Rescued sled dog thrives after near-euthanasia at Lapland kennel

A two-year-old sled dog once slated for euthanasia due to its unsuitability for pulling has found a new life as a beloved pet, Finnish broadcaster Yle reports.

Eliise Kõiva adopted Nio from a Lapland sled dog kennel last summer after the animal—described as underweight, fearful, and difficult to handle—was deemed unfit for work. The dog had spent its life confined to a kennel with minimal human or canine interaction, according to the Finnish Animal Protection Association SEY. Images from Yle’s April investigation into sled dog welfare revealed Nio’s emaciated condition, prompting Kõiva to reflect on the animal’s initial state. “Looking at old photos now, I wonder how I even dared bring it home. It didn’t seem to know how to be a dog,” she said.

Nio’s transformation has been gradual. Early days saw the dog refuse to lie down or eat, but trust has since grown. “Fear is still part of daily life, but it’s faded a lot,” Kõiva noted. She renamed the dog upon adoption to mark a fresh start.

The case underscores broader welfare concerns in Finland’s sled dog industry. SEY has received numerous reports from former kennel workers and customers detailing neglect, including inadequate training, overcrowding, and insufficient rest. Some dogs, like Nio, face euthanasia if deemed unfit for labor.

Industry professionals argue for systemic change. Pauliina Mäki, a board member of the Finnish Sled Dog Entrepreneurs Association and owner of Happy Huskies in Ivalo, stresses that dogs must not be treated as mere tools. “Responsible operations mean small group sizes, enough rest days, health monitoring, and scaling work to the dogs’ capacity,” she said. Mäki advocates for a shift in mindset: “Lapland’s appeal shouldn’t rely on pushing animals to their limits. All animal-based tourism is a luxury—customer experiences must never come at the dogs’ expense.”

Timo Rautiainen of Windy Ears Kennel in Rovaniemi, which houses around 150 dogs—30 of them rescues—echoes the need for patience. “Not every customer needs to be taken, and dogs shouldn’t be overworked. Rest is crucial, but so is keeping them active year-round,” he said. His rescued dogs, though initially overweight and poorly trained, adapted well with time.

Sixteen Finnish kennels currently hold the Green Activities certification, which audits welfare standards through on-site inspections. Mäki insists well-cared-for sled dogs enjoy work as much as leisure—provided they receive proper stimulation and social interaction. “A thriving dog isn’t just part of a responsible business; it’s the foundation of the entire operation,” she said.