Dog Care & Property Assistant

Bacon’s Acres | 2025–2026 Season

Bacon’s Acres has been built over years of consistent work, thoughtful training, and deep respect for dogs and land. I value calm structure, clear communication, and steady effort. This environment functions best when the humans here are regulated, accountable, and supportive of one another.

We are not static. Bacon’s Acres is steadily developing toward future programming that will expand leadership, training opportunities, community involvement and income potential. The systems we are strengthening now are foundational. Growth here is intentional and long-term.

I believe in personal growth — making healthy choices, working through hard seasons of life, and building something meaningful over time. The work can be repetitive. The weather can be challenging. The responsibility is real. Growth happens when we choose to stay steady anyway.

This role is not fixed in scope. Opportunity expands in proportion to effort, consistency, and grit. I am willing to invest in someone who shows integrity, strong work ethic, and a commitment to shared standards.

This position is not just about you, and it is not just about me. It is not even just about the dogs — though their well-being is key. It is about creating a stable, supportive environment where everyone can succeed. When humans uphold structure and support one another, the dogs thrive. When the dogs thrive, the entire property runs well.

I am a dreamer and a builder. I believe in possibility — not as fantasy, but as something created through commitment and steady effort. If you are willing to bring grit, integrity, and heart to this place, there is real opportunity here. Together, we can build something steady and meaningful — an environment where the dogs flourish, teamwork matters, and each of us grows stronger through shared responsibility.

What This Role Requires

  • Respect for dogs and their well-being

  • Willingness to learn and follow established systems

  • Calm, steady energy around social working dogs

  • Consistent participation in feeding, cleaning, rotation, and monitoring routines

  • Safety-first mindset

  • Clear communication and transparency

  • Comfort working independently in a rural setting

  • Physical stamina for repetitive, labor-intensive tasks

  • Ability to work in inclement weather (cold, snow, rain, wind)

  • Sound judgment and the humility to ask questions when unsure

  • Respect for shared spaces and property

  • Zero drug and alcohol use during work responsibilities

  • Reliable personal vehicle

The first 30 days will serve as a mutual introductory and evaluation period to ensure alignment in work ethic, communication, dog handling, emotional regulation, and overall fit for all involved.

The Property

Bacon’s Acres is located on 38 acres of rural land in Big Lake, Alaska. The property includes:

  • A remodeled dog yard

  • Direct access to fall and winter trails

  • Raised vegetable beds and perennial gardens

  • Compost system

  • Pond with dock

  • Kayaks and paddle boards

This is a working property first. Recreation is secondary to responsibility.

Nearby amenities include grocery, post office, small restaurants, and lake access in Big Lake. Wasilla (20–30 minutes) provides most services, and Anchorage (90 minutes) offers international airport access and major retailers.

Position Options

🐾 🐾 Full-Time Handler (Live on-site)

Primary responsibility for dog care and property support.

Compensation & Cabin

  • $500–$1000/month stipend depending on experience

  • Dry cabin with loft

  • Electricity and Starlink Wi-Fi

  • Propane stove/oven and heater

  • Wood and some propane provided

  • Water hydrant near cabin

  • Access to shower, toilet, sink, washer/dryer, and tools in the dog room

  • Dumpster for your garbage

Responsibilities

  • Daily feeding and cleaning routines (yard, dog dishes, shared spaces, etc)

  • Monitoring and managing pack dynamics

  • Dog laundry and errands

  • Trash removal (on-site dumpster)

  • Helping maintain cleanliness and organization of shared spaces

  • Supporting the house dogs during Kristin’s travel

  • Monitoring property safety in Kristin’s absence

  • Snow removal in common areas; potential snow blowing in Kristin’s absence

  • Tending to plants indoors and outdoors

Time Commitment
Approximately 40 hours per week / 160 hours per month.

During Kristin’s travel periods (typically 2–6 days, occasionally up to 7–10), you must:

  • Be home overnight

  • Maintain operational stability of the yard and house

  • Communicate daily

  • Follow established emergency protocols

Local contacts are available, but consistent, independent management is required.

🐾🐾 Part-Time Handler (live On-SIte)

Ideal for a responsible individual balancing remote work or another part-time role.

Compensation

  • Rent-free dry cabin & outhouse

  • Electricity and Starlink Wi-Fi

  • Propane and/or wood for heating

  • Dumpster for your garbage

  • Access to shower, sink, flushing toilet & necessary tools in the dog room

Responsibilities

  • Assist with dog care routines

  • Support property maintenance as needed

  • Be home overnight during Kristin’s travel

  • Maintain care standards during Kristin’s absences

Minimum commitment: approximately 20 hours per week / 80 hours per month, increased responsibility during travel periods. Flexibility available when Kristin is home.

Running dogs is welcome but not required. At times, participation in training (hooking up primarily) may be necessary for safety and efficiency of the team.

The Season

We are not currently training for major distance races. This season focuses on:

  • Conditioning and running dogs

  • Developing young leaders

  • Continuing training of a 10-dog puppy team

  • Supporting adult dogs willing and able to run

  • Planning and participating in local events and community races

This is an opportunity to experience the mushing lifestyle within a structured, working team — without the pressure of major distance race preparation.

Living Details – Handler Cabin

  • Dry cabin (no running water)

  • Outhouse

  • Access to shower, toilet, sink, and washer/dryer in dog room

  • Starlink Wi-Fi

  • Cold water hydrant outside cabin

  • Propane and/or wood heat

  • Propane stove/oven, microwave, small fridge/freezer

  • Chest freezer on porch

  • Basic furnishings and cookware included

Here is the link to the HANDLER DUTIES page of our www: https://www.baconsacres.com/handler-duties

Contact Details

If this role aligns with your character and the next chapter you are building, please contact:

Kristin Bacon
BaconsAcres@gmail.com
907-230-0402

** You may also visit the Bacon’s Acres’ Facebook page for more photos, details, history, etc