Susanna Feder enjoys her first time ever driving a
team of sled dogs                             Feder photo

Who is an ISDI "Member"

Below is an ISDI e-mail inquiry we received, and the reply…
 
 

"Could you please advise how I become a member? Thank-you.   Robert  H."
 
 

"Robert,

Although we sometimes use the term "members", the ISDI really doesn't have a membership per se. We don't even collect dues. The ISDI is comprised of what we call "enthusiasts", folks that believe in the goals of our "organization", which are to preserve the Inuit Sled Dog in its purest form and for its original purpose as a working dog. We come from all backgrounds and occupations. We wear plaid shirts and business suits. We are former professional hockey players and military veterans. We are professional writers and carpenters, educators and healthcare (human and animal) providers, accountants, salespersons and marketing managers. We drive semi-tractor trailers. We keep bees, apple orchards and the peace. Some of us even keep chickens and ferrets, too! We maintain a subsistence life style above and below the tree line. We have family and many friends who don't understand us. We have traveled by dog team for fun across six feet of ice for days at a time and we have depended our dogs for our very survival for years at a time, during the heyday of Antarctic scientific discovery. With our dogs we undertake serious expeditions in the circumpolar north and enjoy recreational outings on timber trails and the boreal forest. We train on dirt, snow, ice and even sand. We have a couple of neutered dogs or maintain a breeding population of over sixty. Some of us don't even own Inuit dogs, never have and never will. Some of us have appreciated the Inuit Dog for decades and some, but for a few years. But we all share the same passion... the preservation of this magnificent breed. If you could share this passion, if you are serious about learning more, you are already a "member"! We just need to get to know you better.

Sue"