Our story
Our journey began in 2017 with the adoption of Sultan, our first husky from a shelter. Just a few months later, we set off on a road trip to the Nordic countries—a trip that would change our lives forever. A new horizon opened before us.
After gaining experience in various sled dog operations, we decided to take the plunge and fulfill our dreams by settling in Finnish Lapland.
Driven by passion, love, and a deep sense of connection, we founded O’Nordic in 2022. We are thrilled to welcome you to this extraordinary setting, where we invite you to explore and fall in love with this magnificent region.
Maïlys
Passionate about animals, travel and dogs since I was little, I couldn't see myself living without them around me. They were omnipresent. After a winter season in the Alps following our studies in ecology/biology, where Mehdi and I met, I decided to have my first dog, a husky, who would follow me everywhere on my adventures with Mehdi. I only had a brief description of Sultan with the shelter where he stayed for two years without adoption success. Not an easy start, but it was part of the torment of our lives. Eager for adventures, hikes and discoveries, I wanted to find a place to live where I could flourish, with wide open spaces and unspoiled wild nature. We chose to go and discover the world of sled dogs which had attracted me for a long time in Finland and Sweden. After several experiences, as a handler and guide, it is in Finland that we chose to continue our adventures with our Nordic dogs.
Mehdi
A lover of nature and the great outdoors, I followed a master's degree in sustainable development and wildlife conservation in 2015. Eager for travel and adventure, it was during our road trip that I fell madly in love with the countries of the north and Lapland. I finally saw a place I could call HOME. With Mailys, I am training in the world of sled dogs as a doghandler and guide in the different sled dog companies.
Our doggies
Sultan, adopted from a shelter in France at the age of 5, was our first Alaskan husky. Once we moved to Posio, we continued to acquire other Alaskan huskies, with their stories or from a very young age (like Nimi). It is with us that they continue their adventures and express their joy of living.
The Yakutian laika was after the acquisition of Sultan (an Alaskan husky), the breed we turned to. It is a recent breed, but old in its origin. Coming from a region with an extreme climate (Yakutia), these dogs were used as sled dogs, hunting dogs, reindeer herding dogs, but also as companion dogs.