Melissa Mendelson
@flightriskmushing.bsky.social
Small racing kennel of Melissa (Jewish, she/her) and alaskan huskies under the name Flight Risk Mushing! Art account: @zulayawolf.bsky.social #uglydogs
flightriskmushing.com
flightriskmushing.com
Pinned
My kennel website got a huge face-lift!! Everything is up to date now, and dog sponsorships are open for the 2025-26 season. Each dog can only have one sponsor, so you really will get to follow "your" dog through the season!
flightriskmushing.com
flightriskmushing.com
Reposted by Melissa Mendelson
ITI is soon and the final race prep is commencing! Before things get too hectic, I want to share some things that will be different about #ITIAlaska this year, compared to when I raced it two years ago 🧵
February 10, 2026 at 2:16 PM
ITI is soon and the final race prep is commencing! Before things get too hectic, I want to share some things that will be different about #ITIAlaska this year, compared to when I raced it two years ago 🧵
Reposted by Melissa Mendelson
More problems with ITC and the musher Kjell Inge Rokke. I saw this in FB and took screenshots.
TW: abuse human and animal, Epstein
#uglydogs #mushersky #iditarod
TW: abuse human and animal, Epstein
#uglydogs #mushersky #iditarod
February 9, 2026 at 4:20 PM
More problems with ITC and the musher Kjell Inge Rokke. I saw this in FB and took screenshots.
TW: abuse human and animal, Epstein
#uglydogs #mushersky #iditarod
TW: abuse human and animal, Epstein
#uglydogs #mushersky #iditarod
Northern Pines!! I love this race. It has such a campy, community driven atmosphere and even better, it's 30 minutes from my house!
I've been dealing with a lot of shoulder injuries this year, so I was going into the 8 dog class with only 6 dogs.
I've been dealing with a lot of shoulder injuries this year, so I was going into the 8 dog class with only 6 dogs.
February 9, 2026 at 5:07 AM
Northern Pines!! I love this race. It has such a campy, community driven atmosphere and even better, it's 30 minutes from my house!
I've been dealing with a lot of shoulder injuries this year, so I was going into the 8 dog class with only 6 dogs.
I've been dealing with a lot of shoulder injuries this year, so I was going into the 8 dog class with only 6 dogs.
Reposted by Melissa Mendelson
This video was supposed to attach 🤣 I saw Melissa and Taylor twice on the trail!
February 7, 2026 at 8:16 PM
This video was supposed to attach 🤣 I saw Melissa and Taylor twice on the trail!
Northern Pines is tomorrow!! The team will be:
Compass - Foucher
Kestrel - croissant
Loaf - Ordona
Cant wait to return to my favorite local race!!
Compass - Foucher
Kestrel - croissant
Loaf - Ordona
Cant wait to return to my favorite local race!!
February 7, 2026 at 6:03 AM
Northern Pines is tomorrow!! The team will be:
Compass - Foucher
Kestrel - croissant
Loaf - Ordona
Cant wait to return to my favorite local race!!
Compass - Foucher
Kestrel - croissant
Loaf - Ordona
Cant wait to return to my favorite local race!!
#uglydogs #mushersky anyone ever want to handle for a team at a sled dog race?
Need an emergency last minute handler for Midnight Run!!!
My handler may need to back out last second for health issues (TOTALLY VALID) but I can't do the race without a handler. If you drive yourself to Marquette, I need you Feb 13-14. If you ride with me, Feb 12-15. (Continued in thread)
My handler may need to back out last second for health issues (TOTALLY VALID) but I can't do the race without a handler. If you drive yourself to Marquette, I need you Feb 13-14. If you ride with me, Feb 12-15. (Continued in thread)
February 4, 2026 at 2:48 AM
#uglydogs #mushersky anyone ever want to handle for a team at a sled dog race?
Need an emergency last minute handler for Midnight Run!!!
My handler may need to back out last second for health issues (TOTALLY VALID) but I can't do the race without a handler. If you drive yourself to Marquette, I need you Feb 13-14. If you ride with me, Feb 12-15. (Continued in thread)
My handler may need to back out last second for health issues (TOTALLY VALID) but I can't do the race without a handler. If you drive yourself to Marquette, I need you Feb 13-14. If you ride with me, Feb 12-15. (Continued in thread)
February 4, 2026 at 2:47 AM
Need an emergency last minute handler for Midnight Run!!!
My handler may need to back out last second for health issues (TOTALLY VALID) but I can't do the race without a handler. If you drive yourself to Marquette, I need you Feb 13-14. If you ride with me, Feb 12-15. (Continued in thread)
My handler may need to back out last second for health issues (TOTALLY VALID) but I can't do the race without a handler. If you drive yourself to Marquette, I need you Feb 13-14. If you ride with me, Feb 12-15. (Continued in thread)
Reposted by Melissa Mendelson
The Yukon Quest legacy. The second Yukon Quest, in 1985, ran from Whitehorse to Fairbanks. It was won by Joe Runyan, who came in 20 minutes ahead of the second-place musher, Rick Atkinson. Runyan took 11 days, 11 hours and 55 minutes to finish the 1,000 miles, winning him the $15,00 purse.
February 3, 2026 at 12:59 PM
The Yukon Quest legacy. The second Yukon Quest, in 1985, ran from Whitehorse to Fairbanks. It was won by Joe Runyan, who came in 20 minutes ahead of the second-place musher, Rick Atkinson. Runyan took 11 days, 11 hours and 55 minutes to finish the 1,000 miles, winning him the $15,00 purse.
Reposted by Melissa Mendelson
Sharing this here for my fellow Siberian Husky peeps! Rukia and all my 8+ year old Sibes are already submitted.
"Promising new findings are emerging from the DOGs Lab at UMBC. Dr. Smith’s team has identified a major risk haplotype associated with increased risk of epilepsy in Siberian Huskies. "
"Promising new findings are emerging from the DOGs Lab at UMBC. Dr. Smith’s team has identified a major risk haplotype associated with increased risk of epilepsy in Siberian Huskies. "
February 3, 2026 at 2:41 PM
Sharing this here for my fellow Siberian Husky peeps! Rukia and all my 8+ year old Sibes are already submitted.
"Promising new findings are emerging from the DOGs Lab at UMBC. Dr. Smith’s team has identified a major risk haplotype associated with increased risk of epilepsy in Siberian Huskies. "
"Promising new findings are emerging from the DOGs Lab at UMBC. Dr. Smith’s team has identified a major risk haplotype associated with increased risk of epilepsy in Siberian Huskies. "
Last couple runs. With Beargrease in the rear view mirror, we are looking ahead to our next big race - Midnight Run. The first run is a long 46 mile leg, so we are doing our best to prepare! This weekend is Northern Pines, a super fun 1 day 32 mile race, and it will be a great warm up for MNR!
February 3, 2026 at 2:10 AM
Last couple runs. With Beargrease in the rear view mirror, we are looking ahead to our next big race - Midnight Run. The first run is a long 46 mile leg, so we are doing our best to prepare! This weekend is Northern Pines, a super fun 1 day 32 mile race, and it will be a great warm up for MNR!
I have very important news: I have pet all of @yukikazesiberians.bsky.social 's dogs and Tira is the softest
February 1, 2026 at 1:37 AM
I have very important news: I have pet all of @yukikazesiberians.bsky.social 's dogs and Tira is the softest
Reposted by Melissa Mendelson
I need a fucking van. I am never ever doubling Tupacs vet appointment w anyone else. Doe and Panther yes bc they are sweet babies who do small crimes as opposed to Tupac. #uglydogs
January 30, 2026 at 5:39 PM
I need a fucking van. I am never ever doubling Tupacs vet appointment w anyone else. Doe and Panther yes bc they are sweet babies who do small crimes as opposed to Tupac. #uglydogs
Reposted by Melissa Mendelson
We did a story about Snotty and Watkins having PCD with WDIO in Duluth. I didn’t cry during the interview but after watching it I did. #uglydogs
www.wdio.com/health/solon...
www.wdio.com/health/solon...
Solon Springs musher, Canine Genetics Lab collaborate to research a rare disease
A Solon Springs musher is working with the University of Minnesota's Canine Genetics Lab to research a rare disease and its genetic cause.
www.wdio.com
January 28, 2026 at 2:51 AM
We did a story about Snotty and Watkins having PCD with WDIO in Duluth. I didn’t cry during the interview but after watching it I did. #uglydogs
www.wdio.com/health/solon...
www.wdio.com/health/solon...
Reposted by Melissa Mendelson
Beargrease 40 2026 is a wrap!
We placed last, red lantern. I am not surprised due to our lack of hill training, but the dogs finished, and finished looking strong! We were slow but that’s alright. I can’t wait til next year, and I can’t wait for our next race at Northern Pines!
We placed last, red lantern. I am not surprised due to our lack of hill training, but the dogs finished, and finished looking strong! We were slow but that’s alright. I can’t wait til next year, and I can’t wait for our next race at Northern Pines!
January 26, 2026 at 4:13 PM
Beargrease 40 2026 is a wrap!
We placed last, red lantern. I am not surprised due to our lack of hill training, but the dogs finished, and finished looking strong! We were slow but that’s alright. I can’t wait til next year, and I can’t wait for our next race at Northern Pines!
We placed last, red lantern. I am not surprised due to our lack of hill training, but the dogs finished, and finished looking strong! We were slow but that’s alright. I can’t wait til next year, and I can’t wait for our next race at Northern Pines!
🧵 from handler Erin!!!!
And now that Melissa has posted, I also have some fun dog stories to share about the team. We will go in order:
Foucher—having met her when she was a puppy, she’s truly turned into an amazing sled dog. At highway 2 she was at the front of the truck and didn’t want to lay down so she fell asleep
Foucher—having met her when she was a puppy, she’s truly turned into an amazing sled dog. At highway 2 she was at the front of the truck and didn’t want to lay down so she fell asleep
January 28, 2026 at 2:10 AM
🧵 from handler Erin!!!!
We did a story with WDIO on Watkins, Snotty, and Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia. Sabrina did an amazing job putting it together and honestly it made me cry a bit because of how much this means to me.
www.wdio.com/health/solon...
www.wdio.com/health/solon...
Solon Springs musher, Canine Genetics Lab collaborate to research a rare disease
A Solon Springs musher is working with the University of Minnesota's Canine Genetics Lab to research a rare disease and its genetic cause.
www.wdio.com
January 28, 2026 at 2:05 AM
We did a story with WDIO on Watkins, Snotty, and Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia. Sabrina did an amazing job putting it together and honestly it made me cry a bit because of how much this means to me.
www.wdio.com/health/solon...
www.wdio.com/health/solon...
Solon Springs musher, Canine Genetics Lab collaborate to research a rare disease
A Solon Springs musher is working with the University of Minnesota's Canine Genetics Lab to research a rare disease and its genetic cause.
www.wdio.com
January 28, 2026 at 2:04 AM
We did a story with WDIO on Watkins, Snotty, and Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia. Sabrina did an amazing job putting it together and honestly it made me cry a bit because of how much this means to me.
www.wdio.com/health/solon...
www.wdio.com/health/solon...
Reposted by Melissa Mendelson
The pups did a good job resting at Highway 2. We’re now at Finland and it is dark so no photos but they’re doing so well
January 26, 2026 at 7:34 AM
The pups did a good job resting at Highway 2. We’re now at Finland and it is dark so no photos but they’re doing so well
Whoops forgot to #uglydogs #mushersky
January 28, 2026 at 1:12 AM
Whoops forgot to #uglydogs #mushersky
January 28, 2026 at 1:09 AM
Y'all. Its Beargrease time! I kind of can't believe it's here. The dogs are ready, but I've been fending off daily panic attacks 🙈 Final run was Thursday, and it was COLD, and looks like the race is gonna be almost as cold too. I'm loaded up on hand warmers!
January 25, 2026 at 6:33 AM
Y'all. Its Beargrease time! I kind of can't believe it's here. The dogs are ready, but I've been fending off daily panic attacks 🙈 Final run was Thursday, and it was COLD, and looks like the race is gonna be almost as cold too. I'm loaded up on hand warmers!
Its that kinda night! All the dogs are either snug in a toasty dogbox or inside. Rinse and repeat for tomorrow night 🤣
January 23, 2026 at 7:29 AM
Its that kinda night! All the dogs are either snug in a toasty dogbox or inside. Rinse and repeat for tomorrow night 🤣
Reposted by Melissa Mendelson
It's finally time I try to find an active pet home for Trooper. I took him in to give him a good home so he wouldn't bounce around kennels, and for the intent to join my race team if he could, but sadly Trooper tops out around 5-6 miles. He is 2 years old and neutered.
January 21, 2026 at 2:45 PM
It's finally time I try to find an active pet home for Trooper. I took him in to give him a good home so he wouldn't bounce around kennels, and for the intent to join my race team if he could, but sadly Trooper tops out around 5-6 miles. He is 2 years old and neutered.