About Us

About Us

Andrew, Lisa & Caleb Gersbach - Idigadog Owners

Idigadog began in 1996 when two gorgeous Alaskan Malamutes entered our lives. Aspen and Dakota were to be the driving force behind what we are and have achieved today.

As soon as the litter mates were old enough to train in harness, we took our first steps towards life as we know it now.

Andrew, Aspen and Dakota have achieved what most Alaskan Malamute teams only dream of. Undefeated in their class for 5 years, our reputation and success is renowned Australia wide. They are the only Mallie team to have won the prestigious Altitude 5000 Sled Dog Race and they earned themselves the title of Australia's fastest Alaskan Malamutes. Both Aspen and Dakota are titled with WTD (Working Team Dog).

Our defeat of many Siberian Husky teams and top 5 placings at plenty of races, earned the respect of Australia's finest mushers.

In 1999, Phoenix joined the clan and earned her own reputation for being a spunky, hard-working sled dog. Lisa and Phoenix finished with a 2nd place in their very first race. With many 1st place Alaskan Malamute awards, she continued the winning streak for the Idigadog team. Phoenix is also a WTD title holder.

2004 was to be our hardest year with us losing Aspen. Her departure to doggy heaven has left a major hole in our hearts and life and we seriously considered retiring from racing.

By chance, we were offered two darling Siberian boys for us to run for the season and well, they were a Godsend at the right time. We fell in love with Spike and Rex and had such a great year with them that we decided to make them permanent members of Idigadog. The timing was perfect and hence our love for the racing line Siberians began!

Christmas 2005 saw Cooper join our doggy family. A big, stunning looking boy who certainly catches the eye. He has an awesome attitude in harness as well as in the backyard. Cooper is definately one outstanding dog.

January 2006 saw us travel to the U.S. to be race judges for the Eagle Cap Sled Dog Race in Joseph, Oregon. This was a fantastic experience for both of us and we have made some life-long friends. As far as we know, Andrew is the only Australian to be a Race Judge in the U.S. We have been invited back again next year and hope to be able to continue to do this with the Joseph crew for years to come.

2007 brought us Jonty. This little man has been a long wait. His father was Alaskan's Max Factor of Anadyr a three time Iditarod Leader. Jonty was born in October 2006 through an AI mating with a beautiful girl called Molly who belongs to Natalie McIllree in Western Australia. We hold high hopes for Jonty's future and already after his first season in harness, we can see he has that "wow" factor!

Rookie, Sully, Ollie, Oscar, Drifter and Roary have also joined the Idigadog team and these young pups represent the future of our kennel and racing team. Completely full of themselves but with truly loving natures, they are a pleasure to have as part of our family.

Andrew has been the President of the Canberra Sled Dog Club for numerous years but has taken a back seat these last couple of seasons, although staying on the committee for 2010. He is also the President of the Australian Sleddog Sports Association.

Lisa is also on the committee for the Canberra Sled Dog Club.

2006 saw our two legged addition to our family. Caleb Morgan Gersbach was born on the 22nd May and is our mini musher in the making! Lisa had the 2006 season off - naturally, but has been back in full force since then.

We are members of the following organisations:

Canberra Sled Dog Club

Australian Sleddog Sports Association

International Siberian Husky Club

Dogs NSW

Siberian Husky Club of NSW