Welcome to Finnish Lapland, to Jari and his Siberian Huskies

Lapland is Finland's northernmost region, bordering Sweden, Norway, Russia and the Baltic Sea. The country is sparsely populated and known for its subarctic wilderness and natural phenomena such as the midnight sun and northern lights. The small town of Ivalo lies far above the Arctic Circle and has the northernmost airport in Finland. Ivalo is the home of Jari Leppänen and his currently 28 dogs. He is a trained wilderness guide, an experienced coach, husky and Lapland expert. Ivalo is the starting point for his big and small dog sled tours into the fascinating landscape.

Siberian Huskies: «If you look into their eyes, you see the soul of Lapland»

His ancestors come from northern Siberia. For centuries, the husky was an indispensable companion of the nomadic population living there. The Siberian Husky has adapted itself optimally to the polar regions. Its fur consists of two layers: the water-repellent, robust top coat and the undercoat of fine hair. Together they form an optimal heat insulation. Their main characteristic is their suitability for pulling work. Most impressive are the blue, often differently colored eyes. Huskies have an excellent sense of orientation, their nature is friendly and gentle, always attentive and sociable. The Husky is not a guardian, he is said to be intelligent and easy to direct, which makes him an ideal companion and working dog.

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Jari's dogs, 4 of which were born in the summer of 2020, live in huts or smaller groups in cages and are given free run every day. Senior dogs may enjoy their well-deserved retirement when their time as a train or lead dog ends after about 12 years. All animals are looked after by Jari, which is important for the close relationship between humans and animals. After the first snowfall in November the training starts. The frozen lakes are passable in spring until about April.

Sponsorships: There is nothing good unless you do it! Become a godmother/godfather of a Husky.

You love the north, the Finnish vastness, nature, the northern lights, wooden cabins, sauna, endless snow slopes, silence, adventure and of course dogs? You could imagine to be part of a small community of friends of the Huskies?

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Life in the far north is no walk in the park, often hard and full of privation. The dogs need food, attention, care and medical attention, even if there is no snow and they cannot pull sleds. Huskies need and deserve our support.

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With a sponsorship you contribute to the continuation of this ancient tradition and you benefit from the many advantages that a godmother or godfather has. With a sponsorship, in your name or that of a person receiving a gift, you support Jari and his dogs. A certificate attests the sponsorship of a dog or puppy of your choice. The sponsorship is awarded for one year. Before this period expires, you will be asked if you wish to extend it.

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In addition to a certificate with a photo of «your» dog, we will send you a welcome gift, «hand-crafted from Finnish Lapland». Videos, pictures and news of Jari and his faithful four-legged friends can be seen on the website. We will inform you via newsletter how people and animals are doing in Lapland. We let you participate in the everyday life of the Husky family, all year round.