I hate for my very first Husky blog post in over two years to be one so sad and tragic, but it is imperative to get the word out there so that something will be done.
For those of you who are not already familiar with Bear-Bear's story, go to the following website for all the news: http://justiceforbearbear.wordpress.com/
In short, Bear-Bear was a beautiful, 3 year-old Siberian who belonged to Ryan and Rachel Rettaliata, was a regular at the community dog park, and was shot and killed by an off-duty federal officer who claims that the dog was attacking his dog and that he feared for himself, his dog, and his wife. I call Husky crap on his story.
First -- This "officer" was walking his dog on leash in an off-leash dog park. Any idiot should know better.
Secondly -- He says his wife was holding the leash and it sounds like she freaked out when her dog pulled her forward. If she could not control herself or the dog, why did she have the leash? She went into panic-mode, and that is never good for a dog owner.
Third -- Huskies are not an aggressive breed. In fact, a recent Ivy League study shows that they are the LEAST AGGRESSIVE breed. http://publicintellectual.wordpress.com/2010/03/17/ivy-league-study-huskies-safest-breed/
They cannot even be trained to be watch dogs because they are so friendly. They do like to play rough, however. I don't know how many times I will look to see my Huskies playing, and they will have each other pinned down, will be pulling on each others' fur, and will be getting mouthy with each other.
Fourth -- Even if the dogs were getting too rough, there are ways to break up fights, rough play, etc. without using lethal force. Most people I know carry water bottles with them when they walk their dogs or take them to a dog park. A blast of water is usually pretty good incentive to get dogs to break apart from each other.
Finally, Gandhi once said "The greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated." How Bear-Bear and the Rettaliatas receive justice in this case will say a lot.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Tales of the Pack...We Have Returned!
Below this post, the entries consist of things I wrote in a previous blog about the dogs. I switched over and re-posted them here.
I noticed the date of my last piece....holy flying crap monkeys, Batman! It was two years ago! So many things have happened with the pack since then...where to start?!
As you might imagine, the Pack is still up to their antics. What group of Siberians don't find their share of trouble to make?! The a-rooooo-ing, yodeling, howling, and ya-ya-ya-ing are still filling the air, and we humans are pretty sure that there is plotting among the furry residents to see which one can come up with the most outrageous prank!
So, sit back and enjoy the Siberian Express....
I noticed the date of my last piece....holy flying crap monkeys, Batman! It was two years ago! So many things have happened with the pack since then...where to start?!
As you might imagine, the Pack is still up to their antics. What group of Siberians don't find their share of trouble to make?! The a-rooooo-ing, yodeling, howling, and ya-ya-ya-ing are still filling the air, and we humans are pretty sure that there is plotting among the furry residents to see which one can come up with the most outrageous prank!
So, sit back and enjoy the Siberian Express....
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Walk Softly and Carry a Big Stick
(originally written 7-18-2008)
This could almost be the Huskies' motto, minus the "walk softly" part, of course. It's more like, "Run like your furry tail is on fire and carry a big stick" for them! And the bigger the stick, the better. In fact, I have spied the occasional Husky with a stick longer than he is! That is a big stick. One day, I drove into my mother's driveway, and when I glanced over into her back yard, I spied Demon running like the wind, Jade close behind him, a stick nearly as long as the driveway itself clutched in his grinning Siberian mouth.
Unlike a Lab or other retriever type breed, your average Husky will not run after a stick and return it to you for you to throw again. Huskies have an entirely different agenda when it comes to their toys, sticks included. I have yet to figure out exactly what that agenda is, and I suspect that no other human out there has figured it, either. Huskies live and behave according to a different set of rules than most dogs.
Dougal, the Great White Fuzzy Butt, collected a whole stack of sticks from our back yard. We used to have several pine trees, most of which are gone now, but there are remains. One day, we noticed that there was a pile of sticks gathered in one spot. Apparently, Dougal collected them from around the yard and placed them all in one general area. We're not sure if he was trying to build a log cabin with them, collect them for fire wood, or put all of his "toys" in one stack away from the other dogs. With Dougal, you never know.
Not too long ago, Xena made the move from sticks to snakes. Okay, to be fair, the snake DID encroach upon her territory. It seems that a black snake decided to make a visit to her kennel one day. I'm not sure if it was trying to stage a repeat of the Garden of Eden story and tempt Xena to fall from grace or if it was simply looking for some water, considering that we have been living in extremely dry conditions lately, but it soon learned that it picked the wrong dog. Xena's practice with sticks had trained her well. She picked that snake up and was whipping it around like Indiana Jones works his whip. I think that perhaps she's been sneaking up to my mom's window and watching movies when nobody suspects, and she has picked up a few tricks. At any rate, the snake didn't stand a chance. Sticks are sturdier. I believe it is now out on the Reptile Rumor Mill that Xena's kennel is a Stay Away Zone for all cold-blooded, apodal types.
So, the snakes are gone, but the sticks will always be there!
This could almost be the Huskies' motto, minus the "walk softly" part, of course. It's more like, "Run like your furry tail is on fire and carry a big stick" for them! And the bigger the stick, the better. In fact, I have spied the occasional Husky with a stick longer than he is! That is a big stick. One day, I drove into my mother's driveway, and when I glanced over into her back yard, I spied Demon running like the wind, Jade close behind him, a stick nearly as long as the driveway itself clutched in his grinning Siberian mouth.
Unlike a Lab or other retriever type breed, your average Husky will not run after a stick and return it to you for you to throw again. Huskies have an entirely different agenda when it comes to their toys, sticks included. I have yet to figure out exactly what that agenda is, and I suspect that no other human out there has figured it, either. Huskies live and behave according to a different set of rules than most dogs.
Dougal, the Great White Fuzzy Butt, collected a whole stack of sticks from our back yard. We used to have several pine trees, most of which are gone now, but there are remains. One day, we noticed that there was a pile of sticks gathered in one spot. Apparently, Dougal collected them from around the yard and placed them all in one general area. We're not sure if he was trying to build a log cabin with them, collect them for fire wood, or put all of his "toys" in one stack away from the other dogs. With Dougal, you never know.
Not too long ago, Xena made the move from sticks to snakes. Okay, to be fair, the snake DID encroach upon her territory. It seems that a black snake decided to make a visit to her kennel one day. I'm not sure if it was trying to stage a repeat of the Garden of Eden story and tempt Xena to fall from grace or if it was simply looking for some water, considering that we have been living in extremely dry conditions lately, but it soon learned that it picked the wrong dog. Xena's practice with sticks had trained her well. She picked that snake up and was whipping it around like Indiana Jones works his whip. I think that perhaps she's been sneaking up to my mom's window and watching movies when nobody suspects, and she has picked up a few tricks. At any rate, the snake didn't stand a chance. Sticks are sturdier. I believe it is now out on the Reptile Rumor Mill that Xena's kennel is a Stay Away Zone for all cold-blooded, apodal types.
So, the snakes are gone, but the sticks will always be there!
Let Them Eat Bread!
(originally written 5-1-2008)
What delicious edibles do your dogs go crazy over? Milk bones? Hot dogs? Greenies? Left over roast or steak? All of the above?
What about BREAD? Yes, bread. Any kind of bread. Sunbeam. Wonderbread. Bagels--with or without cream cheese. Garlic bread. Toasted. Straight out of the bag. My dogs, Huskies and Shih Tzus, are carbohydrate crazed canines.
Let me tell you how bad it is. There have been many mornings that we have gotten up to find bags of half-eaten bagels in our bedroom, the incriminating crumbs still dusting the muzzles of our food thieves. Many have been the moments that I have heard the rustle of a bread bag, only to see a dog trotting jauntily around the corner seconds later, a loaf lodged securely in his or her mouth, seeking out a safe corner to enjoy the loot.
Making a sandwich in my house is not a safe endeavor with a dog in the vicinity. A Husky will boldly place front paws on the counter, insisting on her share. A Shih Tzu will either hop madly on back legs, wishing for the same power as his bigger canine cousin or gaze in forlorn entreaty, hoping for some benevolence from his human companion. It is the bread that they are after.
It used to be a trick to disguise pills for the dogs. Not anymore. All I have to do now is wrap them up in some bread, and the dogs will practically inhale them.
So, if there is ever a shortage on kibble, I can always reply: Well, then, let them eat bread!
What delicious edibles do your dogs go crazy over? Milk bones? Hot dogs? Greenies? Left over roast or steak? All of the above?
What about BREAD? Yes, bread. Any kind of bread. Sunbeam. Wonderbread. Bagels--with or without cream cheese. Garlic bread. Toasted. Straight out of the bag. My dogs, Huskies and Shih Tzus, are carbohydrate crazed canines.
Let me tell you how bad it is. There have been many mornings that we have gotten up to find bags of half-eaten bagels in our bedroom, the incriminating crumbs still dusting the muzzles of our food thieves. Many have been the moments that I have heard the rustle of a bread bag, only to see a dog trotting jauntily around the corner seconds later, a loaf lodged securely in his or her mouth, seeking out a safe corner to enjoy the loot.
Making a sandwich in my house is not a safe endeavor with a dog in the vicinity. A Husky will boldly place front paws on the counter, insisting on her share. A Shih Tzu will either hop madly on back legs, wishing for the same power as his bigger canine cousin or gaze in forlorn entreaty, hoping for some benevolence from his human companion. It is the bread that they are after.
It used to be a trick to disguise pills for the dogs. Not anymore. All I have to do now is wrap them up in some bread, and the dogs will practically inhale them.
So, if there is ever a shortage on kibble, I can always reply: Well, then, let them eat bread!
The Honeymoon is Over!
(originally written 4-25-2008)
In any Husky pack, there will emerge an Alpha, a leader, the Head Honcho of the Husky Haven. Often, an Alpha Pair, consisting of the Alpha Male and Alpha Female, will join forces and become Lords of the Lair, prowling around the homestead in lupine fashion, nipping at the young ones to keep them in line, reminding the peasantry of the canine worlds that they are the King and Queen of the Sibes and Don't Ever Forget It!
My mom's Alpha male is clearly Prancer, the big handsome red and white boy who rules the ranch, strutting around in his fur-clad glory. Tasha is clearly this sultan's favorite wife. The two of them are inseparable. Now, there are times when Xena would like to challenge Tasha for the position of Alpha Female, not because she wants to co-rule with Prancer--see my blog entry, Husky Reality TV, Praying the Rosary with Sister Xena for an explanation--but because she simply wants to rule as Alpha Female in her own right.
At my house, the Alpha Leaders are Dougal, the big white woolly man, and Maia, the small black and white Ritalin dog. The Dynamic Duo rule the roost here, making rounds to ensure that the gang is behaving to their standards. I've seen the two of them standing up on the hill behind my house, each one perched on a tree stump, surveying their domain. I've observed the two of them lying lazily on the back deck, guarding the back door from....whatever...while the rest of the pack rested in various places around the kennels and the yard.
This Canine Couple does not always live in peace and harmony, however. Just as all newlyweds eventually learn, the honeymoon ends at some point, and arguments erupt. For humans, the arguments may be over money, who is supposed to wash the dishes, who left the toilet seat up, or who farted under the bed covers. For Huskies, the sources of the arguments may be harder to discover, at least for those of us humans trying to learn about canine behaviour.
Imagine, though, that all is quiet and peaceful, then all of a sudden, the growls and ya-ya-yas erupt. Anyone who is familiar with Husky talk knows that these dogs do not merely bark and growl and howl. They yodel and ya-ya and aaa-roooo. They are very melodramatic animals and could easily win awards for their performance on a stage, if just given the chance. When Dougal and Maia argue, they really ARGUE. They don't fight, as in a knock-down, dog fight. They get in each other's face, and they Husky yodel and ya-ya-ya-ya at each other. They may argue over a dog toy or a treat or sardines. Sometimes, there is no apparent reason for the argument. Like a human couple, maybe they sometimes just get on each other's nerves. Perhaps Dougal is growling at Maia to calm the heck down or Maia is yipping at Dougal to stop being such a hog and for Dog's sake, does he have to fart every time he stands up?
In any Husky pack, there will emerge an Alpha, a leader, the Head Honcho of the Husky Haven. Often, an Alpha Pair, consisting of the Alpha Male and Alpha Female, will join forces and become Lords of the Lair, prowling around the homestead in lupine fashion, nipping at the young ones to keep them in line, reminding the peasantry of the canine worlds that they are the King and Queen of the Sibes and Don't Ever Forget It!
My mom's Alpha male is clearly Prancer, the big handsome red and white boy who rules the ranch, strutting around in his fur-clad glory. Tasha is clearly this sultan's favorite wife. The two of them are inseparable. Now, there are times when Xena would like to challenge Tasha for the position of Alpha Female, not because she wants to co-rule with Prancer--see my blog entry, Husky Reality TV, Praying the Rosary with Sister Xena for an explanation--but because she simply wants to rule as Alpha Female in her own right.
At my house, the Alpha Leaders are Dougal, the big white woolly man, and Maia, the small black and white Ritalin dog. The Dynamic Duo rule the roost here, making rounds to ensure that the gang is behaving to their standards. I've seen the two of them standing up on the hill behind my house, each one perched on a tree stump, surveying their domain. I've observed the two of them lying lazily on the back deck, guarding the back door from....whatever...while the rest of the pack rested in various places around the kennels and the yard.
This Canine Couple does not always live in peace and harmony, however. Just as all newlyweds eventually learn, the honeymoon ends at some point, and arguments erupt. For humans, the arguments may be over money, who is supposed to wash the dishes, who left the toilet seat up, or who farted under the bed covers. For Huskies, the sources of the arguments may be harder to discover, at least for those of us humans trying to learn about canine behaviour.
Imagine, though, that all is quiet and peaceful, then all of a sudden, the growls and ya-ya-yas erupt. Anyone who is familiar with Husky talk knows that these dogs do not merely bark and growl and howl. They yodel and ya-ya and aaa-roooo. They are very melodramatic animals and could easily win awards for their performance on a stage, if just given the chance. When Dougal and Maia argue, they really ARGUE. They don't fight, as in a knock-down, dog fight. They get in each other's face, and they Husky yodel and ya-ya-ya-ya at each other. They may argue over a dog toy or a treat or sardines. Sometimes, there is no apparent reason for the argument. Like a human couple, maybe they sometimes just get on each other's nerves. Perhaps Dougal is growling at Maia to calm the heck down or Maia is yipping at Dougal to stop being such a hog and for Dog's sake, does he have to fart every time he stands up?
Toy Raid!
(originally written 3-13-2008)
Dougal has a new hobby, and I finally figured it out today. I call it, "Toy Raid." It took me a little while to work out what he was trying to do when he would sneak past me into the house, run through to the upstairs, stay a moment, then run back down, and straight back out the back door. I put it all together, though, when I realized that every single time he does this, he has a toy in his mouth.
He doesn't pick up just any toy, however. It has to be a soft, squeaky toy. Those are his favorites. And it does not take him long to chew them into an unrecognizable mass of dead former squeakiness. Dougal does not abandon it then. Far from it. Oh no...he is just getting to the good part then. He will carry the "dead" squeaky toy around after that for weeks. He has a secret cache of such items, and beware the dog that goes near it! He is quite protective of his "kill."
The amusing part is seeing the looks on people's faces when they see this large, white, wolf-looking dog trotting up carrying one of these "dead" items in his mouth. The look of disgust and horror is priceless because it is obvious that they think he has truly killed a bird or squirrel! I generally take pity on them, and after assuring them that no, he does not bite, and yes, he is all dog, not part-wolf (well, I think he does have a bit of wolf in him, but don't tell anyone!), I tell them that he is carrying a "dead" tennis ball or "dead" squeaky toy. Many go away not looking fully convinced.
Dougal went on another Toy Raid today. He zoomed out the back door with TWO toys this time! I bet he feels like it was a bonus hunting day. I've been hearing the squeak, squeak of his ministrations as he goes about de-squeaking the toys and going in for the kill on the back deck. All is quiet now...time for a another squeaky toy funeral, I bet!
Dougal has a new hobby, and I finally figured it out today. I call it, "Toy Raid." It took me a little while to work out what he was trying to do when he would sneak past me into the house, run through to the upstairs, stay a moment, then run back down, and straight back out the back door. I put it all together, though, when I realized that every single time he does this, he has a toy in his mouth.
He doesn't pick up just any toy, however. It has to be a soft, squeaky toy. Those are his favorites. And it does not take him long to chew them into an unrecognizable mass of dead former squeakiness. Dougal does not abandon it then. Far from it. Oh no...he is just getting to the good part then. He will carry the "dead" squeaky toy around after that for weeks. He has a secret cache of such items, and beware the dog that goes near it! He is quite protective of his "kill."
The amusing part is seeing the looks on people's faces when they see this large, white, wolf-looking dog trotting up carrying one of these "dead" items in his mouth. The look of disgust and horror is priceless because it is obvious that they think he has truly killed a bird or squirrel! I generally take pity on them, and after assuring them that no, he does not bite, and yes, he is all dog, not part-wolf (well, I think he does have a bit of wolf in him, but don't tell anyone!), I tell them that he is carrying a "dead" tennis ball or "dead" squeaky toy. Many go away not looking fully convinced.
Dougal went on another Toy Raid today. He zoomed out the back door with TWO toys this time! I bet he feels like it was a bonus hunting day. I've been hearing the squeak, squeak of his ministrations as he goes about de-squeaking the toys and going in for the kill on the back deck. All is quiet now...time for a another squeaky toy funeral, I bet!
Husky Reality TV, Anyone?
(originally written 2-28-2008)
With all of the reality television shows that are on the boob tube these days, my mom and I were talking about the dogs and how they would be infinitely more interesting and amusing than most of what passes for entertainment. Consider some of the following possible episodes:
Pilot episode, Planning Under the Tree: The dogs hold secretive meetings away from their humans under a tree in the corner of the yard. What do they do there as they gather in a circle around the tree? Are they plotting against the people, planning to take over the ranch? Is there an escape plot they are hatching? Are they simply discussing last night's game or exchanging gossip?
Home Improvement Episode: The dogs are ready to spruce up the place! Follow them around as they make plans and put them into action. Skyy evidently has a building project in mind since she is walking from room to room with a hammer in her mouth. She puts the hammer down, surveys each room with a critical eye, and before leaving that room, takes up the hammer again.
Landscaping is also part of the Huskies' plans for their living quarters. They are especially enthusiastic in this endeavor, adding decorative holes in various strategic location all over the yard. The humans expect to look out and see a Chinese family emerge from one of the holes any day now.
The pups are getting in on the home improvement action, too, trotting around with small pieces of wood and tree limbs in their mouths. They need to get together with Skyy and her hammer.
The Cooking with Huskies Episode: Hey y'all! The Huskies have decided to join Stacey in the kitchen. Well, not ALL of them...that would be a disaster. Skyy and Mojo, however, have decided to take cooking lessons, and are watching closely as their human dices up garlic, fresh herbs, onions, etc. At one point, Skyy decides to sample the garlic. The vampires will be leaving her alone this evening! Perhaps she was going for the chicken with tarragon instead. Maybe we shouldn't mention here the time Prancer stole Robert's corn dogs...
The Mating Game! This episode will follow the dogs around as they engage in their high spirited romantic hijinks. Will Prancer choose Cheyenne, Maya, or Tasha. Oh, we know this boy. He'll choose ALL of them! They don't call him Studly for nothing! Watch as he ingeniously finds a way to enter the girls' kennels, Houdini style, at all hours of the day and night.
Tensions rise, however, as Prancer and Loki vie for the attentions of the affectionate Angel and her vivacious sister, Scarlett, and there will even be a few nail-biting moments when Miley actually tries to flirt with Prancer...her very own father!
Praying the Rosary with Xena Episode: Well, it appears that Xena has seen the image of Jesus in her kibble, and now she is taking a vow of chastity. After three heat cycles, she STILL refuses to mate with any of the males. Sister Xena remains adamant in her choice to "take the veil," and she's happy to leave motherhood to the other females.
Treasure Hunt Episode: You just never know what those resourceful canines will find! Dougal proudly shows off the sprinkler that he found...somewhere...that his family had not seen for five years. He keeps it beside his dead tennis ball in his personal treasure cache. Xena's special treasure is a pear from the pear tree down by the fence. She keeps it in her kennel and woe to the dog who tried to sneak in and steal it. Along those same lines, Xena has also been known to pick up the occasional rock to carry back to her kennel.
The Music Hour: Singing with Huskies! The Huskies love to sing, and that's a fact. In fact, Sitka's full name is Song of Sitka. One will start, and within moments, a chorus of Husky voices will join in the concert. The dogs give a short recital of their favorite tunes, and a couple even show off their dancing skills, too.
Stay tuned for these and more exciting episodes of Husky Reality TV! It's guaranteed that there will never be a dull moment while the cameras follow our Siberian friends as they go about their daily lives.
With all of the reality television shows that are on the boob tube these days, my mom and I were talking about the dogs and how they would be infinitely more interesting and amusing than most of what passes for entertainment. Consider some of the following possible episodes:
Pilot episode, Planning Under the Tree: The dogs hold secretive meetings away from their humans under a tree in the corner of the yard. What do they do there as they gather in a circle around the tree? Are they plotting against the people, planning to take over the ranch? Is there an escape plot they are hatching? Are they simply discussing last night's game or exchanging gossip?
Home Improvement Episode: The dogs are ready to spruce up the place! Follow them around as they make plans and put them into action. Skyy evidently has a building project in mind since she is walking from room to room with a hammer in her mouth. She puts the hammer down, surveys each room with a critical eye, and before leaving that room, takes up the hammer again.
Landscaping is also part of the Huskies' plans for their living quarters. They are especially enthusiastic in this endeavor, adding decorative holes in various strategic location all over the yard. The humans expect to look out and see a Chinese family emerge from one of the holes any day now.
The pups are getting in on the home improvement action, too, trotting around with small pieces of wood and tree limbs in their mouths. They need to get together with Skyy and her hammer.
The Cooking with Huskies Episode: Hey y'all! The Huskies have decided to join Stacey in the kitchen. Well, not ALL of them...that would be a disaster. Skyy and Mojo, however, have decided to take cooking lessons, and are watching closely as their human dices up garlic, fresh herbs, onions, etc. At one point, Skyy decides to sample the garlic. The vampires will be leaving her alone this evening! Perhaps she was going for the chicken with tarragon instead. Maybe we shouldn't mention here the time Prancer stole Robert's corn dogs...
The Mating Game! This episode will follow the dogs around as they engage in their high spirited romantic hijinks. Will Prancer choose Cheyenne, Maya, or Tasha. Oh, we know this boy. He'll choose ALL of them! They don't call him Studly for nothing! Watch as he ingeniously finds a way to enter the girls' kennels, Houdini style, at all hours of the day and night.
Tensions rise, however, as Prancer and Loki vie for the attentions of the affectionate Angel and her vivacious sister, Scarlett, and there will even be a few nail-biting moments when Miley actually tries to flirt with Prancer...her very own father!
Praying the Rosary with Xena Episode: Well, it appears that Xena has seen the image of Jesus in her kibble, and now she is taking a vow of chastity. After three heat cycles, she STILL refuses to mate with any of the males. Sister Xena remains adamant in her choice to "take the veil," and she's happy to leave motherhood to the other females.
Treasure Hunt Episode: You just never know what those resourceful canines will find! Dougal proudly shows off the sprinkler that he found...somewhere...that his family had not seen for five years. He keeps it beside his dead tennis ball in his personal treasure cache. Xena's special treasure is a pear from the pear tree down by the fence. She keeps it in her kennel and woe to the dog who tried to sneak in and steal it. Along those same lines, Xena has also been known to pick up the occasional rock to carry back to her kennel.
The Music Hour: Singing with Huskies! The Huskies love to sing, and that's a fact. In fact, Sitka's full name is Song of Sitka. One will start, and within moments, a chorus of Husky voices will join in the concert. The dogs give a short recital of their favorite tunes, and a couple even show off their dancing skills, too.
Stay tuned for these and more exciting episodes of Husky Reality TV! It's guaranteed that there will never be a dull moment while the cameras follow our Siberian friends as they go about their daily lives.
Would You Like Fries With That Cell Phone?
(originally written 1-10-2008)
Huskies are notorious for eating anything that comes into their line of vision. It doesn't matter if the item that strikes their fancy is something that one would consider edible or not. If it is there, chances are, your Husky is going to eat it.
Here is a laundry list of items that our Huskies have eaten just over the past year: cell-phones, boots (with steel toes, at that!), numerous shoes, a St. Brigid's cross (Sitka got that one with the help of my white Persian, Mr. Biggles, who knocked it off the wall to the floor where Sitka proceeded to consume it--a friend said, "Well, that gives new meaning to Holy Sh*t, doesn't it?"), the seat of my step-father's riding lawn mower (I am NOT kidding you--they DEVOURED it!), portions of the plastic swimming pools that we put out for them in the summer months, multiple toothbrushes, coffee mugs that I negligently left sitting on my deck, cable wires (see previous blog entry), several dog toys and stuffed animals, books, the collars off each other's necks, my mom's debit cards (were they planning on going shopping?), my stepfather's prescription glasses, and my prescription glasses (vision problems?).
I'm sure that there have been plenty of other items that they have consumed that I cannot remember at the present moment, but the moral of the story is this: if you treasure an item, do NOT leave it where your Husky can reach it. And believe me, they can reach a lot of places, so your best bet might be to place said item in a locked safe. Even then, I wouldn't become too complacent.
Huskies are notorious for eating anything that comes into their line of vision. It doesn't matter if the item that strikes their fancy is something that one would consider edible or not. If it is there, chances are, your Husky is going to eat it.
Here is a laundry list of items that our Huskies have eaten just over the past year: cell-phones, boots (with steel toes, at that!), numerous shoes, a St. Brigid's cross (Sitka got that one with the help of my white Persian, Mr. Biggles, who knocked it off the wall to the floor where Sitka proceeded to consume it--a friend said, "Well, that gives new meaning to Holy Sh*t, doesn't it?"), the seat of my step-father's riding lawn mower (I am NOT kidding you--they DEVOURED it!), portions of the plastic swimming pools that we put out for them in the summer months, multiple toothbrushes, coffee mugs that I negligently left sitting on my deck, cable wires (see previous blog entry), several dog toys and stuffed animals, books, the collars off each other's necks, my mom's debit cards (were they planning on going shopping?), my stepfather's prescription glasses, and my prescription glasses (vision problems?).
I'm sure that there have been plenty of other items that they have consumed that I cannot remember at the present moment, but the moral of the story is this: if you treasure an item, do NOT leave it where your Husky can reach it. And believe me, they can reach a lot of places, so your best bet might be to place said item in a locked safe. Even then, I wouldn't become too complacent.
Houdini Dogs...Now You See Them, Now You Don't!
(originally written 1-10-2008)
Perhaps you have heard the term "Houdini dogs" used in connection with Siberian Huskies. If you have a Husky or know somebody who has a Husky, then you know first-hand what this means. It is quite possible to place a Sibe in a locked safe, only to return moments later to find that the dog has disappeared and is half way to Alaska.
Think I'm exaggerating? Let me relay a little story to you about Dougal and Maia.
Huskies are sneaky critters. NEVER, I repeat, NEVER become too complacent, thinking that your facilities are secure and that your canine friend has absolutely no way to get out. He or she will surprise you. I guarantee you.
You see, we have an 8-foot privacy fence surrounding our back yard. At the gate, we have an additional chain-link gate. Yes, that is TWO gates. We have the electrical wiring running the length of the fence, keeping the dogs from digging around the bottom. We thought we had all of our bases covered. A long time had passed. Our dogs were not going anywhere without us. Heck, they never even tried to get out, so we had nothing to worry about, right?
WRONG. Just prior to Christmas, these two canine Macgyvers found a way out. They had pulled the vent covers off the crawl space area in the back yard, went through the crawl space under the house, then pushed to vent covers off at the front of the house, and then they were FREE! I became aware when I looked out back and saw their puppy, Natasha, by herself, then heard a commotion out front. I walked out on the front porch to find that the two of them were standing at the foot of a tree looking up...at one of my cats. Dougal and Maia were having a ball. Ariel, my favorite kitty, was not so amused.
I spent around 30 minutes rounding up the escapees. Dougal is fairly laid back...as far as Huskies go, so he was pretty easy to capture. Maia, on the other hand, is the poster canine for Ritalin. She would run toward me, and just when I thought I had her, she would dodge away at the last minute. It was great fun for her, but as I was in shorts, a t-shirt, and Birkenstocks without socks, I reached a point where my feet were numb from the cold, and I was starting to adopt Ariel's "not so amused" attitude. After a while, I finally managed to capture her.
Dougal and Maia spent the remainder of the day in Alcatraz, aka their kennels. I think I heard the theme song for "Cops" playing in the background. This is not as harsh as it sounds. I mean, they have covered kennels with insulated dog houses, complete with fresh food and water, and they even have toys. You would think I had confined them to Dante's lowest level of Hell based on the initial howling I heard from them.
We did some temporary patching of the vents, but we kept a closer vigil after that. And we have learned something. Never underestimate a Siberian Husky!
Perhaps you have heard the term "Houdini dogs" used in connection with Siberian Huskies. If you have a Husky or know somebody who has a Husky, then you know first-hand what this means. It is quite possible to place a Sibe in a locked safe, only to return moments later to find that the dog has disappeared and is half way to Alaska.
Think I'm exaggerating? Let me relay a little story to you about Dougal and Maia.
Huskies are sneaky critters. NEVER, I repeat, NEVER become too complacent, thinking that your facilities are secure and that your canine friend has absolutely no way to get out. He or she will surprise you. I guarantee you.
You see, we have an 8-foot privacy fence surrounding our back yard. At the gate, we have an additional chain-link gate. Yes, that is TWO gates. We have the electrical wiring running the length of the fence, keeping the dogs from digging around the bottom. We thought we had all of our bases covered. A long time had passed. Our dogs were not going anywhere without us. Heck, they never even tried to get out, so we had nothing to worry about, right?
WRONG. Just prior to Christmas, these two canine Macgyvers found a way out. They had pulled the vent covers off the crawl space area in the back yard, went through the crawl space under the house, then pushed to vent covers off at the front of the house, and then they were FREE! I became aware when I looked out back and saw their puppy, Natasha, by herself, then heard a commotion out front. I walked out on the front porch to find that the two of them were standing at the foot of a tree looking up...at one of my cats. Dougal and Maia were having a ball. Ariel, my favorite kitty, was not so amused.
I spent around 30 minutes rounding up the escapees. Dougal is fairly laid back...as far as Huskies go, so he was pretty easy to capture. Maia, on the other hand, is the poster canine for Ritalin. She would run toward me, and just when I thought I had her, she would dodge away at the last minute. It was great fun for her, but as I was in shorts, a t-shirt, and Birkenstocks without socks, I reached a point where my feet were numb from the cold, and I was starting to adopt Ariel's "not so amused" attitude. After a while, I finally managed to capture her.
Dougal and Maia spent the remainder of the day in Alcatraz, aka their kennels. I think I heard the theme song for "Cops" playing in the background. This is not as harsh as it sounds. I mean, they have covered kennels with insulated dog houses, complete with fresh food and water, and they even have toys. You would think I had confined them to Dante's lowest level of Hell based on the initial howling I heard from them.
We did some temporary patching of the vents, but we kept a closer vigil after that. And we have learned something. Never underestimate a Siberian Husky!
The Cableman Always Rings Twice
(originally written 10-12-2007)
Or three times. Or four. Or five. At least, that's the case when you have Maya the Destroyer on the job, chewing through cable lines.
You might be thinking, "But she doesn't look like a destroyer." Don't let that innocent face and those baby blue eyes fool you. Maya could demolish an armored car in sixty seconds flat. Oh, she's a sweetheart, as far as her personality goes. She's one of the sweetest, most loving dogs I've ever met, but I'm not about to let my cell phone get anywhere near her. She ate my step-father's cell phone once. She's chewed up a few of his boots, too.
And that brings me back to the cable lines. What does one do when the cable TV goes out? Call the cable company, naturally. When Charter sent their repairman out, he approached the back yard cautiously. Although all of the dogs had been put into their kennels prior to his arrival, I suppose he found the howling, dog house jumping, yodeling canines a bit intimidating. He quickly discovered the source of the TV viewing problems...cable lines chewed nearly in half. Obviously, a Husky was responsible, but how did we come to the conclusion that Maya was the culprit?
First, consider Maya's history of demolition. Then, there is the proximity of the cable lines to her kennel. However, the evidence was inconclusive. The cable was fixed, and television restored to the household. For a time. Until it went out again.
This time, Maya the Destroyer was caught in the act. The cable guy came out. Again. I can imagine the conversation back at the office. "It's those crazy Siberian people again...yeah, dog ate the cable line again." They probably have a repairman on standby just for our address!
The question I have is why Maya repeatedly chooses to chew on the cable line when there are plenty of other interesting things for her to chew on out there. And electricity does exist out in the kennels...there are lights and fans in each kennel. My only theory is that she feels if she can't have cable television out in her kennel, then nobody else should have it! After all, a dog should be able to watch the newest episodes of "Meercat Manor" and "Animal Cop," shouldn't she?
Thar She Blows!
(originally written 10-8-2007)
It's that time again...the dogs are starting to blow their coats. Keep in mind that these dogs shed like crazy year-round, and your clothes are generally going to be adorned with decorative Siberian fringe. However, when coat-blowing times hits, look out! The yard starts to look like a cotton field of Husky undercoat, and if the slightest breeze is blowing, you might find yourself caught in a blizzard of fuzz.
The thing that amazes me the most, though, is that I will brush these dogs every day, sometimes several times a day, and huge clumps of hair, handfuls of hair come out each time, and they STILL have bodies full of hair left. With all of the hair coming out, you would think they would be as bald as my father-in-law.
A few days ago, Dougal, my big white boy, leaned his head down to check out a particular piece of hair that I had brushed off his back. When he looked back up at me, a long piece of fur was attached to just under his chin, looking like a long white beard. That, coupled with the big grin on his face, sent me into fits of laughter. He looked like a cross between a canine Santa Clause and a turban-less Al-Qaida member, except he hasn't used Just for Men like the latest video of Osama bin Laden shows. Well, that, and I doubt Osama bin Laden grins like a Siberian Husky...he doesn't have their good nature!
But back to the coat blowing...the next few weeks mean that I will be sporting a fashionable Husky fur shirt and trousers wherever I go, and the dogs might look a bit ragged around the edges until they finish blowing coat. IF we are lucky enough, though, to actually enjoy a winter season this year (lately I have been despairing that it will be forever warm), the dogs will grow their winter coats, and when they are in "full coat," they are absolutely glorious to behold.
In the meantime, maybe I'll collect that undercoat and knit some scarves, after all.
It's that time again...the dogs are starting to blow their coats. Keep in mind that these dogs shed like crazy year-round, and your clothes are generally going to be adorned with decorative Siberian fringe. However, when coat-blowing times hits, look out! The yard starts to look like a cotton field of Husky undercoat, and if the slightest breeze is blowing, you might find yourself caught in a blizzard of fuzz.
The thing that amazes me the most, though, is that I will brush these dogs every day, sometimes several times a day, and huge clumps of hair, handfuls of hair come out each time, and they STILL have bodies full of hair left. With all of the hair coming out, you would think they would be as bald as my father-in-law.
A few days ago, Dougal, my big white boy, leaned his head down to check out a particular piece of hair that I had brushed off his back. When he looked back up at me, a long piece of fur was attached to just under his chin, looking like a long white beard. That, coupled with the big grin on his face, sent me into fits of laughter. He looked like a cross between a canine Santa Clause and a turban-less Al-Qaida member, except he hasn't used Just for Men like the latest video of Osama bin Laden shows. Well, that, and I doubt Osama bin Laden grins like a Siberian Husky...he doesn't have their good nature!
But back to the coat blowing...the next few weeks mean that I will be sporting a fashionable Husky fur shirt and trousers wherever I go, and the dogs might look a bit ragged around the edges until they finish blowing coat. IF we are lucky enough, though, to actually enjoy a winter season this year (lately I have been despairing that it will be forever warm), the dogs will grow their winter coats, and when they are in "full coat," they are absolutely glorious to behold.
In the meantime, maybe I'll collect that undercoat and knit some scarves, after all.
Put Away Your Cashmere...There's a New Sweater Material in Town!
(originally written 7-14-2007)
The other day, I came across a book title that I knew I had to purchase, Knitting with Dog Hair. Forget the fact that I don't knit. I was intrigued. How, exactly, does one go about knitting scarves, mittens, and even sweaters with the hair of one's faithful companion? I had to find out.
The process of collecting, harvesting, washing, carding, spinning, and then knitting your Poochy Parka is about as labour intensive as growing and harvesting your own personal 20 acre garden using 18th century technology. Let's assume that you actually have TIME left over after caring for and feeding your pets.
First, there is the grooming of your dog. Now, this is something that has to be done anyway, but if you want to recycle Fido's hair into a pair of socks, you need to be prepared with a bag or something so you can collect the hair. Okay, so far so good. Next, however, is WASHING the fur. Reading the instructions, which claim this is a simple task, it occurred to me that washing the hair while it's still attached to a live, wiggly dog would be easier. Wash, wash, wash...several times, then rinse all the soap out, etc. THEN, you have to put all the hair out on towels to dry. Just who has extra room for that?
Let's assume you've made it this far, and it's still the 21st century. Next, you must card the washed and dried hair. I'm not sure I understand this process because reading about it was about as tedious as I imagine actually doing it is. After you've bored yourself stupid carding the hair, you must actually SPIN it into yarn. This is where having a long-haired breed or a breed with lots of undercoat, like the Huskies, is an advantage. It also involves actually buying a spindle or making a drop spindle. Making one...yeah.
Okay, so let's say that someone who is really dedicated or someone who really has A LOT of time on her hands has gotten this far. It is now time to knit that sweater or scarf or mittens or socks or whatever, using yarn spun from the loose hair of your best friend. How cool is that?
I had thought about taking up knitting and imagined that I could knock out half of my Christmas list by giving Dougal hair scarves, Sitka hair socks, and maybe even a Loki hair sweater, Prancer hair ear muffs, or Xena hair mittens. After reading all of those instructions, however, I believe that I will stick with simply brushing the dogs, and giving gift certificates to the people on my holiday list. I think we'll all be much happier that way!
The other day, I came across a book title that I knew I had to purchase, Knitting with Dog Hair. Forget the fact that I don't knit. I was intrigued. How, exactly, does one go about knitting scarves, mittens, and even sweaters with the hair of one's faithful companion? I had to find out.
The process of collecting, harvesting, washing, carding, spinning, and then knitting your Poochy Parka is about as labour intensive as growing and harvesting your own personal 20 acre garden using 18th century technology. Let's assume that you actually have TIME left over after caring for and feeding your pets.
First, there is the grooming of your dog. Now, this is something that has to be done anyway, but if you want to recycle Fido's hair into a pair of socks, you need to be prepared with a bag or something so you can collect the hair. Okay, so far so good. Next, however, is WASHING the fur. Reading the instructions, which claim this is a simple task, it occurred to me that washing the hair while it's still attached to a live, wiggly dog would be easier. Wash, wash, wash...several times, then rinse all the soap out, etc. THEN, you have to put all the hair out on towels to dry. Just who has extra room for that?
Let's assume you've made it this far, and it's still the 21st century. Next, you must card the washed and dried hair. I'm not sure I understand this process because reading about it was about as tedious as I imagine actually doing it is. After you've bored yourself stupid carding the hair, you must actually SPIN it into yarn. This is where having a long-haired breed or a breed with lots of undercoat, like the Huskies, is an advantage. It also involves actually buying a spindle or making a drop spindle. Making one...yeah.
Okay, so let's say that someone who is really dedicated or someone who really has A LOT of time on her hands has gotten this far. It is now time to knit that sweater or scarf or mittens or socks or whatever, using yarn spun from the loose hair of your best friend. How cool is that?
I had thought about taking up knitting and imagined that I could knock out half of my Christmas list by giving Dougal hair scarves, Sitka hair socks, and maybe even a Loki hair sweater, Prancer hair ear muffs, or Xena hair mittens. After reading all of those instructions, however, I believe that I will stick with simply brushing the dogs, and giving gift certificates to the people on my holiday list. I think we'll all be much happier that way!
The Tell-Tale Eyes
(originally written 7-10-2007)
Take a good look at the stuffed frog in the photo with Prancer for you will never see it again. Not because Prancer disliked the frog. Oh no. He quite enjoyed it and loved posing with it on his back. He's a camera ham that way.
Prancer also loved the frog. It was on the back porch, his "lair" along with other Prancer toys that he cherished and his favourite chair that he co-opted for his very own. Yep, Prancer has quite a cushy little pad there!
One day, however, my mom came out onto the back porch and discovered the frog's eyes lying on the floor. Not the frog itself, nor any other sign of the frog. Just the EYES. Oh no.
Venturing further outside and onto the deck, signs of a struggle began to appear...bits and pieces of green and stuffing. There were signs also of a break-in. It looked like some of the other dogs had invaded Prancer's space and apparently absconded with the frog. Sure enough, there it was out the yard...stuffing strewn from one end to the other, pieces of green fabric. Nothing was left to indicate that a frog had ever existed.
Only the EYES, the tell-tale eyes, removed for some reason known only to their canine minds and left on the back porch to stare in stuffed amphibious accusation.
The Pack Antics Continue...
(originally written 7-9-2007)
After months of not blogging, I am finally back. I was dealing with a bum computer that kept shutting down on me...it was almost as stubborn as the dogs.
I have also added Sitka, the Silly Siberian, to the pack, and she keeps us all busy! So far, she has eaten part of my carpet, a St. Brigid's cross, some doll furniture, a catnip toy--dogs don't react the same way as cats, incidentally--a few paintbrushes, a book of Russian short stories--getting back to her roots, maybe?--and other miscellaneous items. And she's only 5 months old!
The pack is up to their usual antics. Xena is in heat, and Loki and Prancer are circling one another like members of the Jets and Sharks. Dougal is no longer part of that macho posturing since he has come down the street to live at my house. He is enjoying his new role as Alpha Male, and I swear his chest is puffed up more than it was in the past. Between Sitka and him, my little Shih Tzu, Wiggles, now thinks that he is also a Siberian Husky, and THAT is an interesting sight to behold, let me tell you!
And stupidity prevails among the patrons of the local Petsmart where I was recently picking up some items with Sitka in tow. As I passed a group of women, they backed up in apparent fear, and I heard one of the say after I passed, "That's one of those wolf-dogs." Bless her heart...I guess she's never seen a Siberian Husky in person, or at least never seen Snow Dogs or Eight Below. If ignorance is bliss, she must be a really happy person.
After months of not blogging, I am finally back. I was dealing with a bum computer that kept shutting down on me...it was almost as stubborn as the dogs.
I have also added Sitka, the Silly Siberian, to the pack, and she keeps us all busy! So far, she has eaten part of my carpet, a St. Brigid's cross, some doll furniture, a catnip toy--dogs don't react the same way as cats, incidentally--a few paintbrushes, a book of Russian short stories--getting back to her roots, maybe?--and other miscellaneous items. And she's only 5 months old!
The pack is up to their usual antics. Xena is in heat, and Loki and Prancer are circling one another like members of the Jets and Sharks. Dougal is no longer part of that macho posturing since he has come down the street to live at my house. He is enjoying his new role as Alpha Male, and I swear his chest is puffed up more than it was in the past. Between Sitka and him, my little Shih Tzu, Wiggles, now thinks that he is also a Siberian Husky, and THAT is an interesting sight to behold, let me tell you!
And stupidity prevails among the patrons of the local Petsmart where I was recently picking up some items with Sitka in tow. As I passed a group of women, they backed up in apparent fear, and I heard one of the say after I passed, "That's one of those wolf-dogs." Bless her heart...I guess she's never seen a Siberian Husky in person, or at least never seen Snow Dogs or Eight Below. If ignorance is bliss, she must be a really happy person.
Mad, Bad, and Dangerous to Know: Prancer, the Canine Byronic Hero
(originally written 1-5-2007)
Green eyes glowing at you from a mask of deep reddish brown, brimming with intelligence, with hints of mischief lurking in their depths. And dare I say it? A bit of conniving and manipulation, too! The latest series of events at the kennels has led to him using his manipulative skills overtime.
We have three girls in heat. Needless to say, the boys have been going crazy, especially considering the fact that Xena and Scarlett are both too young to breed, and we have to keep them separate from the males during this heat cycle. Maya is right at 1 year old, and we were questioning whether or not to breed her. She was temporarily in a kennel with Loki, who is only 7 1/2 months old.
Now, most Siberian Huskies are clownish and somewhat goofy, but Loki, as his name implies, takes it to a whole new level. We weren't positive that Maya was fully in heat, and even if she was, if Loki was old enough. Then I told my mom, over the phone, "Well, I think he's old enough, but he's such a goof...do you think he could figure out what to do?” About that time, my mom heard a commotion and looked out the window. "Umm...to answer your question, yes. He just figured out what to do!” So, we're expecting a litter of Maya/Loki puppies in late February.
But, back to Prancer. What this means for him is that he's not getting any action. Xena and Scarlett are too young, and Maya has hooked up with Loki. Poor Prancer and Dougal are without women this go 'round. Dougal just cries. Prancer, however, tries his best to get to the girls. He tried to pry his way under Xena's kennel. He was caught. He was caught sniffing a little too closely to Scarlett's kennel.
But the ultimate bad boy moment was when he pried up the fence and actually made his way into the kennel with Maya and Loki. Now, we're pretty sure that we frustrated his efforts there, too, but I had this picture in my mind of the dogs on a canine edition of Montel, surrounded by a litter of pups, some of the gray and white like Maya, some of them solid white like Loki, but wait! Is that one puppy there red and white? WHERE could HE have come from? Maya would be wailing to Montel that she needs to know who her puppy daddy(s) is, Prancer would be sitting there with a smirk on his face, and Loki...well, Loki would probably be chewing on a tree limb. And Montel could offer to do a Doggie DNA test on the puppies...if they didn't try to eat the cotton swabs. Hopefully, the scenario wouldn't turn into a Dog Fight Jerry Springer-style with flying dog houses and feeders, and Prancer yelling to Loki, "No, she's MY bitch!”
Poor Prancer, he was frustrated twice in this manner, and each time, he has been caught before he can do anything. At one point, Robert had to barricade him on the back porch. You see, he's so smart that he knows how to open the door and go out, so it took a barricade to keep him inside. But a Husky has to run at some point, and it's during these outdoor times, and the rotation of dogs from kennel to yard, yard to kennel, that can get kind of tricky, especially when Prancer is around!
The three girls are on their way OUT of heat, so that will be over soon. However, Tasha is due to go into heat soon, and since she had puppies just this past November, she needs to skip breeding this heat cycle. Prancer's antics are sure to start up again!
Green eyes glowing at you from a mask of deep reddish brown, brimming with intelligence, with hints of mischief lurking in their depths. And dare I say it? A bit of conniving and manipulation, too! The latest series of events at the kennels has led to him using his manipulative skills overtime.
We have three girls in heat. Needless to say, the boys have been going crazy, especially considering the fact that Xena and Scarlett are both too young to breed, and we have to keep them separate from the males during this heat cycle. Maya is right at 1 year old, and we were questioning whether or not to breed her. She was temporarily in a kennel with Loki, who is only 7 1/2 months old.
Now, most Siberian Huskies are clownish and somewhat goofy, but Loki, as his name implies, takes it to a whole new level. We weren't positive that Maya was fully in heat, and even if she was, if Loki was old enough. Then I told my mom, over the phone, "Well, I think he's old enough, but he's such a goof...do you think he could figure out what to do?” About that time, my mom heard a commotion and looked out the window. "Umm...to answer your question, yes. He just figured out what to do!” So, we're expecting a litter of Maya/Loki puppies in late February.
But, back to Prancer. What this means for him is that he's not getting any action. Xena and Scarlett are too young, and Maya has hooked up with Loki. Poor Prancer and Dougal are without women this go 'round. Dougal just cries. Prancer, however, tries his best to get to the girls. He tried to pry his way under Xena's kennel. He was caught. He was caught sniffing a little too closely to Scarlett's kennel.
But the ultimate bad boy moment was when he pried up the fence and actually made his way into the kennel with Maya and Loki. Now, we're pretty sure that we frustrated his efforts there, too, but I had this picture in my mind of the dogs on a canine edition of Montel, surrounded by a litter of pups, some of the gray and white like Maya, some of them solid white like Loki, but wait! Is that one puppy there red and white? WHERE could HE have come from? Maya would be wailing to Montel that she needs to know who her puppy daddy(s) is, Prancer would be sitting there with a smirk on his face, and Loki...well, Loki would probably be chewing on a tree limb. And Montel could offer to do a Doggie DNA test on the puppies...if they didn't try to eat the cotton swabs. Hopefully, the scenario wouldn't turn into a Dog Fight Jerry Springer-style with flying dog houses and feeders, and Prancer yelling to Loki, "No, she's MY bitch!”
Poor Prancer, he was frustrated twice in this manner, and each time, he has been caught before he can do anything. At one point, Robert had to barricade him on the back porch. You see, he's so smart that he knows how to open the door and go out, so it took a barricade to keep him inside. But a Husky has to run at some point, and it's during these outdoor times, and the rotation of dogs from kennel to yard, yard to kennel, that can get kind of tricky, especially when Prancer is around!
The three girls are on their way OUT of heat, so that will be over soon. However, Tasha is due to go into heat soon, and since she had puppies just this past November, she needs to skip breeding this heat cycle. Prancer's antics are sure to start up again!
Of Dogs and Men...and Women...and More Dogs...
(originally written 12-27-2006)
Why Siberian Huskies? This is the question I get from a lot of people, especially people who know that I used to have a thing for little dogs. Anyone who has spent time in the presence of a Husky, however, knows the appeal of these great furry creatures. Anyone with sense, that is.
Take the Siberian smile. Who can resist that? Their great, soulful eyes, whether blue, brown, or green, sparkle with mischief and glow with intelligence. And a Husky does not bark like an ordinary dog. No, they will "talk" with you, with a sort of "woo woo" sound that is a cross between a wolfish howl and...something!
Sure they can be destructive. If a Siberian comes into your life, don't expect to have a beautifully manicured lawn. Your Sibe will take it upon himself to dig several small swimming pools for you all over your yard. Designer clothes? Mine are designed by Maya et alia, complete with Husky paw prints and Husky hair. No outfit is complete without Husky hair, and when they're blowing their coats, which happens twice a year, you will be styling in a MAJOR way!
I have thought about starting up a side business where I take the hair that I brush off them when they're blowing their coats, spin it into the yarn, and knit scarves and sweaters. VOILA! Instant Christmas gifts. Siberian sweaters and scarves should become a really hot item, I think, and I should be able to retire early. Right.
Anyway, my blog is going to be dedicated to the Huskies at Happy Trails, the kennel that my mom and I have started. If you are wondering how in the world I will find enough to write about with eight dogs and the litters of pups that we produce, then you have not observed the Sibe in action! Just thinking back over the past year since we started, several incidents come to mind.
For example, there was the time that Robert, my stepdad, drove his car into the back yard to unload a new kennel that he had just picked up. He unloaded and walked into the house for a minute, leaving the back of his car open. He walked out to find six Huskies in his car, ready to go for a joyride! Unfortunately, he did not get his camera out before they jumped out of the car to go find other things to get into!
You can also observe the gang at various times engaging in Husky versions of football, complete with tackling, using an object for a ball, and racing for some sort of goal. Once they used pears that had fallen from a pear tree as the balls and chased each other around and tackled each other, trying to wrestle the pear from the original carrier. It didn't matter that there were bunches of pears of the ground already, they HAD to get the ONE pear that the first dog had!
Xena turned her nose up at the pears in favour of a rock. She carried the rock around in her mouth all over the place and carried it into her kennel at night. She would growl at any dog that tried to take the rock from her. Needless to say, the rock became a highly prized item, and all of the others HAD to have it, even if it was only for a few minutes.
Nope. Never a dull moment with a Husky around!
Why Siberian Huskies? This is the question I get from a lot of people, especially people who know that I used to have a thing for little dogs. Anyone who has spent time in the presence of a Husky, however, knows the appeal of these great furry creatures. Anyone with sense, that is.
Take the Siberian smile. Who can resist that? Their great, soulful eyes, whether blue, brown, or green, sparkle with mischief and glow with intelligence. And a Husky does not bark like an ordinary dog. No, they will "talk" with you, with a sort of "woo woo" sound that is a cross between a wolfish howl and...something!
Sure they can be destructive. If a Siberian comes into your life, don't expect to have a beautifully manicured lawn. Your Sibe will take it upon himself to dig several small swimming pools for you all over your yard. Designer clothes? Mine are designed by Maya et alia, complete with Husky paw prints and Husky hair. No outfit is complete without Husky hair, and when they're blowing their coats, which happens twice a year, you will be styling in a MAJOR way!
I have thought about starting up a side business where I take the hair that I brush off them when they're blowing their coats, spin it into the yarn, and knit scarves and sweaters. VOILA! Instant Christmas gifts. Siberian sweaters and scarves should become a really hot item, I think, and I should be able to retire early. Right.
Anyway, my blog is going to be dedicated to the Huskies at Happy Trails, the kennel that my mom and I have started. If you are wondering how in the world I will find enough to write about with eight dogs and the litters of pups that we produce, then you have not observed the Sibe in action! Just thinking back over the past year since we started, several incidents come to mind.
For example, there was the time that Robert, my stepdad, drove his car into the back yard to unload a new kennel that he had just picked up. He unloaded and walked into the house for a minute, leaving the back of his car open. He walked out to find six Huskies in his car, ready to go for a joyride! Unfortunately, he did not get his camera out before they jumped out of the car to go find other things to get into!
You can also observe the gang at various times engaging in Husky versions of football, complete with tackling, using an object for a ball, and racing for some sort of goal. Once they used pears that had fallen from a pear tree as the balls and chased each other around and tackled each other, trying to wrestle the pear from the original carrier. It didn't matter that there were bunches of pears of the ground already, they HAD to get the ONE pear that the first dog had!
Xena turned her nose up at the pears in favour of a rock. She carried the rock around in her mouth all over the place and carried it into her kennel at night. She would growl at any dog that tried to take the rock from her. Needless to say, the rock became a highly prized item, and all of the others HAD to have it, even if it was only for a few minutes.
Nope. Never a dull moment with a Husky around!
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