About Me
Hi! My name is Black Bear, and I am a retired sled dog. I was born in Eagle, Alaska and raised by Bush Alaska Expeditions. I was a lead dog in the 2009 Yukon Quest,
so I have a passion for running...especially in the snow!
When I'm not running or sleeping, I go around and give presentations to teach children and adults what it's like to be a sled dog. I have some people who come along to help me interpret and carry things. They also help me find good homes for my sled dog friends when they retire. Here is more information about what they do:
Radio interviews:
WCNI radio (CT, USA) (Oct 2019)
WCNI radio (CT, USA) (Oct 2021)
Chat & Spin radio (England) (Dec 2020)
Lady Tracey Show (Jamaica) (Dec 2020)
Articles:
Virginia Living Magazine
Ink Magazine
Connect with me via social media, enjoy my books, view my photos/videos, adopt a sled dog, meet my friends, play some games, or contact me.
#blackbearsleddogBooks
When you buy a book, you help rehome retired sled dogs!
Life Lessons from a Sled Dog
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by Denise Lawson
Published by
Brown & Lowe Books
also from:
Black Bear Saves Christmas
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by Denise Lawson
Published by
Brown & Lowe Books
also from:
Black Bear Goes to San Francisco
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by Denise Lawson
Published by
Brown & Lowe Books
also from:
Black Bear Goes to Washington
(description)
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by Denise Lawson
Published by
Brown & Lowe Books
also from:
Coffees
All sales help rehome retired sled dogs...and taste delicious!
Other Goodies
All sales help rehome retired sled dogs
Reviews / Quotes
"...children ages 3-8 will fully enjoy joining Black Bear Sled Dog and friends as they share some simple secrets of happiness. Through playful verse and illustrations, kids will appreciate these life lessons from the sled dog point of view. Entertaining, thoroughly 'kid friendly' in commentary and presentation, thoughtful and thought-provoking, "Life Lessons from a Sled Dog" is especially and unreservedly recommended for family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library picture book collections."
- October 2020 edition of the Midwest Book Review:
Children's Bookwatch
"...'Black Bear Goes to Washington' is unreservedly recommended for family, elementary school, and community library Pets/Wildlife picture book collections."
- March 2019 edition of the Midwest Book Review:
Children's Bookwatch
"...A thoroughly charming picture book story that will have a very special appeal for children ages 5-8, 'Black Bear Goes to Washington' is an especially recommended addition to family, elementary school, and community library Pets/Wildlife picture book collections for young readers."
- February 2019 edition of the Midwest Book Review:
Children's Bookwatch
"...A thoroughly charming, engagingly entertaining, and thoroughly 'kid friendly' in tone and tenor, "Black Bear Goes to San Francisco" will prove to be a welcome addition to family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library picture book collections..."
- December 2019 edition of the Midwest Book Review:
Children's Bookwatch
"...a rhyming picturebook about a hard-working, dark-furred Alaskan sled dog lead named Black Bear. Striking, colorfully painted illustrations bring to life this celebration of hard-working, four-footed sled dogs...A final page of dog sledding facts and special terms rounds out this excellent, read-aloud picturebook for storytime or bedtime."
- January 2020 edition of the Midwest Book Review:
Children's Bookwatch
Black Bear Goes to Washington wins Honorable Mention in the 2021 New York Book Festival.
Meet some of my retired sled dog friends.
Some are available for adoption! (listed first)
Click on a name for more info and pictures,
and filter using the links below:
Comet is retired. He was my main leader. Super loyal and very sweet. Comes when called. He prefers to be outside. I have not had him indoors a lot just because he prefers to hang with his teammates in the dog yard. He is not a high priority for adoption as he is happy here. But if someone wants an older, really gentle dog with a heart of gold, then Comet is the one. Comet is neutered .
Flood is a retired Iditarod lead dog like her sister Fema. Ideally, they would go to a home together as they are bonded to one another. She is a little on the shy side, but very sweet once she gets to know you. She would love to find a home where she can go on hikes and walks with her family. Flood is spayed .
Fema is an incredible Iditarod veteran. She ran as a lead dog and now is ready to relax in retirement. She is very bonded to her sister Flood, so ideally, they would retire together.
Fema is a bit shy, but super sweet once she gets to know you. She would enjoy a retirement with hikes in the outdoors and a loving family. Fema is spayed .
He was one of our old leaders.He is retired. He is great with kids and other dogs. He is GREAT off leash. Comes when called and will follow right along with you on walks and hikes. He loves being indoors and loves attention. One warning though...don't go snowshoeing with him. He will follow so close behind you that he steps on your snowshoes and makes the whole process a bit more work than it should be. Stripe is neutered .
Quantum is a lead dog who loves to hike and enjoy the outdoors. She is great with other dogs and loves snuggling up with her humans.
Quantum is spayed .
Nala is shy but once she gets to know you she will steal your heart. Nala would love a relaxed home with a fenced yard and walks in nature. Nala is spayed .
Pintail is a good-natured dog with a great love for the outdoors. He would make a great companion for hiking and other adventures. Pintail is a lovable and affectionate dog whose favorite place is by your side. Pintail is neutered .
Tecate is great indoors and great with other dogs and kids. He is a fun-loving, goofy boy! He injured his acl last year, so can no longer pull a sled. Tecate is neutered .
Noodle is all personality. This dog needs a family, with kids and car rides. She loves to go running, swimming and hiking. And she is good off leash. She is just the cuddliest, snuggliest dog I have ever met. She loves kids. She is good with other dogs. And she likes to be indoors. She can't get too over-exerted, meaning she can't run over eight miles. Her blood sugar drops and she will end up having seizures. This has not happened in over two years (since we figured out the issue). So she no longer goes with the team on longer runs. But she is ready to be a pet. She is by far the most popular dog in our kennel. Everybody loves Noodle. Noodle is spayed .
Jayna (JJ) came to us and was super shy. Like wouldn't come out of her house. That shy. She now runs free in the dog yard, comes when called and is an exceptional sled dog. Best puller and good leader. So if someone wants to skijor or bikejor, she would do great. She is still shy around strangers, but warms up pretty quick. She has been indoors and does fine, but she starts to pace after a while, so will need more exposure. She is a sweet dog and the amount of growth I have seen in her makes her one very special dog. She is on the left in the 2-dog photo. Jayna is spayed .
Bridget has an enormous heart and fiery attitude. (Not a fighter, but not afraid to stand up for herself.) She is a 5 year old intact female. Good with other dogs and children, though she might have issues with a dominant female dog. Lots of energy. She has a persistent elbow injury, so she shouldn’t do any serious work. House trained, good off leash.
Byork is the funniest and silliest dog. She gets so excited to have treats she wiggles her body and can't even maintain control of the treat so the treat goes flying across the room. Which only makes her more excited. So fun to watch. She is a great sled dog and would love to go hiking and running. She loves being indoors on the coach. And if there are other dogs there she will be sure to take up so much space that it is difficult for others to share it with her. This of course is on purpose. She doesn't like sharing her chair. She does not have good recall, so if she is off leash she tends to run in every direction she can. She gets so excited. So we never let her run loose. This is one happy dog. Byork is spayed .
Mario is shy at first but he’s an incredibly sweet dog once he gets comfortable with you. He is great with other dogs and with children, but can be reactive/defensive towards aggressive male dogs. He is a 4 year old neutered male. This winter he picked up a hitch in his back left leg, and shouldn’t do any serious pulling. He would probably be fine doing light recreational mushing or skijoring. Great off-leash. House-trained. Mario is neutered .
Mercy is an energetic and rambunctious 4 year old spayed female. She LOVES to pull. She loves it so much that she wears herself out very easily. Mercy would do great with a rec team or a skijorer. A bit shy but very nice. Great with other dogs and children. Good off leash, but not house-trained. Mercy is spayed .
Silver LOVES being indoors. She has an infectious personality and is probably the coolest looking dog I own. She is good off leash and comes when called. She is also active and would love to hike, run, skijor or bikejor. Good with kids and other dogs. She is super smart. Silver is spayed .
Nulchin is shy, but warms up quickly. She loves to run at you and jump into your arms. If you are not expecting it, she will knock you down. She is very attached to me, so if someone adopted her they would have to be a gentle, compassionate soul. This girl is my baby. It will have to be a pretty special person to adopt her. I am not 100% sure I will part with her, unless it is a super stable, super happy person. Preferably a family with kids. Nulchin is spayed .
Sweet and playful. Ash is being retired due to a thyroid issue, otherwise she is healthy and full of fun! Ash is spayed .
14 weeks old playful puppy ready to explore the world! She comes from a line of Iditarod dogs and seeks an active home life with lots of cuddles. Rosie's sister. Fern is spayed .
Delilah is a happy go lucky girl with a sweet disposition who has run pretty much anywhere on a dog team. She would fit in well in an active home where she gets to go on frequent hikes and walks. Delilah is spayed .
Savage is a lead dog ready to retire to an active home where she can enjoy the great outdoors. She would make a good bikjor or canicross partner as she still loves to run! Savage is spayed .
Gush is an amazing Iditarod veteran. He is a fun-loving, goofy boy that still likes to go on outdoor adventures. He would do well in a home with other dogs and loving humans that like to have fun. Gush is neutered .
Tempest is a sweet girl who loves to get out for hikes and long walks. She was on the team roster for the 2017 Iditarod. Tempest is spayed .
Nenana is an affectionate girl with a playful side. She may be retiring, but she still loves to run. Nenana is spayed .
Daffy is a happy go lucky pup who will make a great companion both indoors and out! Daffy is spayed .
In spite of his name, Grumpy is a fun-loving boy who loves an active life. His brother is Chunky! Grumpy is neutered .
Chunky is neutered .
Brooks is a laid-back fellow who would love to skijor, hike and walk with you and then join you back on the couch after adventures. He's housebroken. Brooks is neutered .
Quartz is a sweet boy who loves to cuddle. Playful and active, he will make a great companion for outdoor adventures! Quartz is neutered .
Wheel dog. Loves all people. Madam Curie is spayed .
Tesla is from the scientists litter. Tesla is a smart dog and aims to please! Tesla is spayed .
Playful dog with lots of energy. A great companion for hikes and adventures! Rocket is neutered .
Willow is the nickname for 'Widow Lantern' - a traditional lantern in the Iditarod race. Fifty and Widow are a brother/sister pair. These sweet retired Iditarod dogs would do great with a recreational musher or active family! They don't have to go to the same home, but they run so nicely together. Swing dog. Widow Lantern is spayed .
Fifty is the nickname for '50 Below'. Fifty and Widow are a brother/sister pair. These sweet retired Iditarod dogs would do great with a recreational musher or active family! They don't have to go to the same home, but they run so nicely together. Wheel dog. Fifty Below is neutered .
Bashful is a small sprint dog with lots of enthusiasm. She's a smart dog who loves looks at you and wants to please you. Loves to cuddle and lick. Bashful is spayed .
Guano is a lovable wheel dog who is all heart! A wonderful companion who loves the outdoors. Guano is neutered .
Etta would be fine as an only dog or with another dog. She's very sweet tempered and good with kids. She is a 3-legged dog, without her front right leg, but she is still one of the fastest dogs we've seen. Wheel dog. Died of cancer. Etta is spayed .
Rugby is a very sweet girl with people. She would do best in a home without other animals. She would be fine around children older than 8, as smaller children may not know what not to do around her.
Rugby has been an Iditarod alternate multiple times. She has been in many 200-300 mile races, retired from racing and ready for her retired home. She is active and healthy and has been running in team position until Oct 2020. Team, wheel dog. Rugby is spayed .
Rugby has been an Iditarod alternate multiple times. She has been in many 200-300 mile races, retired from racing and ready for her retired home. She is active and healthy and has been running in team position until Oct 2020. Team, wheel dog. Rugby is spayed .
Cash, short for Cashew, from the nuts litter, is a happy go-lucky female. Team dog. Cash is spayed .
Coco, short for Coconut, from the nuts litter, is a happy go-lucky female. Team dog. Coco is spayed .
Hanna is very kind and happy to see people and kids. She recently recovered from an injury from a wolf. She is doing well both physically and mentally, but she is a sensitive girl.
Banana, of the Fruit Litter, is the musher Cindy Abbott's favorite dog. Lead dog. Banana is neutered .
Aang, of the Avatar Litter, has completed two Iditarod races. I call him my Hippy Dog because he is the most chill dog on the planet. Nothing bothers him. He shows no interest in the kennel cat, he loves all other dogs, and he free-runs exploring the kennel but never leaves the grounds. Aang loves when I softly sing into his ear. Everyone who meets Aang loves him. He is in excellent health. Aang is super calm and nothing bothers him. Lead dog. Aang is neutered .
Lonesome is a smart loyal dog, related to Black Bear Lonesome is spayed .
Peach, of the Fruit Litter, has completed one Iditarod race. She is in excellent health. Peach loves other non-aggressive dogs, she loves all people but can be a little shy. Peach needs a home without small animals like cats. She has never hurt another animal but she is very interested in the kennel cat. Peach free-runs on the kennel grounds and has never left the grounds. She also loves to have her ears and back scratched. Lead dog. Peach is spayed .
Runner is a sweetheart of a dog. Really good walking companion. Great indoors. Tolerates our cat but has never bothered her and yet always shows an interest. So a slow and careful introduction would be suggested. Lead dog.
PatientID: 40361 @ Shenandoah Animal Hospital Runner is neutered .
Puma is spayed .
Dory is a shy dog. Dory is a special girl from the boat litter who loves hugs. At 40 pounds, she is smaller than her brothers, but just as tough. Dory has run the Iditarod 5 times and has no health issues, ever. She would be a good recreational musher. Tug's and Barge's sister. Team, wheel dog.
Dory is spayed .
Tug is very sweet and a little bigger than his twin Barge. Tug is Dory's brother. He always ran in swing. Tug was the 'rock' of the team. No matter what was going on, he always held the team! He ran two Iditarods! He never has any trouble when he runs. Swing dog.
Tug (Dream A Dream) is neutered .
From J.Jay Levy's kennel. Storm's sister and child of Peeka.
From J.Jay Levy's kennel. Cloud's sister and child of Peeka. Storm is eneretic, playful pup with a sweet disposition. Housebroken, good on or off leash and will behave in the house.
From John Schandelmeier's kennel. Julio is neutered .
Robin is from J.Jay Levy's kennel.
Triumph is from John Schandelmeier's kennel. He has run the Iditarod.
Adopter: VA
Tim Manville Triumph is neutered .
Musher Cindy Abbott's favorite dog. Barge is a newly retired Iditarod veteran. His brothers are Yacht and Kayak from the boat litter! Barge is a special boy with a heart of gold....very loving and ready for an active retirement. Barge has run in several Iditarods.. Retired Dec 16, 2020. Team dog. Barge is neutered .
Ruler is from the 'School Supplies' litter and weighs about 60lbs. He completed the Iditarod several times with musher Cindy Abbott. Very loving and not aggressive. Would do well with small kids. Would do well with other dogs as long as the dog was not aggressive. Ruler is goofy. Team dog Ruler is neutered .
Eraser is from the 'School Supplies' litter and weighs about 55lbs. She completed the Iditarod several times with musher Cindy Abbott. Very loving and not aggressive. Would do well with small kids. Would do well with other dogs as long as the dog was not aggressive. Eraser is shy. Team dog. Eraser is spayed .
An Iditarod veteran. Gentle giant full of love, retired from racing and ready for his retired home. Team dog. Kayak is neutered .
An Iditarod veteran. Gentle giant full of love, retired from racing and ready for his retired home. A team dog. Yacht is neutered .
Ruby is very calm and gentle. She loves to give and get hugs and kisses. She loves to run, but isn't really interested in pulling a sled. Ruby is part border collie and very people-oriented. Ruby is spayed .
Super sweet; there’s not a mean bone in this boy's body, he loves everyone. He is very fast and is an honest, hard worker. Great eater, easy keeper. Enjoys outdoors and indoors. Loves kids, but would be just as happy as someone’s all-the-time adventure buddy. Timo is neutered .
Observant, calm, and sweet. Very kind and shy. Brown with some white and black; brown eyes. Prefers the company of older children and plays well with other dogs. Geega is neutered .
Fox and brother Paxson were lead dogs on Dallas Seavey's winning 2014 & 2015 Iditarod teams! Lead dog. Fox is neutered .
Paxson and brother Fox were lead dogs on Dallas Seavey's winning 2014 & 2015 Iditarod teams! Lead dog. Paxson is neutered .
Playful, energetic, loving and loves affection. Plays well with other dogs. Small/medium, black with some white and tan; brown eyes Gracie is spayed .
Sweet, gentle, patient & affectionate. Plays well with other dogs. Small/medium, tan and white with some brown; brown eyes Bella is spayed .
Zoe is a 2-year old Siberian/Alaskan mixed sled dog hailing all the way from Alaska! Her owner had to downsize his mushing team due to financial hardships and had to let Zoe go.
She is an athlete and can run for miles and miles. She'd be great for someone who is active and likes to run and hike, and/or someone who would like to try canicross, bikejoring, or mushing with her. She's got a strong prey drive though, so she'd benefit from obedience training. She was raised with other dogs but doesn't seem to be a fan of her exuberant foster husky brother. We've heard that she loved to run and play in Alaska so we’re hoping she warms up to him as she adjusts to her new environment. She is completely fine with her senior foster sister though. Lead dog. Zoe is spayed .
She is an athlete and can run for miles and miles. She'd be great for someone who is active and likes to run and hike, and/or someone who would like to try canicross, bikejoring, or mushing with her. She's got a strong prey drive though, so she'd benefit from obedience training. She was raised with other dogs but doesn't seem to be a fan of her exuberant foster husky brother. We've heard that she loved to run and play in Alaska so we’re hoping she warms up to him as she adjusts to her new environment. She is completely fine with her senior foster sister though. Lead dog. Zoe is spayed .
Noland is a 55 lb. husky and likely part greyhound. He is very curious, playful, goofy and gentle, with a unique howl. Grew up in a dog yard and loves to run as a team or lead dog, but also loves to be in the house to nap and get attention. He is crate-trained, knows how to use a doggie door, and is good with other dogs and cats. Team dog. Noland is neutered .
Brush is a gentle soul. A wonderful quiet companion and sweet dog who likes to run.Lead, swing, team dog Brush is spayed .
Hippo is a happy-go-lucky wheel dog. He loves to make new friends and would make a great partner for recreational running. He is from the safari litter. Lead, swing, team, wheel dog Hippo is neutered .
Gazelle is such a sweetie, everyone just falls in love with her. Gazelle is from the safari litter. Team, wheel dog Gazelle is spayed .
Twosome is a relaxed pup who is a great companion for 2-legged and 4-legged friends! Swing, team dog Two-some is spayed .
Una weighs about 50 lbs. She is a playful pup and loves to cuddle! She is trained as a sled dog, but prefers recreational activities over the working dog life. Una is spayed .
Chabo is a Greenland Inuit Sled Dog. A sweet, affectionate boy with a heart of gold. Still very active and likes to run, but is ready to retire from pulling a sled. Wheel dog Chabo is neutered .
A happy go-lucky affectionate dog. she can never get enough hugs. Wheel dog. Father: Bridger or Jake Lefty is spayed .
Team, wheel dog. He is Swannie's and Copper's brother. He loves to run and play. Comet is neutered .
Swannie, Comet and Copper are brothers. Swannie loves to run and be outside, but he just can't quite keep up with the younger dogs these days. He loves to be in the middle of the action. Sometimes Swannie and I would get to sleep in the cabin at night when we were out on an expedition. We would doze off while listening to the mushers swap stories of the adventures of the day. Lead, swing, team dog Swannie is neutered .
Kimber and Electra are sisters and both are former lead dogs. Electra is very adoptable. She is friendly with all people and other dogs, and very intelligent & curious. She has helped train younger dogs. She is 50lbs, brown eyed, and spayed. She is 9 years old, like her sister Kimber. Electra is spayed .
Djembe is one of our best leaders - he is big and strong and often used to break trail in deep snow for others because he had such long legs. But he is also such a sweet boy who loves to cuddle on the bed and make funny groan noises that crack me up!. Born sometime in 2007 Djemba is neutered .
Copper was a wheel dog.He is a quiet, lovable soul. He is younger than Black Bear by just a month. He started to slow down and is content to relax by the fire, but still likes to go out for short runs. Copper is neutered .
Salmon is so tasty. I am not sure, but I think my coat is so shiny because I ate so much salmon growing up. I was born to run. It is in my blood. Even though I am retired, I still love to run several times a week. When out on a run, creek beds are so cool and refreshing. I like to lay down in the middle of a creek to take a break on warm days. I get so excited when it snows. I love running and playing in the snow.
When I was in Alaska,I used to howl with contentment under the light of the moon after eating dinner. I don't do that now that I live in Virginia. I was a lead, swing and team dog. Black Bear is spayed .
When I was in Alaska,I used to howl with contentment under the light of the moon after eating dinner. I don't do that now that I live in Virginia. I was a lead, swing and team dog. Black Bear is spayed .