In the heart of Alaska, under a blanket of endless night, the temperature dipped to a bone-chilling negative thirty degrees. As a graduate of Northern Michigan University, Samantha LaLonde ’17 BS pitched herself into the frigid wilderness, her breath escaped in wisps of fog, mingling with the howls of the huskies around her. It was a surreal scene: a dozen energetic dogs, tails wagging and paws pounding against soft snow, propelled her through a tapestry of towering pines. In that moment, a question nagged at her mind, “What am I doing out here? My hands are freezing!”
But deep within, there was a spark of magic—the bond shared between musher and dog, the rhythm of their breath, a kind of unity that felt almost healing. A finish line awaited a mere few hundred miles ahead, and this was her initiation into the exhilarating world of dog sled racing, specifically the challenging Willow 300, a crucial qualifier for the illustrious Iditarod.
Though Samantha had never raced before, she’d arrived in Alaska just a year prior, stepping into the role of a dog handler with little understanding of the adventure that lay ahead. Yet, she finished the race in a commendable 16th place out of 32 teams. The thrill of competing ignited a desire within her, a yearning to experience it all over again.
During the grueling 300-mile journey, she learned to navigate the ebb and flow of her furry team. Stopping four times to rest, she laid down straw for the dogs, who were more than just athletes to her; they were family. She carefully removed their harnesses and booties, preparing a hot meal by boiling frozen meat in water. Each inspection of their limbs became a ritual of love; massaging sore spots became her way of strengthening their bond. It was not just about the race—it was about being a part of the team.
As she mushed through the breathtaking terrain, time slipped away like snow from her fingertips. Initially filled with excitement, she soon found joy in observing the dogs’ enchanting movements, their little legs dancing with delight. Distractions were absent—her phone lay untouched, and her headphones draped uselessly around her neck. Instead, her focus was on the well-being of her canine companions, the sound of their paws crunching against the snow echoing in the silence of the night.
Wellness was the essence of her work at ATAO Kennel (Adventure. Truth. Accountability. Onward) in Two Rivers, Alaska, where she nurtured 24 spirited dogs. Yet, it was this nurturing that also became a source of healing for her. Sam discovered a resilient spirit through the unyielding enthusiasm of her four-legged companions. The dogs, with their bright eyes and wagging tails, seemed to sense her mood, lifting her spirits even on days tainted by anxiety and doubt. There was solace in knowing that her joy impacted them just as their happiness fed her soul.
Daring to confront the wilderness, she learned to be both a caretaker and a partner. With names like HeMan, PopTart, and Furiosa, each dog brought its unique charm to the pack, creating a tapestry of love and camaraderie. On days laden with challenges—be it the unpredictable weather or a moose spotted around a bend—she felt a strong call to rise above her own struggles, buoyed by the positive energy of her furry friends.
LaLonde reflects on the crucial role her mentor, Will Troshynski, played in her journey. A proud musher who completed his first Iditarod—though slightly shortened due to Covid—he taught her the intricate dance of racing and mushing. Her time at Northern Michigan University shaped her, especially under the guidance of her incredible professors; they were allies in her dream of becoming a musher, allowing her to intertwine her studies with her passion for the great outdoors.
A true Michigander, hailing from Farmington Hills—where there ‘ain’t no farms and no hills neither’—she felt an undeniable pull towards the adventure of dog sledding when she volunteered for the UP 200 race during her freshman year. It was the beginning of a dream that now beckons as she prepares to compete in two final qualifiers—Copper Basin 300 and Yukon Quest 200— to chase her Iditarod dreams in 2023.
With every stride taken alongside her canine companions, she not only supports her beloved dogs but also channels her energy into her organization, Howling Shores Racing. Through it, she hopes to cultivate a safe and empowering community for women and LGBTQI+ individuals in the outdoor realm.
As she confronts skepticism regarding the sport she adores, she passionately reassures naysayers that these dogs are treated like royalty—they are her family. The joy that lights up their faces at the starting line ignites something deep within her, and that happiness is contagious.
So, here she is, a rookie Iditarod musher filled with gratitude for the journey that brought her to this moment. A heartfelt thank you to her sponsors: Ma and Pa, whose unwavering support has always been a beacon in her life; Dominos Pizza, for the late-night fuel during those long training sessions; and the Alaska Trappers Association, who help keep the spirit of adventure alive.
With each passing day, as she trains and prepares her team, Samantha feels the thrill of potential coursing through her veins. The icy winds of Alaska, the soft crunch of snow beneath the sled, and the joyful barks of her team remind her that she is exactly where she’s meant to be—at the confluence of passion, purpose, and the wild.
She takes a moment to breathe in the crisp, cold air, letting it fill her lungs, and reflects on her journey so far. Here, amidst the stark beauty of the Alaskan wilderness, she finds healing and strength, not only for herself but for the dogs she so dearly loves. Each day brings new challenges, but with them, the promise of adventure and the chance to grow.
As the northern lights dance across the sky, shimmering like a dream, Samantha prepares herself for the races ahead. Her heart beats in rhythm with the paws of her faithful companions, and she knows that together, they can achieve something extraordinary. The finish line may seem distant, but with every moment spent training and every mile traveled, she edges closer to her goal—ready to write her own story in the annals of the Iditarod.
The thrill of competition, the camaraderie with her team, and the joy of forging new paths bring Samantha a sense of purpose—a reminder that life is as much about the journey as it is about the destination. As she sets her sights on the horizon, she embraces the unknown, knowing that, with the love of the dogs beside her, there are no limits to what she can achieve.
And as she takes her place on the trail, with her heart full of gratitude, she knows one thing for certain: this is just the beginning of her magnificent adventure in the world of dog sled racing. The call of the wild awaits, and she is ready to answer.