For those who study dog behaviour, you will easily notice signs of stress in the dogs, including tucked tails, low bodies, stress panting, eye-contact avoidance, big eyes, and ears pointing back to name a few. Hopefully by sharing how the dog was feeling it will provide more insight into the diversity of their natures.
But most importantly... like all dogs - no matter what breed or breed mix, whether they came from sledding lineage or not, no two dogs were the same and each dog was different.
Please click on the dog thumbnails below to see more and learn more about each of the dogs.
*if you've adopted a former sled dog and are interested in participating in this project, please contact me*
© all photos are protected under copyright
you are welcome to link back or share the link to this project; www.iwasasleddog.com
however, please do not save, reproduce, or use any images and/or text from this project without my express written permission... because that is stealing.
thank you.
you are welcome to link back or share the link to this project; www.iwasasleddog.com
however, please do not save, reproduce, or use any images and/or text from this project without my express written permission... because that is stealing.
thank you.
dedication
This project is for all the sled dogs who continue to work for humans because that's all they have ever known and all they will likely ever know. Their lives spent tethered to a chain, the boredom, the living outside with a plastic barrel or wooden box for a home - in any and all weather - the ice storms, heat waves, flies, predators - until they get hitched up to pull again... and again... and again. Their bodies built for speed and endurance, but not always for the elements that they live within day in and day out.
I see these 59 dogs above as ambassadors for change. For many of them, we will never know their life story - where they were born and when. What they learned during those early formative days. What they learned in the sledding industry. What we do know is that now, each dog is living a life of choice, comfort and care.
Since 2012, I have chosen to focus my efforts on the 'after', because I believe it's important to put a face and name to the dogs in this industry. Through this project, I'm hoping that people reading may see a connection between their dog and the sleddies. That they can look into the eyes of these dogs and realize that it's not ok for them to live the way the industry self-governs and says is acceptable. That the commercial and sport industries need to recognize the advancements in dog-behaviour knowledge and third-party veterinarians (who have no connection to the industry) and see that they can do more for their dogs. They are not just a commodity.
I would also ask that if you are considering going on a ride to please do research and "look beyond the brochure" when it comes to this industry. Look at photos that other people have posted, not just the nice ones by professionals. From commercial rides at your favourite ski hill or wintery destination to the long-distance races that force the dogs to run themselves into sickness, pain and death. We can no longer turn a blind eye.
There are dogs in this project who were left tied up and watched some of their running mates starve and/or freeze to death, barely escaping themselves. There are dogs who witnessed the mass shootings and carnage in Whistler in 2010. Some were left in an outbuilding, sick and starving. When the sick ones died, the starving ones had something to eat. Some were just cut loose in the woods to fend for themselves.
There are the injuries and medical issues you may see, some only their adopters can see, and some aren't so visible to anyone.
The impact that their previous working lives may have had on their minds and body cannot fully be measured, but it is the dedication of a small army of people from front-line rescuers to the non-profits rescues/shelters to fosters, veterinarians, behaviourists, adopters and advocates who continue to help the "cast-offs", the discarded. Loving humans who will continue to smile, laugh, celebrate the joys and successes with the dogs, but who will also pay the vet bills, buy the healthy food and supplements to help their dog's arthritic joints, understand why when their furniture is destroyed by behaviour issues because their dog has never been inside, be there when it's time to say goodbye and who will also cry, scream and be angry that it ever came to this. And they will keep going.
We humans domesticated dogs to live with us in our world but the rules seem to have been changed part way through the game for some. For sled dogs, a history rich in helping humans has turned into their exploitation - the game now being played with human ego and greed and a skewed view of history. This is not ok.
This project is for all the sled dogs who continue to work for humans because that's all they have ever known and all they will likely ever know. Their lives spent tethered to a chain, the boredom, the living outside with a plastic barrel or wooden box for a home - in any and all weather - the ice storms, heat waves, flies, predators - until they get hitched up to pull again... and again... and again. Their bodies built for speed and endurance, but not always for the elements that they live within day in and day out.
I see these 59 dogs above as ambassadors for change. For many of them, we will never know their life story - where they were born and when. What they learned during those early formative days. What they learned in the sledding industry. What we do know is that now, each dog is living a life of choice, comfort and care.
Since 2012, I have chosen to focus my efforts on the 'after', because I believe it's important to put a face and name to the dogs in this industry. Through this project, I'm hoping that people reading may see a connection between their dog and the sleddies. That they can look into the eyes of these dogs and realize that it's not ok for them to live the way the industry self-governs and says is acceptable. That the commercial and sport industries need to recognize the advancements in dog-behaviour knowledge and third-party veterinarians (who have no connection to the industry) and see that they can do more for their dogs. They are not just a commodity.
I would also ask that if you are considering going on a ride to please do research and "look beyond the brochure" when it comes to this industry. Look at photos that other people have posted, not just the nice ones by professionals. From commercial rides at your favourite ski hill or wintery destination to the long-distance races that force the dogs to run themselves into sickness, pain and death. We can no longer turn a blind eye.
There are dogs in this project who were left tied up and watched some of their running mates starve and/or freeze to death, barely escaping themselves. There are dogs who witnessed the mass shootings and carnage in Whistler in 2010. Some were left in an outbuilding, sick and starving. When the sick ones died, the starving ones had something to eat. Some were just cut loose in the woods to fend for themselves.
There are the injuries and medical issues you may see, some only their adopters can see, and some aren't so visible to anyone.
The impact that their previous working lives may have had on their minds and body cannot fully be measured, but it is the dedication of a small army of people from front-line rescuers to the non-profits rescues/shelters to fosters, veterinarians, behaviourists, adopters and advocates who continue to help the "cast-offs", the discarded. Loving humans who will continue to smile, laugh, celebrate the joys and successes with the dogs, but who will also pay the vet bills, buy the healthy food and supplements to help their dog's arthritic joints, understand why when their furniture is destroyed by behaviour issues because their dog has never been inside, be there when it's time to say goodbye and who will also cry, scream and be angry that it ever came to this. And they will keep going.
We humans domesticated dogs to live with us in our world but the rules seem to have been changed part way through the game for some. For sled dogs, a history rich in helping humans has turned into their exploitation - the game now being played with human ego and greed and a skewed view of history. This is not ok.