#FiveSibes #BreedEducate2Relate: It Takes A Village To Help Huskies in Need

 
#BreedEducate2Relate Means Educating Others on a Breed's Specific Needs BEFORE they welcome a dog into their home so that the home will be a forever one!



  This Article Stars Beautiful Adoptable Huskies! (Huskies may already have found their forever homes, but contact that rescue to see more beautiful Huskies looking for a loving home).
Please be sure to check out the important videos below!
And Don't Miss Our New Blog Hop News at the End!

Author Jennifer Skiff stated, “Dogs, for a reason that can only be described as divine, have the ability to forgive, let go of the past, and live each day joyously.” No truer words have been spoken, especially for dogs that have been rescued from neglect, abuse, and abandonment.

 Harley, with her stunning blue eyes, 

is the "mother" of our Husky pack!

People are instantly drawn to the Siberian Husky’s stunning beauty. From their beautiful eyes—ranging from startling icy blue to striking amber, and beautiful brown to mesmerizing green. Some Siberian Huskies have almost mystical eye colors called bi- or parti-eyes, meaning either each eye is a different color, or a splattering of one color is splayed across another color, giving the eyes an almost marble-like artistic look. To look into a Husky’s eyes is to certainly fall in love!

Then there is that silky, fluffy, sometimes wooly double coat of many colors that have caught many an eye.

Once the rulers of snow, these dog are landlubbers, too! Whether pulling sleds across snowy terrain or leading bikes urban mushing across dry land, dockdiving, showing, hiking up a hill, or simply being a loving and goofy family member, these dogs are full of personality, mischief, and love. They are so much more than their stunning beauty!

Siberian Huskies (also referred to as Huskies and Sibes) have grown in popularity as they star in TV shows, movies, and in product and auto-mobile com-mercials, bringing these stunning dogs right into everyone’s living room and amping up the desire to get one. This creates a widespread issue of these beautiful dogs being purchased, and then abandoned when folks who are uneducated on the breed’s needs and traits, find out all too soon the dogs are “too much” dog to handle, and then just as quickly as the whim to get one, they dump the Husky. This not only makes the unsuspecting Husky wonder what it did (that wasn’t in its nature) to suddenly be abandoned and family-less, but it also adds to an already overcrowding of Huskies in shelters, many that are high kill shelters due to the ridiculous number of dogs being either abandoned or owner-surrendered.

We are so thrilled that Susan Nation of Talent Hounds, founder of

the TV series that is now an expansive and informative "Content Hub and Community for Dog Lovers" has joined in to get the message out about knowing the breed before you get a Husky in her recent post. Please visit her website and be sure to catch Talent Hounds' (p)awesome video interview "Do Huskies Make Good Pets?" conducted by Ashley of Kids' Pet Club with Jess of Gone to the Snow Dogs further down in this post!

Check out our FiveSibes for lots of info including 

"About the Siberian Husky Breed" page 

& 

our "Siberian Husky & Northern Breed Rescue" page 

here on our blog! (Pages listed 

at top of blog home page).

Many times people mistake the Siberian Husky as a wolf. Siberian Huskies are not wolves. We have all seen the beautiful Siberian Husky on TV; some mistakenly portrayed as “direwolves,” which are based upon the now extinct real dire wolf, a species whose scientific name is canis dirus meaning “fearsome dog.” With direwolves starring in the very popular television series Game of Thrones, the number of Huskies purchased because of their resemblance, and then abandoned has skyrocketed. Siberian Huskies are not direwolves.

Whatever first attracts people to the stunning Sibe, whether they see one on TV or in an ad or even their neighbor walking one, the result is the same—they think they just “have to have” or “need” one.

Until they don’t.

Then these gorgeous “must have” dogs are suddenly surrendered to a shelter or worse, dumped and abandoned, all because folks did not do their homework on the breed and their specific needs (which is easily discovered by a few clicks on the computer to any registered Siberian Husky rescue, the American Kennel Club, reputable Sibe breeder, and the Siberian Husky Club of America that all have an educational page on the traits and needs of a Siberian Husky).

Buddy, the Christmas Husky: From abandoned and abused to rescued,  fostered & loved for life.

Sadly, the numbers of abandoned or “dumped” Siberian Huskies have exploded in population at shelters and resulting in rescues being so overloaded. Rescues work against the clock in some cases to help save Huskies from high kill shelters, puppy mills, owner-surrenders (for a myriad of reasons), or found abandoned—all because of their natural habits, which are widely disclosed and written about so there should be no surprise there. Unfortunately, people do not take the time to find out what the specific needs are for this beautiful breed before they get one. And quite honestly, no matter the breed, people absolutely need to research the breed’s needs, quirks, traits, possible genetic health issues, etc., to be sure the dog is a good fit and becomes a FOREVER family member.

Talk to any of the hard-working, Siberian Husky-loving rescue folks, and they will tell you that these beautiful dogs, along with their equally beautiful cousins the Alaskan Malamutes, are being abandoned at alarming rates. So much so, that rescues are not only in dire need of adoptive families, but also foster families, to help save as many as they can who have been abandoned by their families to high kill shelters, or worse, just set loose. Some of these Siberian Huskies who are rescued have medical issues that have arisen from being poorly cared for or neglected, to some who even require emergency surgery from injuries that were never tended to. 

A rescue not only takes in the dog, but they also work to evaluate the dog, have a veterinarian check, and see to any necessary medical attention. They then work with the dog to rehabilitate and help the Husky readjust to life outside of the scary, stressful pound they quite suddenly found themselves in.

Homeless Huskies Have Become An Issue Of Epidemic Proportions...

“Siberian Huskies are the cutest puppies and grow into gorgeous adults, but looks aren’t everything!” says Shari Baillargeon, also known as “Mama Shay” in the Husky rescue world, and a forever foster mom who says all of her Huskies chose her to be their advocate! Known for her Facebook page Buddy, the Christmas Husky (www.facebook.com/BuddyTheHusky), named after the famous now furangel Buddy (pictured above in the banner showing his poor condition when found, to his beautiful condition after Shari's care). Buddy was rescued from being abandoned and abused (and also the star of his own book I wrote called Buddy, the Christmas Husky~A True Holiday Miracle about his journey from abandoned and abused to rescued and loved). You can read all about Buddy's story and his legacy on my April 3, 2017 blog post HERE.

 "I'm adoptable!"

Shari, who volunteers with MUSH Rescue of Atlanta, GA (www.mushrescue.com)  in is currently fostering 10 dogs, many with special needs, and she understands Huskies. “So many people do not research the breed and understand what their needs are. They are also pack animals and most do better when they are in a home with another Husky or similar sized dog. You become part of their pack and they expect to spend time with you and the family. They are happiest when they are with you, whether it is hiking or just watching a movie.”

Shari also notes that potential Husky families really need to understand that these dogs are, “a very high energy breed that needs to be stimulated daily to stay out of trouble.  They are well known for their ability to escape confinement and will travel for miles in a short period of time.  They can be very destructive if they are bored.  They will chew up things, dig holes like you have never seen a dog dig before, and totally re-vamp your landscaping to meet their specifications.  I like to say that everything in and out of my home has been ‘modified Siberian style.’ Not knowing what a Siberian Husky’s traits and needs are before purchasing them is what puts so many into our shelter and rescue system.”

  "I'm adoptable!"

Steph Konz, executive director of Taysia Blue Rescue (www.taysiablue.com) in Nebraska that rescues both Siberian Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes states, “Huskies and Malamutes are independent thinkers, therefore, most of them will decide if it's worth it to them (treats or attention) to listen, unlike some other breeds that just want to please their person/people. We do breed education for first time owners, which is super important, and we are a life long resource for the adopter. We never want our adopters to feel like we adopted a dog to them and disappeared.”

Warm-Weather Sibes Need Homes, Too
When one thinks of a Siberian Husky, an image of a beautiful furry sled dog running across a snow-covered field may spring to mind. But, Huskies are also very popular in the warm climate areas as well. “Huskies can certainly deal with the Florida weather!” states Janet C., the social media coordinator for Siberian Husky Rescue of Florida, Inc. (SHRF at www.siberrescue.com) who has been a Siberian Husky mom herself, and has been working in rescue since 2005.

Janet emphasizes the need for people to educate themselves on the breed prior to bring a Husky home. “We have people who get a Husky because the dog is cute, and they always wanted a Husky. They need to know that this is a working breed. A bored Husky can be very destructive.” If the Husky does begin to get destructive, “they are not getting enough physical or mental stimulation,” explains Janet, who depending on the issue, recommends getting a behavior specialist and/or a trainer. “Someone who knows the breed. You WANT to keep the dog. That is the most important thing; to keep your family member. What are you going to do when your kids are acting up? You should have the same level of commitment to your dog as you do to your child or grandchild.”

 "I'm adoptable!"

Janet points folks interested in getting a Siberian Husky to the SHRF’s website for more infor-mation. “We have an education section. People need to read…and ask questions. Sometimes what people are seeing is typical Husky behavior and they should have known that BEFFORE getting the dog.” Janet also emphasis some additional points: “These dogs cannot be off-leash in an unfenced area.” And, “you’ve got to know you have enough money should your dog develop a health issue (such as cancer, epilepsy, CCL injuries, etc). Whatever you do for your child, you should do for your dog.”

Beware of Hollywood "Huskies"

According to PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals-www.peta.org), the rescues in the United Kingdom, since Game of Thrones originally aired 8 years ago, has seen a shocking “420% increase in the number of homeless Huskies.” Four-Hundred and Twenty percent! And that is in the UK alone!

Game of Thrones actor Jerome Flynn (“Bronn”)  has even stepped forward to encourage people to not buy Huskies, but rather adopt one from a local shelter.

Flynn’s Game of Thrones co-star Peter Dinklage (“Tyrion Lannister”) has also partnered with PETA and back in 2017 he sent out an urgent plea to save Husky pups after fans were intrigued by the show’s direwolves and as a result, bought Huskies without doing their research, which only drove up the number of Siberian Huskies eventually being dumped. Stated Dinklage, “Please, please, please. If you are going to bring a dog into your family, make sure you that you are prepared for such a tremendous responsibility and remember to always, ALWAYS, adopt from a shelter.”


The Struggle is Real

Rescues are struggling to save as many homeless Huskies from shelters and animal control centers, and many are “high kill” shelters and the need to help these dogs is truly a critical race against the clock.

Janet says their rescued Huskies in Florida usually come from kill shelters. “They get our first priority for foster homes. We can’t save them fast enough.”

According to PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), the rescues in the United Kingdom, since Game of Thrones originally aired 8 years ago, there has been a shocking “420% increase in the number of homeless Huskies.”

Excuses, Excuses

With the rise in popularity of Siberian Huskies, the numbers in need of rescue have also risen exponentially, and rescues simply cannot keep up with huge number of these healthy, beautiful dogs who are being “owner-surrendered” or simply put, dumped—because, why? A myriad of excuses, such as:

• “I didn’t realize s/he would be so destructive and eat my sofa.” 

• “My Husky is crazy. Went after my little cat.”  
• “I walk my Husky every day on a leash for at least 10 minutes, and all s/he wants to do is break out of my yard and run.”  
• “My Husky jumped my yard fence and chased my neighbor’s chickens.”  
• “S/he dug up all my plants and escaped under the fence.”

And the reasons just keep piling up. Every single one of these abandonment excuses could have been avoided had the people simply done their homework on the breed! 

And then there are the ridiculous excuses: 

• “I’m allergic.”  
• “I’m moving and can’t/don’t want to take my Husky to the new place.”  
• “I’m having a baby.”  
• “I want a different dog.”  
• “My Husky is old now.”

All things to consider before welcoming a Siberian Husky into your home.

“The Siberian Husky is an exceptional breed. They are extremely intelligent, athletic, attractive, and incredibly goofy. We know they aren't for everyone, but those who accept them for who they are and understand their needs find that they are the most loving and devoted dogs.”

 ~Jodi Klein, Tails of the Tundra Siberian Husky Rescue

Education is Key

“Never ever get a dog without doing your homework first,” emphasizes Janet of SHRF. “This is a working breed that needs umpteen hours to exercise. I used to do six miles a day with my Ranger. He was a handful, but you have to be in for the long haul.” While you must live in Florida to adopt a Husky through SHRF, they also feature an in-depth educational page on Siberian Huskies for anyone anywhere who is interested in the breed. You can find the information on their website at www.siberrescue.com.

“Huskies and Malamutes are independent thinkers. We do breed education for first time owners, which is super important, and we are a life long resource for the adopter.”
~Steph Konz, Taysia Blue Rescue

“We love to educate potential adopters and we have no problem telling them the good, the bad, and the ugly!” says Sarah Garcia, volunteer with Free Spirit Siberian Rescue (www.huskyrescue.org) in Illinois. Free Spirit is celebrating 20 years of rescuing and over 3,000 Huskies saved! “First they must understand the energy level and the constant need for exercise.  Many think that just letting the run in the yard is adequate exercise and then quickly find out it is not. They also need to realize that they shed...and a lot!  Huskies require constant grooming and therefore their owners must like to vacuum.”

 "I'm adoptable!"

Sarah says their best advice to Husky families is in order to give their new Husky a happy forever home is “love, patience, and persistence. There will be challenges along the way with any new Husky, but if you are willing to put in the time and the work to making a positive relationship with them and allowing them to thrive it will all be worth it.”

“You have to be willing to look at your dog as a family member, and to commit to it and to training, and also if they have medical issues. Whatever you do for your child you should do for your dog. If you cannot treat your dog properly, do not have one in the first place. They deserve the love and respect you give your kids.”

~Janet C., Siberian Husky Rescue of Florida, Inc.

Surrendering a Sibe

Now, sometimes there is a legit reason for the need to surrender a Husky, or any dog for that matter—and that would be if the pet parent passes away and has no family who can take in the dog, or the human becomes so ill they can no longer take care of their dog. There are many ways to try and help the dog find a loving home, such as contacting a local rescue for advice and possible help rehoming the Husky into a new, loving forever home.

“Sometimes dogs just aren't in the right home,” notes Steph of Taysia Blue. “If someone truly needs to re-home their dog, the best thing to do is reach out early…not a week before you need the dog moved. The majority of rescues run at max capacity all the time. Therefore, there is a waiting list for dogs to come into rescue. We often, as owners, foster the dog while we find them a new home. If the rescue has the owner foster the dog, please be flexible and work with the rescue. Try to remember we are trying to help and we are all volunteers. Prior to contacting a rescue to surrender your animal, make sure your pet is current on all vaccines; that will be one less thing the rescue will have to deal with. Be up front and honest about why you are re-homing your pet, this will save everyone a lot of time and frustration.”

“There will be challenges along the way with any new Husky, but if you are willing to put in the time and the work to making a positive relationship with them and allowing them to thrive it will all be worth it.”

~Sarah Garcia, Free Spirit Siberian Husky Rescue

Please Adopt!

Rescued Huskies up for adoption are not “damaged” dogs. They are wonderful furry family members waiting for a second chance at a forever loving home. High numbers of them are abandoned purebred Huskies, as well as Husky mixes, all seeking nothing but love. 

  

 "I'm adoptable!"

“Although Huskies are an amazing breed, they are not for everyone,” notes Danielle Lahmeyer, creative director for Husky House Siberian Husky & Fellow K9 Rescue (www.huskyhouse.org) in New Jersey. She works closely with president and founder Lorraine Healy to help educate the public on the Siberian Husky breed. “Please do your research prior to bringing one home. Remember, you are making a long-term commitment by adopting a Husky, or any other breed!”

 

 

 “Please, please, please. If you are going to bring a dog into your family, make sure you that you are prepared for such a tremendous responsibility and remember to always, ALWAYS, adopt from a shelter.” 

~Peter Dinklage, Actor, "Tyrion Lannister" 

on Game of Thrones

Adds Shari, “If you research the breed and decide that a Siberian Husky is the right breed for you, PLEASE check your local rescues before you purchase a pup. Rescues have dogs of all ages and colors. Adopting from a rescue opens a spot for another needy pup to be helped.

“Dogs, like people, are individuals, but many breeds do frequently display some common characteristics," says Brad Johnson, vetting coordinator for Northern Lights Sled Dog Rescue (www.facebook.com/NLSDR). "A high energy, young Siberian Husky might not be the best choice for a sedate senior couple living in a small apartment, but would be a great companion for an active young jogger looking for a running partner. Everyone wins if you adopt a dog that fits your lifestyle,” adds Brad, who has not only fostered short term, but who also currently has three Huskies and Husky mixes of his own.  

 "I'm adoptable!"

The NLSDR's mission is “to advocate for and/or rescue stray, abandoned, displaced, or abused dogs. In particular we focus on northern breed dogs facing euthanasia in the Midwest/Great Lakes region shelters.” For anyone interested in adopting a dog from NLSDR, please contact the adoptions coordinator at adoptasleddog@aol.com for more information or to request an adoption application.

Foster Families—Huskies Need You!

With Siberian Husky rescues full beyond capacity and many that do not have on-site facilities for the Huskies saved, they rely on foster families to help the homeless Huskies.

“Fostering is a wonderful way to see if a dog is a good fit for you,” adds “Mama Shay” Shari. “All rescues are usually in need of fosters and are used to “foster failure,” where the foster family adopts the dog they are fostering.”

“Fostering a dog is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have, other than adopting, of course!” Husky House’s Danielle proudly exclaims.

"I'm adoptable!"

Over at Tails of the Tundra Siberian Husky Rescue (TOTTSHR at www.siberescue.com) in Pennsylvania, vice-president Jodi Klein has fostered more than 25 Huskies for over 15 years, including Huskies with special needs, and says of fostering a dog, “It’s extremely beneficial. Fostering gives a new family the chance to know exactly what they are bringing into their home.” 

Jodi also recommends that potential fosters, "Ask a lot of questions from a seasoned foster home. The most important factor is being open minded, knowing your own household and what will fit in it and being committed to learning while helping."

“Fostering a dog is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have, other than adopting, of course!”

~Danielle Lahmeyer, Husky House Siberian Husky & Fellow K9 Rescue

Getting the Message Out

So how can we educate others on the needs and traits of a Siberian Husky to ensure that it’s home becomes a forever one? “One of the best ways for us to get the message out is being a judgment free zone, where people feel comfortable asking questions and for help along the way,” answers Steph of Taysia Blue. “If people feel like they are being judged they aren't going to listen or ask for help.”

“The Siberian Husky is an exceptional breed,” notes Jodi from TOTTSHR. “They are extremely intelligent, athletic, attractive, and incredibly goofy. We know they aren't for everyone, but those who accept them for who they are and understand their needs find that they are the most loving and devoted dogs.”

“Dogs, like people, are individuals, but many breeds do frequently display some common characteristics. A high energy, young Siberian Husky might not be the best choice for a sedate senior couple living in a small apartment, but would be a great companion for an active young jogger looking for a running partner. Everyone wins if you adopt a dog that fits your lifestyle.”

 ~Brad Johnson, Northern Lights Sled Dog Rescue

In order to have a successful relationship with your Siberian Husky so it will become a forever loved member of your family, Janet from SHRF offers this advice, “You have to be willing to look at your dog as a family member, and to commit to it and to training, and also if they have medical issues. Whatever you do for your child you should do for your dog. If you cannot treat your dog properly, do not have one in the first place. They deserve the love and respect you give your kids.”

Every aspect to adopting and fostering is a positive one. More dogs can be saved by the rescues if there are homes—adoptive and foster—for the Huskies to be loved and cared for. Fostering also gives people the opportunity to become familiar with Siberian Huskies, learning about their traits and needs, which in turn helps them become successful, loving, forever adoptive families.

Now that is truly a win-win for both Husky and human.

 To check out my recent companion article “Siberian Husky Rescues: A Heartfelt Mission to Help the Homeless” published in 4Knines, visit HERE.

Is a Husky for You? 
Check out this terrific Talent Hounds video "Do Huskies Make

Good Pets?" interview by Ashley, one of the stars of Kids’ Pet Club! This young gal did a phenomenal job of interviewing Jess of Gone to the Snow Dogs fame at the Canadian Pet Expo. So many of us in the Husky world know of Jess and her snow dogs, but if you don't, Jess is a phenomenal Husky resource and another multi-Husky mom. Jess has been on my show "The Sibe Vibe," plus her website and social media sites feature daily life with her Huskies and some phenomenal recipes! Watch a few of her videos to get a great idea of what life with Huskies is like! Also, be sure to bookmark Talent Hounds as a great resource and entertainment center for all things dog!

Looking for a listing of Siberian Husky (or any breed) rescues near you (both national and international listings)? 

 
Check out our listings page here on our blog by clicking the image below, and if you’d like your rescue listed, simply drop me an email at FiveSibes(at)gmail(dot)com. 

You can also check out RescueMe’s listings at http://husky.rescueshelter.com/.

Our FiveSibes™ #WaitingWednesday  Feature!

  

  Periodically, on a Wednesday we will be featuring a Siberian Husky & Northern Breed Dogs rescue and some of their beautiful adoptable dogs "waiting" for their forever homes!

 Our Badge!

Originally started in the summer of 2019 as a blog hop, #WaitingWednesday will now be an occasional feature where on a Wednesday I will be highlighting a rescue and some of their beautiful Siberian Huskies, Husky mixes, Alaskan Malamutes, and northern breed sled dogs available for adoption and fostering along with their contact information. I encourage everyone to join me in becoming “a village” by sharing 

the posts across your social media in the hopes of helping these homeless Huskies find their forever families!

I also invite Rescues of northern breed dogs (and mixes of both) to send me your info and some of your adoptables to highlight in an upcoming #WaitingWednesday feature! Feel free to Email info and photos to FiveSibes(at)gmail(dot)com and put “Waiting Wednesday Adoptable” in subject line!

And remember our new hashtag:

 Because we cannot do it alone; it takes a "village" to help rescues help homeless Huskies!

Written & © by Dorothy Wills-Raftery

For copies of this article, please Email FiveSibes(at)gmail(dot)com.
 

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We are also joining in the Pet Parade Blog Hop hosted by DashKitten, Bionic Basil & the B Team, and Barking From the Bayou!