Sled Dogs in America

Sled Dogs in America: The Art of Veryl Goodnight is an in-depth look at the incredible paintings done by the Colorado artist who has elevated the history of sled dogs to an exhibit at the prestigious Western Spirit Museum in Scottsdale, Arizona. Running for nine months, from July, 2024 through April, 2025, the exhibit showcases not only the paintings done by Veryl Goodnight, but includes the history behind the paintings as researched by Alaskan historian Helen Hegener, author of the landmark book Sled Dogs in North America (Northern Light Media, 2023). This book details the history behind the paintings which comprise the exhibit.

Beginning with the first inhabitants of North America, who were almost certainly accompanied by sled dogs, this book highlights the partnership between men and dogs down through the decades. Veryl Goodnight's paintings vividly tell the stories of the intrepid sled dog teams which delivered the mail, the dogs who moved freight and supplies across endless winter trails, the Klondike Gold Rush dogs made famous in Jack London's writings, and the dogs who even today carry park rangers and haul supplies in Denali National Park in Alaska. Also included are stories of the great dog teams of the Arctic explorers, the sled dog teams who served in the military, the sled dogs of the great fur trapping and trading empires, the life-saving Serum Run to Nome in 1925, and many more.

Pairing the history in photographs and text with the incomparable beauty and historically accurate detail of her paintings, Veryl Goodnight brings a long overdue honor to the brave sled dogs whose role in our history cannot be forgotten.