I'm closer to Texas then Alaska, but when we have gone to the snow I have put bag balm or a paw wax like Musher's wax to protect the dogs paws, mostly from build up and ice melting salts.

Wow, thanks guys!Im excited to get so many replys
I'll be graduating in December but I want to move up in the spring or early summer to catch some of the green before the days of night Im so worked up about this move, Ive always wanted to be able to do this with Lady.She loves going out in thunderstorms and rain. Living where I do, she is almost constantly too warm, even in winter and the weather change should be right up her alley.
She has alot of hair between her feet (so much that it folds over and she can walk on it, Ive never trimmed it because I feel it protects her feet from hot pavement)but Ive heard that this will get clumped with snow...should I trim it and just use boots?
Ive heard that wildlife (esp. moose) hate dogs and will generally charge if they see one, even with a human. I understand and will let them have their room; we have javelinas and I think those fiends would scare the devil himself...beady eyed creatures.
this may be strange but should I keep her as brushed as I do here? Ive noticed that (when brushed to a T) the wind can part her hair and I can see the skin, she also gets wet easier. so should I tone it down in winter, letting it naturally mat a little to make it resistent? while still keeping her tidy, of course.

Hi,
Your dog will LOVE it up here, guaranteed!
I wouldn't bother clipping the fur on her feet, unless you find that it starts bothering her in the winter. Boots are an option during the REALLY cold weather... when she won't keep her feet on the ground because of the cold temps. I ski with my dogs in the winter, and have never had them in boots. However, sometimes the pads on their feet will crack in the cold. If you are going to school, I wouldn't bother paying for booties until you see how your dog does. Fairbanks has mushing stores, and it will be easy to pick a pair up if you find that you need them.

I wouldn't worry about the Moose. I have never had one charge me (or my dogs) and we get them in the yard on a regular basis. Just give them their space, and don't mess with a Mama moose that has babies around her. This is when you need to be careful, I will give a Mama moose the same space I give a grizzly.

I use the furminator on my dogs 1/week to keep their hair under control. If I could remember, I wouldn't hesitate to give them a quick brush daily. I wouldn't worry about OVER brushing your dog.... unless she is going bald in certain spots (which a friend of mine did to her dog---due to her hair-phobia).

Welcome to my home-state.

thanks, we cant wait to get there (especially today, it just hit 95 or so, but it feel like more).
Dont worry, I wont overbrush her, usually my arm gets tired before I can make a dent in her *felt* undercoat. (see pic )