Heather Siirtola, 33, was born and raised in North Dakota and later moved to Steamboat, Colorado to find sled dogs. She ran sled dog tours at Red Runner Dog Tours and ran a few short races and "was hooked." In September of 2003, she moved to Alaska to handle for Jerry Sousa and Kathleen Holden. After three year of being with them, she acquired he own dogs from their yard. She said," I enjoy the lifestyle of running dogs. I like the different challenges it brings. I have become ‘addicted' to the experience the Iditarod has given to my dogs and me. My dogs are my best friends. There is nothing better to me then spending time with them on the trail." Heather has been a bartender for the last seven years and says she enjoys four wheeling, camping and dogs.