My love for dogs started at a young age when my family had a Swedish Elkhound named Milla, who was just two years younger than me. When I was 13 years old, it was time to say goodbye to my dear friend Milla, and our family decided to welcome a new puppy. Inspired by Disney’s ”Snow Dogs” movie, I had developed an interest in sled dogs a couple of years earlier, and now it was my turn to voice my opinion about getting a puppy. I found a litter of Siberian Huskies online, and in the summer of 2010, we traveled to Kemi to bring our new family member, ”Diva,” home
With my own Siberian Husky Diva, I got to know local sled dog enthusiasts and had my first experience driving a sled. Soon, a single-dog team started feeling too small, and our pack grew with another Siberian Husky named ”Siiri.”
In 2015, Diva had a litter of five puppies, two of which stayed with my own pack (Cream & Crystal). In early winter 2016, I moved away from my childhood home for the first time when I got a job as a guide at a safari kennel in Ivalo.
After the winter, I returned to my childhood home to pursue my studies in physiotherapy. Once I graduated, I moved back to Ivalo with my dogs in the fall of 2020. At that point, my pack had grown to eight huskies, with several competitions under our belt, and I became increasingly interested in establishing my own small husky safari kennel.
I noticed there was something missing in the area: a small-scale husky company offering private, dog-centered experiences. Starting my own safari business required a few new dogs, so during that winter, two Alaskan Huskies and another Siberian Husky joined the team — bringing our pack to eleven.
My goal has always been to create unforgettable, meaningful dog adventures for my guests. Above all, I’m committed to ensuring that every activity respects the mental and physical wellbeing of the dogs. At Happy Huskies, you can experience a genuine connection between humans and animals — and see for yourself how loved and well-cared-for our dogs truly are.
I officially founded Happy Huskies in 2020, and welcomed our first guests in the summer of 2021. For me, my dogs are family members, and I aim to offer highly personalized, ethical experiences where the wellbeing of the dogs always comes first.
Be sure to visit our Responsibility & Values section to learn more about our guiding principles and what daily life looks like at Happy Huskies.
<3: Pauliina
