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What do injured animals, a big-hearted musher named Jim Feyen, and a deep love for winter have in common? If you are dreaming about dog sledding in Wisconsin, you are about to meet the magic behind The Siberian Outpost.
Meet The Siberian Outpost
Every dog here is a rescue. Jim and his family take in huskies who were failed by humans, give them patient rehabilitation, and invite them into something bigger than themselves. They do not just care for dogs. They build a team.
Listen to Jim for five minutes and you will hear it. He will tell you the facts, like how a fifty-pound dog can pull around one hundred pounds and how Siberians feel perfectly cozy outside down to thirty below. But then his voice softens, and you hear what really matters. Trust takes time. Healing takes even longer. For some of these dogs, it can take three to five years to unwind the damage and help them believe in people again.
“If I cannot teach a dog left and right I failed as a trainer. If I cannot earn their dedication and devotion I failed as a human.”
Cue the happy tears…
Joy That You Can Feel
The moment the harnesses come out the whole team begins to sing. Paws dance. Tails whirl. It is pure, contagious joy. I took a ride behind the team and, yes, quite a few of us had misty eyes. I kept thinking about the school groups who visit and learn Iditarod history, then climb onto a sled for the ride of their lives. It is education with a heartbeat.
Honoring Every Life
The love does not end when a good dog runs their last mile. The Outpost keeps a wall of honor with each dog’s photo and retired harness. It is a quiet, beautiful reminder that every mile and every lesson mattered.
Visit, Learn, Mush
Find The Siberian Outpost near Malone, about eight miles east of Fond du Lac just off Highway 151. Scheduled visitors help with harnessing, learn the basics of mushing, and get hands-on time with the team while hearing the history behind the sport. It is an unforgettable Wisconsin winter experience.
Tip for planners: make a day of it and explore more of the area after your ride. You will find plenty of ideas in my guide to the 21 Top Things to Do in Fond du Lac. You can also prep for your pup-friendly road time with my Top Tips for Long Car Rides With Dogs.
How You Can Help
They did not ask me to write this part, but it matters. Food and medical care for a pack of rescues is expensive. The Outpost covers heated floors for winter comfort, medications when needed, and all the slow, careful work that turns wounded animals into nose-booping love bugs.
If this moved you, please consider sending a note and a donation:
Siberian Outpost Address:
Siberian Outpost
N9103 County Rd W
Malone, WI 53049
920-960-4252
Then put a visit on your calendar and tell them I sent you. You will leave with a full heart, a wind-kissed face, and maybe a little dog hair on your coat. Worth it.
Blessings,
Dannelle
