From catwalk to sledging, she reigns everywhere …

She walked the runway in Milan and other fashion capitals of the world besides traveling to different corners of the globe as part of her modeling career. She happily took it in her stride for almost thirteen years. She had everything by then: Fame, money and what not. But strangely, she was feeling empty inside and wanted to do something that could make her life more fulfilling. This is when it dawned on her that her love for animals is where her heart and soul lie. And yes, that star is none other than Zoya Denure, Wisconsin-born Alaska-based musher. In an exclusive interview with Arab News, she tells us how it all started.

What prompted you to switch from modeling to taking care of sled dogs?
I would say it was a fluke! No, honestly, it wasn’t something I saw coming; or would have anticipated! I came back home to Wisconsin from runway modeling in Italy in 1999. I badly needed a break from the hectic lifestyle and traveling I had confined myself to and in so doing decided to take a break for one year. It was during that year I bought a Siberian husky puppy, named Ethan. He was just my house pet.
I also met a woman in the area who had 75 sled dogs. She was a professional sprint musher. I thought this sledding was only in the movies. She became my mentor that year and taught me how to care for the dogs, feed them, harness them and run them with the sled. From there, my mind went into overdrive!

How did this come about?
I took a year off modeling to find my higher calling. Internally, I knew I needed more nature, outdoors and fresh air in my life — little did I know that the calling included a pack of dogs!

Were you fond of pets since childhood?
Yes! We had cats and I would volunteer at the local animal shelter. I would clean cages and walk dogs. I worked on a dairy farm taking care of baby cows aged 9 to 11. Those were the happiest years of my childhood.

What pets do you have at home?
I have Ethan still with me. He is 16 now. And a husky mix born here, named, Maudie. Sometimes retired sled dogs come to the house, too. We have two bunnies for our daughter, too.

How did your family members react to your new job?
My mother was very supportive when I told her I was moving to Alaska. She knew I was looking for a change and was excited to see me so passionate about something I truly believed in. Most importantly, she too loves dogs and we share that same affinity toward animals and the outdoors.

In what ways has your life changed since you got involved in animal welfare?
I have loads of responsibilities now to think about! I went from being a single girl to a kennel owner of 50 dogs, a husband and two young children (aged five years and three months) and I spend much of my time outside working with the animals.
Plus on a Friday night, instead of being out with my girlfriends, I’m most likely on a sled running my team under the moonlight through the mountain terrain. I have to work hard to pay for this lifestyle with dogs.

What are the aims of “The Crazy Dog Kennel”?
We aim to have successful racing each year! We are a smaller kennel compared to our competition. Yet, we feel proud of ourselves that we aim to make a difference in the lives of each dog we train, rescue and rehabilitate.
We are not like your typical kennel. Our training is all positive and natural, keeping the dogs very happy and trusting. The dogs that don’t make the racing team stay to run tours or we find a nice place for them that can recognize their needs and talents.
We aim to educate and teach what is now considered a lost skill or dying lifestyle by bringing groups of interested people, schools and touring visitors into our kennel and teaching them about training, care, racing and all around mushing.

What triggered your interest in “The Iditarod race”?
That’s the only race I had ever heard about. It receives the most media out of all the races. I was intrigued because of the camping with the dogs in the wilderness, running long distances and running over varied terrain. Running night and day seemed like a great adventure! The Iditarod race offers mushers a 9-12 day trip across Alaska with some of the world’s best dog teams and drivers. What a grand way to travel!

Was this decision of yours to crack open the stereotypical belief that women cannot compete in mushing races?
There are definitely more men than women in this sport. I do like to prove that women can do anything they set their heart and mind on! I was just thinking I could do it just as good as the men when I first started 12 years ago. Why not? My mother always told me I could do or be anything I set out to be. She was right. So I set no limit on myself. Ever!
I came from a broken family. I had a hard childhood where I had to overcome many problems. I did it mostly on my own. I just kept the faith, worked hard and always kept trying. It was like one foot in front of the other.
This is a message we need to keep on spreading to our girls of future generations. I’m a mother and a wife now…and still am living my dreams. But I work very hard for all of it!

How tough was it for you when it came to learning the know-how of this highly competitive race?
It takes time and yes, it was a great challenge. Knowing how to train, feed, and care for these canine athletes under extreme weather and conditions is very important and key to success. Learning how to care for yourself (keeping hydrated, mental clarity when sleep deprived) takes time, practice and error…but we evolve as we race from year to year.
Also the strategy of racing itself takes time, patience, common sense and a little bit of luck. There are layers and layers to mushing and racing dogs. Like in life, we hopefully evolve and become better!
Were you ever criticized by the male rivals?
Yes! Some of the men would say I wouldn’t last because I was a model or I was too pretty to be on the trail with dogs. Once I overheard them saying it was my husband’s team...I quickly replied “no guys, this is my team that I’ve trained.” That got their attention and respect.
What is it that you like about this sport?
I like seeing my dogs do what they love to do... And to get “credit” for their ability...it’s in their blood. They were born and bred to run. I do love others seeing my beautiful dogs in action, too.
And being able to run across the Alaska country on a sled with my furry friends in a prestige competition with other well regarded and well trained teams is not just fun but very satisfying. We all work very hard at this
together.

What foods do you give them to eat?
A high performance dry kibble is made for race dogs. Also salmon, beef, chicken fat and horse meats are served which they eat 2-4 times daily.

How difficult is it for you when it comes to training your sled dogs for the races?
It can take all day sometimes! We start in August and by December the dogs will have 1,000 miles logged on. The sled runs will be 4-9 hours long. It’s difficult to do all of my training, with little kids home to raise and I don’t want to be away that much right now and so now my husband, also a top musher, helps pick up a lot of the training. The dogs know and like him the same! We do everything together…sharing meal preparations, house chores, kennel management, training, etc.

What’s the major reason behind people abandoning these dogs to live on their own?
I believe there are many reasons. The expense, the time it takes to care and train, some owners give excuses such as the dog is “too slow, too thin, wrong color, too shy, etc.” Some need to move out of state for work.

How important has your husband’s role been in making this a success?
Huge! I’m very passionate about what we do but it takes two to do all that we do. He’s very kind to the dogs naturally, is very patient, understanding, willing to work 20 hours for days...without hesitation.
And together we work it full time like it’s the most important thing there is. I’m really thankful for that.

What are your future plans?
We would keep on racing and hope to make a difference in the lives of the dogs by building a facility and keep on doing the work we do. Our mission is to inspire others who also live with big dreams in their hearts and to educate those interested in the sport.
Anyone interested in becoming a private donor or sponsor will automatically become a member of crazy dog kennel canine rescue and racing. We are non-profit and all proceeds go toward building a canine wellness facility.

Email: [email protected]