Laura Bontranger
Sunbird Kennels — Deer Park, Michigan
Laura discovered her passion for mushing over 25 years ago through a 4-H group started by her mentors, Jan and Bob Shaw. She was hooked from the very first day, even while scooping poop. Since then, raising, training, and traveling with her dogs—who she proudly calls family—has become her way of life. When she’s not out on the sled trails, you’ll find her field-trial training with her Black Labrador Retriever. She’s thrilled to be running her first Klondike as a Rookie alongside her lead dog, Gotti.