Retired Sled Dogs Finding Their Next Adventure in the Mountains and Beyond
Our huskies spend their winter and summer seasons leading dogsledding guests through the White River National Forest, showing off the beauty and excitement of Breckenridge’s backcountry. If you’ve ever seen them in action — or follow along at @goodtimessleddogs — you know they’re athletes, characters, and total show-stealers.
But eventually, it’s time to hang up their harnesses. When that day comes, they will always have a home with their Good Times family — yet we’ve also built something special: a program that helps these incredible dogs retire in style and get ready for their next adventure… maybe with you!
Meet the Good Times Adoption Program
The Good Times Sled Dog Adoption Program connects retired sled dogs with families who can give them the space, activity, and companionship they deserve after years of hard work in the mountains. Most of our dogs retire between eight and nine years old, though some continue happily on the trails until they’re ten or even eleven. Occasionally, a younger dog decides that a quieter lifestyle suits them best.
Each dog is well socialized, hardworking, and full of character — but no two are alike. Some retire with plenty of pep in their step, ready to run beside your bike or join you on skis. Others are content to slow down, enjoy shorter walks, and settle in for some well-earned couch time.
Our goal is always to pair each dog with a family whose daily routine matches their natural energy and temperament.
“Adopting Zoom was one of the best decisions we’ve made. He went from racing up mountain trails to running circles in our backyard — same smile, same energy, just a different kind of adventure.”
— Megan H., adopted 2023
What’s Different About Adopting a Sled Dog
These dogs have spent most of their lives outdoors, surrounded by snow, packmates, and mountain air — so a warm, cozy house can be a whole new world. Some have spent time indoors with our guides, but others have never left the dog yard. That means a few everyday experiences are completely new:
- Being inside: Soft beds, blankets, and heating vents are exciting discoveries, but many still love to sleep outside under the open sky — even covered in snow.
- Stairs: They might hesitate at first, but usually master them quickly.
- Doors and mirrors: Expect a few curious looks, a little confusion, and lots of nose prints.
- Car rides: Riding in a car is a brand-new experience for most of our huskies. Many grow to love it — especially when adventure awaits at the other end — but it can take some time.
Watching a sled dog experience these “firsts” — their first nap by a fire, or their first ride to a trailhead — is a quiet kind of joy that never gets old.
Why Adopt an Older Dog?
Older sled dogs bring steadiness and personality to a home. They’re experienced, confident, and already accustomed to working as part of a team. Many settle easily into family life and thrive on routine, gentle attention, and time outdoors.
They’ve given many years to the trails, but the best is still to come. Retirement isn’t the end of their adventure — it’s an expansion of it. These dogs are ready to carry forward the same partnership built on trust, patience, and shared experience, now shaped by a new kind of everyday life.
Every retired sled dog carries the spirit of the mountains — focused, capable, and ready for whatever comes next. Whether your version of adventure is a morning run, a weekend hike, or simply daily walks around the neighborhood, these dogs make loyal and lively companions who are eager to share the trail.
How the Adoption Process Works
Interested families can start by filling out a brief interest form. From there, our team reaches out to learn more about your lifestyle, home environment, and experience with active breeds.
Sometimes a family has their eye on a specific dog; other times, they just know they’re ready to welcome a retired sled dog into their lives. Either way, our goal is to make the best possible match for both the dog and the adopter. If a particular dog isn’t a good fit for your environment, we’ll help guide you toward one whose personality and needs are a better match.
The process usually begins with a phone conversation, followed by a visit to the dog yard to meet our staff and spend time with some of the adoptable dogs. While we do our best to keep the website up to date, there are often additional pups available — so visits can be a great opportunity to meet a few new faces.
Every adoption is personal and carefully guided by our experienced staff, who know each dog’s habits, quirks, and favorite places to get scratches or rubs.
There’s no formal adoption fee, but we ask for a suggested $100 donation to help support the program and future placements — allowing us to continue finding great homes for each dog as they transition into their next chapter.
And if, for any reason, an adoption doesn’t work out, we’ll always welcome the dog back home. These dogs are our family, and they will always have a place here with us.
“They may be retired, but they never lose their focus or drive. Watching them adapt and thrive in new homes is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do.”
— Good Times Kennel Staff
Join Our Pack
Our adoption team works closely with every family to ensure the best fit for both dog and human — whether you’re looking for a trail partner or a couch companion. To date, we’ve placed dozens of retired sled dogs into loving homes across Colorado and beyond, each one beginning a well-earned new chapter.
If you’re ready to open your home to a true working dog — one who’s brought joy to thousands of visitors and still has plenty of heart (and personality) left for adventure — learn more and meet our available dogs at gtsleddogadoption.com.
Reminder: You can also catch more of the dogs in action and preview adoption highlights by following along @goodtimessleddogs.