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Why Choose Muktuk?
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Highest Standards of Dog care |
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 We
always put the well-being of our dogs first. Our commitment
to dogs is much more than just words: our actions demonstrate
that is is an ongoing practice and a long-standing tradition
at Muktuk. Frank's commitment to dog care has been recognized
by the veterinarians of the Yukon Quest International Sled Dog
Race – he was awarded the very first Yukon Quest Vet's
Choice Award for humane and excellent dog care, in 1991. He
received the award again in 2001, making him one of only two
mushers to receive the award twice.
 On
a daily basis, we provide the best possible general care,
nutrition, training, and health care. We care for all our
dogs throughout their natural life, ensuring that our older
dogs have a comfortable "retirement." When any of
them have an injury, or develop an illness, we get the best
care available for them, regardless of their age or their
participation in teams. Right is the picture of our canine
medicine cabinets
 Lastly,
we do not "cull" our kennels. Many of our retirees
live to 14 or 15, and a couple have lived past 17! Here Frodo
is basking in the sun, in his last year, at age 14. Once a dog
"retires", we have them spayed or neutered, so they
can run free in the yard.
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Safety & Quality Service |
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 As
with any other sport, mushing has a certain level of risk. We
are fully aware of this, and require that all our guides be
experienced. They must have official certification for both
wilderness first aid and guiding.
In addition, we have a rule that one guide cares for no more
than 4 guests. We have this rule to ensure safety and also
to allow each guest to have a true wilderness experience.
And when more than four people are involved, we use more than
one guide.
 When
camping, we take a SAT phone and have a guide on standby at
the base camp, in case help is needed. Finally, for the benefit
and safety of both our dogs and our clients, we work with the
finest quality sleds and the best mushing equipment available.
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Customized Programs & Tours |
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 We
design each tour specifically to fit the interests and skill-level
of each client. We can offer you the perfect adventure, whether
you are a rookie going for your very first run, or an experienced
musher wanting to face new challenges. We focus on active learning
adventures, and want to provide an experience that allows each
participant to test their own limits and go as far as they would
like, in mushing terms. We have had clients return year after
year, and eventually try a little racing – whatever the
dream, we will try to make it come true. |
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World Class Dogs & an Authentic
Experience |
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 When
you stand on the sled runners, your team of huskies is at least
10 feet ahead of you; and the lead dogs, depending on the size
of the team, up to 50 feet ahead. So it is very important to
have leaders who listen well and obey commands. Our dogs are
all well-trained racing dogs and you will be astonished at how
well they behave and listen to every word you say.
 There
are many large kennels in the region, and some will claim to
have Quest dogs and Quest experience. But do they really have
Quest dogs? And have they actually run the Quest? For us, the
Quest has been a way of life for over two decades – not
an occasional adventure. No other kennel in the area has so
many true Quest dogs, and no other tour operator can honestly
claim to have the extensive Quest history that Frank has (22
Quests to date!).
Last, but perhaps most important, nowhere will you find dogs
who are more friendly or better socialized than the Muktuk teams.
We have over 100 world-class long-distance sled dogs in our
kennel, and they are all extremely friendly. |
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Muktuk's Special Blend of Hospitality |
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 We
have cozy cabins and special Arctic Oven tents for the comfort
of our clients. You will be part of the Muktuk Family during
your stay. We offer excellent cuisines, featuring nutritional
and hearty meals and snacks, with game, traditional Alpine Bakery
breads, and local produce, when available. We also offer our
own special blends of locally roasted and blended coffees. At
the end of the day, you can luxuriate in our beautiful cedar
sauna. |
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Pristine Wilderness & Silence |
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 Our
ranch is close to town, yet secluded and remote, located on
the Takhini River, 2 miles off the Alaska Highway. Magnificent
trails traverse woodlands, rivers and lakes, with spectacular
mountain scenery at every turn, splendid aurora on night runs,
and – best of all – silence. One trail runs along
the Old Dawson Trail, which is also the Yukon Quest route, and
a portion of the Trans-Canada Trail, giving visitors a glimpse
into history and into the Quest itself. In limiting group size
and avoiding well-travelled trails, we can offer true wilderness
tours. |
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Frank's Stories |
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 You
will not be driving the sled all day, afterall! Our guides will
introduce you to the history of mushing and other winter activities.
Frank and our crew have extensive knowledge of canine nutrition
and health care, for those who want to learn more in this area.
And in the evening, you can join us in the lodge, where you
may hear funny stories (and some serious ones) from the 22 Yukon
Quests that Frank has entered. No other tour operator can offer
this special entertainment! |
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| In addition to these reasons, you
can also look at our answers
to the Mushing Magazine questions for tour operators. They recommend
that you ask these questions of each operator you are considering.
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