Hi Christina,

It's great to hear your story! I'm really glad your adoption of Gaia has worked out so well. It must have been hard for her former owner to make the decision she did, but it sounds like she did what was best for both of her girls. Gaia is absolutely gorgeous and lucky to have you as her new family. I look forward to hearing more about her antics. Welcome to the board!

Carrie

I love all of your stories! Seriously! It's amazing how we all ended up with this awesome breed

I grew up with german shepards, all my life...well and some mutts...lol. My parents have always had mutlitple dogs! When I moved out with my now hubby (at 24, i'm now 33) it was only days before I was freaking out because i had no dog. He always wanted a husky (though he knew NOTHING about them and had never had a dog either). We looked up husky puppies and ended up with a 5 week old Mya. Now, back then I knew NOTHING about puppies and them having to be with their mom until at least 8 weeks..if I did I would have never taken her. I also didn't know what a BYB was! I grew up with dogs as I mentioned, but they were my parents responsbility...i just loved them and slept with them...haha. Anyways, Mya came home and I was in love instantly. She definitely has all of the traits of being separated from her mommy and siblings too early, but we love her to pieces.

When she turned 4 we got Kody. I wanted another so bad for about 2 years, but hubby wasn't agreeing. Finally he said yes and we brought home an adorable 12 week old boy! He immediately became Mya's b**ch! Thank goodness because she's anti dog...does not like any dog at all! Then 2 years ago Asia was at the shelter (at about 5 months) when a fellow husky owner and friend(Kristina) asked me to please pull her and that she had a foster home in place. A day here and it was a foster failure! Mya tolerated her and she and Kody became instant BFFs!

So...yeah... i learned through experience, but I wouldn't have it any other way!! I love my babies, they're my life

Hi Melissa,

Thank you for sharing your story! I'm beginning to think that huskies are like potato chips...apparently you can't stop at one! <seriously kidding with this comparison> LOL, but it seems like so many people end up wanting more. There must be something magical about this breed. In spite of all their naughtiness, they must be incredibly endearing. Tomorrow it will be 4 days until we find out for ourselves. We can't wait!

I got my first husky at 15, Tasha, from a byb. The breeder called her Liz (like Elizabeth Taylor), because of her striking blue eyes and dark black mask. The story starts with me as a kid with ADHD. I was very smart but would rush through things and make small mistakes. The best example was math problems, forgetting to move the decimal, or transposing 2 numbers. My dad found it so frustrating, and so he offered me a reward of 'whatever I wanted' if I could get a 4.0 for the first half of the school year. Well, I did, and I decided to use my reward to push for a husky. Like many people, I fell for them because of their beauty, and knew nothing, but Tasha got me well trained pretty quickly. anyway, dad and mom think it over and say okay, so we found an ad in our local paper for 12 week old husky puppies for $250. We went over and there were 4 puppies. A b&w male, 2 b&w females and my Tasha. They were out in the back yard in an enclosed dog run and when the breeder opened the gate, out they all raced! All but one ran up to us, kissing, playing, and being super lovable. The one that didn't come to us, did about 10 zoomie laps around the fence line of the yard, and I said, "I want that one." My parents looked scared, but said okay. The rest is history, Tasha got me through a lot, put me through a lot, and was an incredible friend. After her, I could never own another breed. She passed away at 16 years old.

Once they talk, chew, run, and play themselves into your heart, it's very hard to love another breed as much. They are interesting and odd to say the least. They test you, push you, make you cry, make you laugh, and expose the most raw parts of your soul. They make you earn their bond, and just when it seems they could care less about you, they do something that shows how deeply they are bonded to you. So, yeah, they are special.

I grew up in a working class family in southern Louisiana and as an imaginative,  cerebral kid I spent a lot of time fantasizing about things I didn't and couldn't have.  These fantasies involved quite a lot of winter stuff: mountains,  snow, ice, hockey, leather jackets, cute knit hats, rubber boots, and Siberia Huskies.  I basically wanted to be Canadian.

I've always had a very natural affinity for dogs and knew that I would spend the better part of my adult life with a dog of my own, a Husky. I also knew that I had to wait for the time to be right financially, mentally,  emotionally,  and with timing.  

In my 20th year of life I moved to Colorado and fulfilled my winter fantasies , minus the Husky .  I didn't want to raise a Husky on my own while broke in university and playing hockey 4 nights a week.

Fast forward to Seattle in my 30th year of life and it was time to get my Husky, finally. I landed myself in a serious relationship with my current partner and very early on I flipped a major card for him : the next phase of my life will involve raising a Husky puppy and if you're not down for that this isn't gonna work. Thankfully,  he too wanted to have a dog in his life and he told me that he has always wanted one of two breeds, a German Shepherd or a Siberian Husky. Keeper. Check.

My favorite video game of all time is the Legend of Zelda and I have had Link, my dog's name, picked out since I was 12.  We decided together to begin searching for our Husky. I did a lot of research on breeders in the region and had a very definitive set of criteria for a breeder and the dog we would get. Once all that panned out we eventually found our puppy in Oregon and we took Link home in February,  one week after our anniversary of being together.  

Getting this Husky named Link and my relationship with him in particular is overwhelmingly the most romantic thing I have ever done. Our trio is the healthiest thing I have ever been a part of.  

That's my Husky story.

My adult son received Juno as a Christmas present from his fiance about 5 years ago.  She was purchased from a pet store who obviously had kept her in a kennel during her 9 months there. (*&%*$&@*%$)  After about 3 months with them he came to our house one day an asked if Juno could stay with us for a while since she and the resident Bijon were not getting along.  It also happened to be the same day I had lost my job due to downsizing.  That was five years ago and she has been the answer to all of the problems I "thought" I had in my life.

She changes her moods depending on my personality--and since I want her to always be happy I try to stay upbeat as much as possible.  She is so loving, intelligent, energetic, friendly, and "needy".  I can't imagine life without her.

I will post a pic as soon as I found out how.

My husky story actually started as a Newfoundland story lol. When my partner and I started looking at a house my main requirement was a backyard suitable for a dog and I immediately put my name down on the waiting list for a newfie puppy from a breeder I had picked out. I have grown up with gun dog breeds training for duck hunting and having a dog in my life was totally non negotiable. The house we eventually settled on had a large fully fenced yard completely suitable for a dog, however it also has a raised deck with steps which is definitely not suitable for a newfie. With a heavy heart I contacted the breeder and explained that this stage on my life was just not going to be ideal for a Newfie and I took my name off her list. Thus began the great puppy search...
I started attending dog shows throughout the south island meeting breeders and their lines, researching breeds and their traits and trying to figure out what breed we were most suited for. I looked at Retrivers, Labs, Dalmations, Briards, Wheatens, Shepards, Staffords, Collies, Heelers, Aussies, Rotties - you name it I looked at it but none of them just "felt" right.  
My partner had always loved Sibes but I was reluctant since I was aware of their quirks but after a year of looking I decided I had given everything else a shot so I arranged to meet a sibe breeder. As soon as I arrived at the breeders I was done for, walking up and being greeted by 7 wooing Siberians felt like coming home. I went visiting a few times just getting to know the dogs then took my partner along. As soon as he met the dogs he wanted a puppy so we put our name on the wait list and eagerly started preparing. When the pups were finally born my partner immediately picked out his ideal pup - black and white male, I was happy enough to go along with it since I had full confidence in the temperaments in the breeding line. The dog was going to be his best mate, all was well. We went and visited every weekend spending hours with our precious boy, we were absolutely besotted. After 2 years of searching for our dog Orion finally came home and I thought it was just going to get better now he was ours. 3 days after he got home my partner wanted to take him back. Turns out he had not taken on board anything about the breed while we were prepping he had just thought a puppy is a puppy. I refused to give Orion up and it nearly ruined my relationship but this dog is my heart dog. His personality is so much like mine and he has gotten me through some tough health issues and terrible days, he has allowed me to be more of myself. I doubt I will ever be owned by another breed. Luckily my partner has come around and actually likes Orion these days which is wonderful, most shocking of all he see's how happy I am and has agreed to another sibe if I decide I want one.
Having a husky for all the hell it initially caused me is without a doubt the best thing I have ever done.

Here's Orion and I last weekend

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wpskier222 wrote:

They test you, push you, make you cry, make you laugh, and expose the most raw parts of your soul. They make you earn their bond, and just when it seems they could care less about you, they do something that shows how deeply they are bonded to you. So, yeah, they are special.

Wow, what a powerful statement, Jen. Your story is a true testament about the amazing quality of Huskies. While I'm sorry about the loss of Tasha, I'm also so glad for all she taught you, and so grateful to have you share her story and your love for the breed, as well as your knowledge and experience, with all of us. Thank you so much!

seattlesibe wrote:

Getting this Husky named Link and my relationship with him in particular is overwhelmingly the most romantic thing I have ever done. Our trio is the healthiest thing I have ever been a part of.  

That's my Husky story.

Omgosh, Jeff! I am loving these stories so much! It is just amazing and incredibly touching how these animals can truly make your life complete. I think it is so awesome how your dreams came full circle and you found the perfect partner who was totally on board with your goals. You waited so long and worked so hard to make all of this happen. I commend you for your patience and careful effort in bringing Link home and thank you for sharing this very important part of your life with us.

Juno's Dad wrote:

She changes her moods depending on my personality--and since I want her to always be happy I try to stay upbeat as much as possible.  She is so loving, intelligent, energetic, friendly, and "needy".  I can't imagine life without her.

I will post a pic as soon as I found out how.

Aww, that's really sweet that you try to keep a positive mood so Juno will be happy. It sounds like she came into your life at the perfect time. I'm sure she has brought you through what could have been some very difficult times. These Huskies are such a gift. Thank you for sharing your story.

GeorginaMay wrote:

I refused to give Orion up and it nearly ruined my relationship but this dog is my heart dog. His personality is so much like mine and he has gotten me through some tough health issues and terrible days, he has allowed me to be more of myself. I doubt I will ever be owned by another breed. Luckily my partner has come around and actually likes Orion these days which is wonderful, most shocking of all he see's how happy I am and has agreed to another sibe if I decide I want one.
Having a husky for all the hell it initially caused me is without a doubt the best thing I have ever done.

Wow! (I can't stop saying that!) Your story just goes to show that the bond between a Husky and their person is beyond understanding. I am so glad you stood your ground, even with as much trouble as I know that had to cause you. You did the right thing and it must be such a relief that your partner finally came around. Thank goodness Orion has been there for you, to bring you through such hard times. This seems to be a common trait these precious canines share. The good times they bring surely outweigh the challenges they present. I am so thrilled that my family will soon experience this inexplicable joy themselves. I have a feeling nothing will ever be the same, and I mean that in the best way possible. Thank you for sharing your story and your photo! The love you have for Orion comes shining through. You are both beautiful!

I didn't really want a dog at the time. I had been working long days with not many off building our company. Not much time for enjoyment, but business was good. My wife had never been a dog person, but out of the blue, she and my 16 year old son announced they would like to get a puppy. Probably a Husky. Hmmmm. We hadn't had a dog since before we had kids. The puppy part didn't sit well with me, so I told them it was not a good idea. Puppies grow up to be dogs. The two of them decided to take it a little more seriously and started researching what it takes to raise and train a dog. Knowing full well what was involved, they still wanted a Husky. I agreed to go along with them, as long as all of us took lessons with a trainer. I have to admit, not having had a puppy before was a test, but Siku has grown into a very well behaved and beloved part of the family.

Aww, I can definitely see how Siku grew on you. I think insisting on training for the whole family was an excellent idea. From what I've read, this breed knows how to push a human's buttons and it's up to the human to set clear boundaries and stick to them. You have obviously done that, and done it well. Your story reminds me of my own, because I said no for a long time. It took a long time for the idea to grow on me, but now I can't wait to meet our little one. It's neat to see the pictures from puppy to adult. Siku is such a gorgeous dog! Thank you for sharing your story.

I've always wanted another husky - my first, Sasha died in the early '80's.  My husband absolutely did not want ANY pets, no way, no how.  Reasons: 1, they damage the house, 2, we travel a lot and 3, the up and die on you.

Well, first came the feral cat that had kittens in my shed...and the chipmunks around the foundation of the house.  Husband frantic about the chipmunks getting into the attic - me, I said, well, if we don't take these kittens to the shelter and I start feeding them close to the house, the chipmunks will be history.  Thus we became cat-keepers.

Fast forward 15 years...I have become semi-disable due to, at the time was thought MS, then other GI issues that turn out to be gluten and allergy stuff.  Much difficulty in walking with neurologic stuff.  Husband very worried about me - at the same time, the deer that winter decimated our rhododendrons on the front of the house.  It is early October - we are at a gas station, he is filling the tank, I am reading the morning paper...there is Ami's picture from a local shelter.  Husband gets in car, says "So what are we going to do about the deer this winter?"  I say, most hesitantly and secretly hopeful -"Well, if you really want to keep the deer away..."  And show him the picture.  Husband says, "that shelter is only a few minutes from here...do you want to take a look?"  

We went to the shelter - I saw Ami in the exercise yard - very alert, interested in our car approaching.  My main concern was could I handle him and walk him - at the time I could only walk a few hundred yards without pain, numbness etc.  They put him on a leash for me to try walking him (unbeknownst to me, he had a prong collar, something I had never heard of).  Ami responded very well to our little walk, picking up "heel" command within 3-4 practises.  The rest was history...after I signed away my life with husband:  I will pick up poop daily, I will walk the beastie boy twice daily, I will fill in any holes he digs promptly, I will repair any damage he does, this will be YOUR dog and you will be totally responsible for him...etc, etc, etc..

I truly believe this dog saved my life - along with stopping the gluten.  Fortunately for me, Ami had been kept on a very short tether most of his first year and so his exercise tolerance was pretty low also, we developed stamina together.  Unfortunately for me, he was thrilled to be in our country setting and there were many instances of me face first in the ditch as he pogo-sticked after little critters in the ditch, or ran 1000 mph along his trolley and flung himself into me with total joy (his joy, I was usually on my backside looking up at a zoomy husky in my face.)  

We have worked up to approx 5 miles per day, I am stronger than I have been in years, I can once again hike the woods and gorges around us.  And husband marvels, sometimes wistfully, that I am happier than he has ever seen me and that Ami was able to bring me to health when he could not.

And then, there is the Ami magic with husband.  Husband at first kept his distance, except for a night time ritual when I took Ami for his last walk of the day.  "Trick or treat".  I would bring Ami to the front door, Wayne would have several pieces of kibble that he would give Ami, once Mr. Dog sat for him.  First one hand, than the other.  Now they are best buds...yesterday, while stacking wood, for the first time ever, Ami cuddled up to a human!  Wayne was kneeling next to wood pile, picking up split logs and handing them to me to stack.  Ami was "semi-loose" (had a long line with heavy carabiner on the loop end for drag with his ecollar on).  After a while, Ami wanders over to Wayne, circled around and then lay down with his back snuggled up to Wayne's leg.  Usually Mr. Ami likes at least 3' of personal space.  This was a momentous change for us.  And now Hubby is hooked!

Hi Amy,

I am so happy I asked for these stories! Your story is amazingly captivating on so many levels. For one thing, I think it's wonderful that your health has improved the way it has. I'm interested in the gluten-free diet, because, as a nursing student, I think a lot of things get misdiagnosed that can actually be traced back to severe, undiagnosed food allergies. Of course, the fact that you and Ami were able to build physical endurance together and become so much healthier than you probably dared to hope is fantastic!

To think you were just looking for a way to keep the deer away, LOL! I think it's really sweet how Ami has decided that he has a special bond with your husband, especially since your husband was initially determined to keep his distance. Ami had other plans!

Obviously, Ami had been a wonderful addition to your lives. You never know about these things. It seems like they happen when you least expect them.

Yes - Ami was totally unexpected! There have been several times in my life when it seems there is some invisible hand moving me/us in ways we absolutely would not without intervention...and always to the better. Even though at times, it seemed like the worst possible way. Moved this atheist to agnostic, that's for sure.

Ha ha. Oh yes. I was seriously low about Dizzy, and even thought about rehoming him for a while because I couldn't show him. Aside from the show potential not working out, he was just such a jerk of a dog, and an anxiety monster. I've noticed his jerkish/anxious/macho/gloomy moods are all reflections of my mood. If I want to know how I'm feeling, I just have to take Dizzy for a walk around the block...

I have to keep myself balanced to keep him from being a holy terror. Turns out, he's just the dog I needed...

Jen, your last sentence reminded me of the best dog story I ever read: "Molly" by Thomas McGuane in An Outside Chance.
It's not about a husky, but it's laugh out loud funny and so true- we get the dog we deserve.

amymeme wrote:

Yes - Ami was totally unexpected!  There have been several times in my life when it seems there is some invisible hand moving me/us in ways we absolutely would not without intervention...and always to the better.  Even though at times, it seemed like the worst possible way.  Moved this atheist to agnostic, that's for sure.

That's pretty cool, Amy! I'm glad you shared that!

Carrie

wpskier222 wrote:

If I want to know how I'm feeling, I just have to take Dizzy for a walk around the block...

I have to keep myself balanced to keep him from being a holy terror. Turns out, he's just the dog I needed...

That is such a trip, Jen. They sure fit the title of "Man's best friend."

Can I just holler....2 MORE DAYS!!!! ACCCKKKK!!!!!

HuskyLovers wrote:

Can I just holler....2 MORE DAYS!!!! ACCCKKKK!!!!!

Yes m'am. Yes you can Can't wait to see the pics!

I recommend sleeping constantly until you leave to go pick the monster up and then writing in a diary about how nice sleep is ........

Lol I second Jeff's recommendation and would strongly suggest you add a large supply of your favourite coffee beans to your kitchen
Dark roast beans smothered in chocolate for snacking became a staple of mine... ah caffeine my fair weather friend

seattlesibe wrote:

I recommend sleeping constantly until you leave to go pick the monster up and then writing in a diary about how nice sleep is ........

Ohhh, the memories, so long ago. First was the Sasha girl...then came kids...in retrospect, you can sleep in retirement