OUR STORY
Erä-Susi started its sled dog operations in 1998 and is located right near the border of Lapland, in the stunning landscapes of Ruka-Kuusamo. Over the years, the small pack of huskies has grown into a responsibly run kennel of 150 Alaskan and Siberian Huskies, where the well-being of the dogs is at the heart of everything we do.
Mervi Rantamäki and Jukka Keinänen became the new owners in 2017, and since then, they have made several major improvements to the kennel—enhancing both animal welfare and support for sustainable tourism. Our goal is to offer unforgettable experiences all year round – whether on snowy trails or in summer forests – in the company of our well-cared-for huskies.
Mervi has extensive experience in training and raising various types of dogs. On the farm, she focuses on customer service as well as the breeding, training, and well-being of our huskies. Mervi has been a board member of the Finnish Sled Dog Entrepreneurs’ Association for several years, helping to advance ethical practices in sled dog entrepreneurship and improve sled dogs welfare. Alongside running the business and her association work, Mervi also competes in mid-distance sled dog races with her own racing team.
Jukka, on the other hand, comes from a farming background and has experience in a wide range of farm tasks. He is responsible for maintaining the sled dog trails, servicing machines and equipment, and ensuring we have all the necessary tools for working in the kennel. Jukka is also a trained chef, and he runs our café operations.
What drives us is a strong determination, a deep love for animals, and a desire to share this unique world with our customers.
Erä-Susi offers a fantastic workplace and learning environment for many guides and interns throughout the year. Caring for 150 huskies is a round-the-clock job, and together with our team, we make sure every visitor gets the best possible experience – while also ensuring our husky heroes receive the love and care they truly deserve.
OUR AMAZING TEAM
Martijn
Originally from the Netherlands and now living in Kuusamo, Martjin aka “Saukko”, has been working as a guide at Erä-Susi since 2016.
With his extensive experience, professionalism, and positive attitude, Saukko creates unforgettable and safe experiences for both children and adults. He loves entertaining our guests, and especially with children, he quickly finds a natural connection.
Saukko is starting his own small husky kennel, so he can keep building his passion for sled dog activities with his own team.
– Positive Mental Attitude –
Anni
Anni joined us from Imatra for the winter season of 2022 as a café and kennel worker. She has a long history of working with hunting dogs and horses since childhood, which inspired her to apply a job with huskies.
Anni lives in Kuusamo and works at the kennel year-round. During the winter season, she can also be found on safaris, in the café, and at the souvenir shop. She has become a trusted and responsible member of the Erä-Susi team, as well as a cheerful face in our customer service.
In her free time, Anni enjoys horseback riding and hiking in nature, and alongside her work, she is studying to become a wilderness and nature guide.
Ilona
Ilona joined us from Southern Finland, accompanied by her dog Väinö, bringing with her a bright spirit and a warm, welcoming presence. From the moment she arrived, her calm energy and natural connection with both people and animals made her an instant fit with the Erä-Susi team.
She greets every guest and every husky with kindness, patience, and a genuine smile, creating a relaxed and friendly atmosphere wherever she goes.
Outside the season, Ilona works as a painter and professional photographer, with a special passion for bird photography.