As Outreach 22 continues to grow, patriotic kennel gives thanks to the brave military men and women who served this country.

What started as a project to bring hope and emotional support to veterans dealing with mental health struggles has been growing into much more over the past several months.

Outreach 22 started in July 2021 as a project to give back to military veterans that have hit a wall with their emotional and mental health, and need a break from the noise and chaos that can take over someone’s mind, taking them away from being present for family and friends.

The patriotic kennel was formed by Army veteran Josh Robbins, who faced mental health challenges before receiving help, and has dedicated his time to help other veterans who find themselves in similar situations. It gives him the opportunity to take everything he learned while dealing with his mental health and apply it and show others.

“It’s a therapeutic experience for the whole family and a great activity for mental health. A lot of people come away smiling, interacting with the dogs, who are hardworking but also sweet.”

Set on 80 acres in Willow, the site is surrounded by amazing vistas that takes in Denali, the Talkeetna Range, Matanuska and Susitna, while offering up a stunning view of the Little Willow Creek below. There are still scars from the Sockeye fire, in many ways a fitting backdrop for the people he hopes to serve.

“It’s so peaceful and quiet, and at night you can hear the water go by,” says Robbins.

Robbins said that even with the record snow, they were able to do a bunch of tours, and they have learned a lot from the experiences, such as spreading them out to give people more time to take it all in.

“It takes about 3 hours. When they come, we talk about the dog team, who they (the dogs) are, where they came from, the gear we wear on the trail, the races, you name it. They also get to take a little ride with the dogs.”

And they also are looking to maybe give extra time for people to arrive.

“So, the tour might start at this time, but sometimes the visitors show up right when the team is about to leave, and other times people are just hours late. So we’ve learned to adapt and try to roll with it,” he says with a smile.

When Robbins, and his partner Brenda Howard, are not training their dogs or helping veterans, they have begun doing outreach to local groups like the Palmer Lions Club and the Rotary Club.

“I didn’t know what I was getting into at first, but we set up a power point and told them what we’re all about. It was great.” Working together, Robbins hopes to reach out to other groups throughout the community.

They, along with the dogs, have also trekked out to Sheep Creek Lodge frequently, bringing the dog team up, which lead to a Valentine’s Day event with the dogs.

“It was truly an Alaskan Valentine’s Day,” he jokes.

Recently, Robbins and Howard have been talking to students in the lower 48, teaching kids all about dog mushing.

“We’ve done a bunch of stuff with schools, doing a little more outreach to teachers and students from as far away New Jersey, Connecticut, and Georgia.”

Robbins recently met with students from North Carolina via Zoom, and gave them the low down on dog mushing, his dog team, the gear used, and the care he and Howard give the dogs.

“It came up after a group of 5th grade students wrote to me. The letters were just great, made my day. It’s exciting to know these younger generations appreciate dog mushing and are curious to learn more about it.”

Howard set up a Zoom call and with the assistance of the staff at the Willow Library, Robbins was able to talk to the kids.

“I got to show them the gear, put on the hat I wear, the fur mittens, the booties the dogs wear, and then answered questions they had.”

A little closer to home, Robbins has had the chance to read to kids at the Willow Community Center.

“We were asked to come in and read to the kids after school. So we go in and read books to them about dog mushing. They have a program at the Community Center where 2 different age groups have books read to them,” he says, adding that there is one little concern he has:

“I’m not a very good reader,” he said. But in the spirit of outreach, Robbins says that they have read to the little toddlers, talked dogs, and he and Howard even came up with a game, an Alaskan version of “Pin the Tail on the Donkey.”

“It was ‘Pin the Antler on Clyde (one of the reindeer they have).’ We also have a ‘Pin the (dog) Bootie on the Dog.’ It was cool.”

Word of Outreach22 will soon be reaching more veterans worldwide after representatives from the Veterans Administration recently visited and brought a film crew.

“That was interesting, because we get a call from someone in Georgia and asked to come out, and suddenly there’s a film crew here in our tiny cabin.” When they explained that the work they’re doing to help veterans met all the markers the VA had, they sent a crew out and the footage will be aired at VA clinics and hospitals.

“I’m grateful and looking forward to what that will do.”

The Outreach 22 dog team is getting ready to expand as one of the dogs is getting ready to have pups.

“That’s been exciting and we’re looking forward to seeing what comes of that. I think she’s going to have some really good pups,” Robbins said, adding that they are anticipating a June puppy delivery.

Robbins also recently added to his reindeer family, with the addition Annie Oakley to the 2 reindeer that currently reside at Outreach 22, Clyde and Tiny Tim. Visitors can add in handfeeding and interacting with the reindeer as a part of their Alaskan experience.

“Animals can have such a positive impact on mental health, so my goal is to provide an environment that is considered a therapeutic retreat.”

Meanwhile Robbins and Howard are continuing to expand the operations at Outreach 22, which includes clearing out more trees, adding a driveway, and awaiting warmer weather for other projects to take shape.

“We have big dreams for this place, and we’re continuing to chip away at it. What’s been great is seeing how others in the community, other veterans come out and help with projects.”

He points to the newly constructed porch attached to the yurt that acts as a meeting space.

“A local wood builder came out and started with an 8x8 deck and ramp, and a few weeks, later things dried out and we hooked up the rest.”

He says that while giving tours is rewarding, they are always happy to host veterans, active duty, or anyone who wants to volunteer as well.

“We’ve had a few come out and say just being up here with the animals or helping out, the peace up here they find, that’s been helpful to them. I won’t turn them away if that’s what they need.”

In the end, the folks at Outreach 22 plan to continue offering rides and tours, sharing their knowledge and simply being there for veterans and their families.

“We took some older women out on a dog sled ride, and they had a good time. One of them mentioned she had a son who was in the military, and when it was all over, she gave me a hug and said ‘thanks for doing this.’ That’s what it’s all about,” he recalled.

“Each day I’m reminded to count my blessings and don’t take anything for granted. Today, I feel like a testament for those who are in a dark place looking for the light,” Robbins says. He also wants to add a message to any veterans out there who are struggling:

“Hope does exist. You are not alone.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please call 988.

For more information about Outreach22, to book a tour, or volunteer, please visit www.outreach22.com, or their Facebook page.