Musher Details

Josi Shelley, 32, (Veteran) was born in Akron, Ohio. She is married to J.J. Shelley, and together they own and operate There & Back Again Sled Dogs in Two Rivers, caring for 35 dogs. Josi completed her first Iditarod in 2024 as Rookie of the Year. She has run other races including the Yukon Quest 550 and Copper Basin 300. Josi’s entry into mushing started when she was a kid, hooking up her pet Siberian husky to herself while on roller blades. Josi’s biggest mentor is Jessie Royer. “She has been a huge influence on my mushing career, as well as an incredible friend,” Josi says. “A true competitor and excellent dog-woman, she has challenged and inspired me to become a better musher. She’s probably forgotten more about sled dogs than most people know and I’m incredibly grateful for all the knowledge she’s shared!” When Josi first came to Alaska as a teenager, she handled for Aaron Burmeister. “The longer I run dogs, the more I realize how much I learned from that winter!” She also credits Scott Smith, who not only spent hours answering questions that helped her get through her first couple of Iditarod qualifiers, but also provided some of the solid foundational dogs whose children and grandchildren are in her kennel today. Josi also offers a big thank you to Matt and Liz Failor “for entrusting us with the Lord Stanley & Fifa bloodlines.” The joy of the Iditarod for Josi is getting to travel across the amazing state of Alaska by dog team. She also enjoys trail running.

Website: tbasleddogs.com
Social Media: @thereandbackagainsleddogs

SPONSORS;

Big Dan’s Trucking

Dog Sponsors:
Gary & Kathy Barrett
Kate Bernard
Kim McLaughlin
Nancy Beggs
Joe Shelley
Jackie Shelley
Raul & Rhonda Pina
Amy Edge
Nicole Linse
Candy Mayo
Belinda Carpenter