Turning Heads Kennel

Alaska Dog Sledding Tours

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Sam Paperman

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Sam grew up in Seward, AK next to Travis Beals. As a kid, when he got in trouble, he would go hide in Travis’ dog houses! After that childhood, he started working for Travis at 14 and ran the Junior Iditarod when he was 17, in 2020. The last two years, he has volunteered for the Iditarod Sled Dog Race at the Shaktoolik and Eagle Island checkpoint. This year, Sam finished both the T-Dog 200 and the Kobuk 440.

Sam has been part of the Turning Heads Kennel team for over 8 years on and off. When not working on the Glacier or at the Kennel, Sam also spends time on the RV Sikuliaq as a diesel mechanic.

Min

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Min is our spunky teacup Sheltie and one of the greeter dogs at Turning Heads Kennel. While she’s not a fan of playing fetch, she absolutely loves watching the other dogs play. Min enjoys a good chase, especially when it comes to the sled dogs or the dog cart (if we let her, of course!). She’s a fan of gentle ear scratches and will happily accept them. Min has some quirky habits—she’s a little neurotic when it comes to windows and coffee pots. If someone touches either, you can bet she’ll have a full-on barking fit! Despite her small size, Min has no shortage of confidence and firmly believes she’s the biggest dog in the kennel.

Elias Beals

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Elias Beals is our joyful two-year-old who has a big heart and a love for the little things in life. He’s all about bubbles, trucks, and his beloved cat, Kitty. At the airport, he can’t get enough of meeting new people and watching the helicopters take off—pure fascination in his eyes every time! Elias is happiest when he’s outside, whether he’s sitting on the fuel tractor or running around with the puppies at the kennel. He loves going for dog rides and has a special bond with Min, though his favorite sled dog is Switch. Elias brings so much joy to everyone he meets and makes every moment brighter!

Alpine

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Alpine was born at Turning Heads Kennel. He works at the office and takes his role as airport security very seriously. You will often see him napping between airport patrol runs. He enjoys running, eating meat snacks and meeting new dog friends. 

Carson Olmstead

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Carson Olmstead grew up in Utah, where the stunning landscapes shaped his deep connection to the great outdoors. From the towering peaks of the Wasatch Mountains to the vast deserts, nature has always felt like home to him. Whether hiking, camping, fishing, or simply soaking in a quiet sunrise, Carson has always found peace and inspiration in the natural world. Now, he’s beyond excited to spend the summer working with Seward Helicopters and can’t wait to experience the beauty of Alaska!

This is Amaree’s second season as a glacier guide on Godwin Glacier