Dog Team, Naknek, AK

Before roads, dog teams provided a good way to get around, part of the year. This photo of the Monsens' dog team was probably taken in 1946 or 1947. For "fuel" to take along on a trip, they would take dried salmon. A trip of 30 miles could take 6-8 hours. Dogs were used to haul water from the local well, to meet the mail plane, and just for visiting people in outlying canneries. They also provided a way for some families to get their children to school.

©Photo from the Monsen Family Collection

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