My first real experience with a husky wasn't until my early teen years. I met a shop owner who also had a husky that he would bring to work with him. I would often go to the store just to spend time with the dog. I loved him to death and I knew that one day I would have my own.
About 17 years ago, I brought home my first husky, Diefenbaker. I had already done years of research, and I found a reputable place to get a puppy from. No puppy mill husky for me. I wanted to adopt back then, but since I got her when I was changing states and moving into an apartment, I was having trouble finding a rescue to work with. Dief taught me a lot about huskies. Sure, I had read all of the ways they can drive their humans insane. But until I experienced it, I could only imagine how it was.
She was a very smart dog. She was constantly thinking. Constantly finding things to get into. Staying one step ahead of her was a challenge at times. But she was also the best companion I could have asked for. Being a medium size dog, their life spans often sit between 8 and 12 years depending on what resource you read. I had her for 16 and a half years. She was born on June 21st and we had to put her down on January 21st.
Before we put her down, we brought our second husky, Sidney into the home. I opted for a puppy again this time as Dief was suffering from arthritis. Knowing the energy a husky has at a young age, I did not want to bring a full sized husky into the home that could possibly hurt her. I was lucky enough to find a reputable breeder, one that cares about their dogs. I could not bear to deal with a puppy mill type breeder. Again, I wanted to adopt, but our needs screamed puppy. I am very happy with the breeder we chose. It was obvious that they cared about the dog.
I brought Sid home at 8 weeks and 1 day. I will never forget the feeling of finally getting him in my arms to come home.
Sid is now around 16 months old. It is time to consider a playmate for him. Huskies often do better with playmates. After checking pounds and rescues, a decision was made. Why save just one dog when I can help many? I am not working right now. I am on disability due to an unknown auto immune illness. I am home all of the time. I am in the perfect position to work with dogs and make sure they are well loved and taken care of. So, this time, I chose to foster. Sure, it is going to be hard to give up a dog that I will have grown to love. But it will be so much better in the long run to be able to help as many huskies as possible. I always wanted enough to create my own sled team. I guess I'll just do it one at a time.
Starting the process was pretty easy. I went to the Husky Haven's web site and filled out the application. Within 24 hours, I had a call back. A quick phone interview to gather information on my situation, experience and why I wanted to foster. I know my references and vet will be called next. Nothing big. I chose to fill out the application on the day that I did, as I saw them post on their Facebook page that there were about 6 or 7 huskies they would like to help, but needed foster homes to do so.
For those who don't know how rescues work, most rescues don't take in owner surrenders unless they have the room. They pull the dogs from kill shelters. If the dog is sick, they get it medical treatment. Most rescues make sure the person who adopts from them know about the breed and is prepared to take on all of the responsibilities of the dog they are adopting. In order to do this, they need donations and foster homes.
I was pretty lucky. The rescue was also at an event I was planning on taking Sid to the day after the phone interview. I got to meet with some of the other dogs that they are helping and met with some of the volunteers. I know this will be a good thing. Everyone was so nice. They were talking to me about the local sled team I would like to put Sid on. As it turns out, when a foster dog is placed with me, I will be able to also put that dog on the team, health permitting.
I am now waiting to hear back and for a dog to be placed with me. I'm pretty excited. I have been husky proofing my house and yard for Sid. I think whichever dog they place with me will enjoy some of the changes as well.
It breaks my heart to see so many dogs in the pound, simply because someone did not do their research. It is bad enough that more dogs are ending up in the pound because of situations out of the owners' control. But lack of research and preparation could be avoided. Purebred dogs can often present certain issues and huskies are no different. Lots of fur, food thieving, escape artists, back talkers, and a few other things. Yes, it sounds like a lot, but it's not all bad. They are very smart. But they aren't for everyone. If you are a husky person, you will find that even their bad traits are amusing. You learn to work around them or live with them if the breed is for you. But some people get them just because of their looks. They don't realize that the dogs have to be exercised not only physically, but mentally as well. This can cause issues for an unprepared person. A bored husky is a destructive husky. I know this happens with other breeds as well. That's why there is a need for rescues of all breeds. It is very important to do your research before bringing any pet into your home.
I hope that my research and experience with the breed can help a few dogs out along the way. And I will be sharing the adventure of the foster experience as well. I don't expect it to be all easy. I also expect to have days where I want to cry if those two team up to drive me crazy. But I am looking forward to it. I don't think the two cats are, however.
