Support 'The Run Home'!
Donation protected
Hello,
My name is Justin Allen, I am originally from New Brunswick. I have spent the past five years in Churchill, a small northern community in Manitoba. I've dedicated these years to learning the art of dog mushing from an indigenous mentor.
In January 2018, my team of dogs and I will begin a journey running across the country from Churchill, Manitoba back to my home province - an estimated 3000km/1900miles.
When I first came to Churchill, I only planned on staying for four days to see polar bears and northern lights. During that time, I volunteered at a local dog kennel, falling in love with sled dogs, the lifestyle and culture of dog mushing. I decided to commit myself to the craft.
Working with sled dogs allows me to be outdoors, and be physically active every day. Sharing time and energy with the dogs out on the land, overcoming obstacles, and braving harsh conditions together has formed a deep connection and relationship that I feel with my team and the northern landscape. Earning their respect and trust has been truly rewarding.
I feel this adventure on which we are about to embark, provides an amazing opportunity to record traditional knowledge on the history and lifestyle of dog mushing. I would like to celebrate and share stories with communities about the dogs and the lifestyle that has transformed my life. I recognize that throughout our journey, we will run through traditional Indigenous territories; we will run to honour and pay homage to:
1. The Indigenous peoples and their connection to this land. More specifically, for passing on this ancient tradition of dog mushing - which has allowed me to live this life. As I travel through northern communities, I want to share my experiences with the rest of Canada.
2. To promote the art of dog sledding and animal rights. To educate people and show them that these dogs live a happy and fulfilling life - a life 'for the love of running'. There are unfair generalizations of the treatment of sled dogs, I would like to showcase that relationship from a positive perspective.
I plan on running along winter roads and snowmobile trails through the provinces. I will be supported by a support crew, including a fully-equipped dog truck. We plan to stop periodically in northern towns and small communities along the way, to share this experience with as many as possible.
Your Donations will be used to purchase:
- a sufficient amount of food for the dogs.
- booties to protect their feet and allow them to do what they love best, Run.
- special jackets and other gear such as wrist straps and leggings to keep the dogs comfortable and healthy.
- fuel for the safety/dog truck that will be meeting us along the way carrying supplies and essentials.
- a small trailer to pull behind the support truck which would allow us to carry all of our equipment and supplies.
- Lastly, donations will be used to hire trail support (local guides and snow machines) that will assist in areas where the support truck will not be able to go.
Regarding sponsorship, there are a number of ways you can help us bring this journey to a reality. Please contact me for details.
The dogs and I hope to hear from you soon, thanks so much!
If you have any questions or want more information please feel free to contact me personally.
bossdogexpeditions.gmail.com
My name is Justin Allen, I am originally from New Brunswick. I have spent the past five years in Churchill, a small northern community in Manitoba. I've dedicated these years to learning the art of dog mushing from an indigenous mentor.
In January 2018, my team of dogs and I will begin a journey running across the country from Churchill, Manitoba back to my home province - an estimated 3000km/1900miles.
When I first came to Churchill, I only planned on staying for four days to see polar bears and northern lights. During that time, I volunteered at a local dog kennel, falling in love with sled dogs, the lifestyle and culture of dog mushing. I decided to commit myself to the craft.
Working with sled dogs allows me to be outdoors, and be physically active every day. Sharing time and energy with the dogs out on the land, overcoming obstacles, and braving harsh conditions together has formed a deep connection and relationship that I feel with my team and the northern landscape. Earning their respect and trust has been truly rewarding.
I feel this adventure on which we are about to embark, provides an amazing opportunity to record traditional knowledge on the history and lifestyle of dog mushing. I would like to celebrate and share stories with communities about the dogs and the lifestyle that has transformed my life. I recognize that throughout our journey, we will run through traditional Indigenous territories; we will run to honour and pay homage to:
1. The Indigenous peoples and their connection to this land. More specifically, for passing on this ancient tradition of dog mushing - which has allowed me to live this life. As I travel through northern communities, I want to share my experiences with the rest of Canada.
2. To promote the art of dog sledding and animal rights. To educate people and show them that these dogs live a happy and fulfilling life - a life 'for the love of running'. There are unfair generalizations of the treatment of sled dogs, I would like to showcase that relationship from a positive perspective.
I plan on running along winter roads and snowmobile trails through the provinces. I will be supported by a support crew, including a fully-equipped dog truck. We plan to stop periodically in northern towns and small communities along the way, to share this experience with as many as possible.
Your Donations will be used to purchase:
- a sufficient amount of food for the dogs.
- booties to protect their feet and allow them to do what they love best, Run.
- special jackets and other gear such as wrist straps and leggings to keep the dogs comfortable and healthy.
- fuel for the safety/dog truck that will be meeting us along the way carrying supplies and essentials.
- a small trailer to pull behind the support truck which would allow us to carry all of our equipment and supplies.
- Lastly, donations will be used to hire trail support (local guides and snow machines) that will assist in areas where the support truck will not be able to go.
Regarding sponsorship, there are a number of ways you can help us bring this journey to a reality. Please contact me for details.
The dogs and I hope to hear from you soon, thanks so much!
If you have any questions or want more information please feel free to contact me personally.
bossdogexpeditions.gmail.com
Organizer
Justin D Allen
Organizer
Saint John, NB
