I am thinking about getting another husky. There is a husky rescue the has the most adorable white male named Casper. He is 4 years old. I haven't met him or anything, all I have done is contact the shelter and let them know I am interested. If he doesn't work out for any reason, I don't really think that the urge to get another one is going to go away. I just think that Okami would do much better if she had a friend, and it would be better for me and her for more strength on our pulling activities. I think that we are going to be putting the cat to sleep sometime this week ( Very long story short, he has unsolvable health issues, husband has been in denial and finally coming to terms that he is suffering) so getting a new husky sounds more possible than it did before. Okami and the cat do all right as far as cats and dogs go, but I don't think that a husky who hasn't known the cat their whole life like Okami, would do so well in the not killing him department.

The only problem I see with this boy, Casper, is that it is a 5-6 hour drive. And I want to know how he and Okami do together before I make a choice. If they don't like each other for whatever reason, a 6 hour drive is ridiculous to make that decision, especially if it was all for nothing.

I don't know how long it will be before I do get another one, but I have the means to take care of and love another, maybe even 2 more for a symmetry of 3... but that isn't the current situation! lol (oh god I would take 10 more, but that is just over-exaggeration, maybe...)

What do you guys think?

Here is a picture of the boy.

He is beautiful. I know a 5 to 6 hour drive seems long but I dont think thats bad to see if they likr each other. Yes it will be a long day, but its something that you need to know. Maybe the shelter would meet you in the middle? I say if you feel like your ready, go ahead. The first couple days with two was really tough for me, and I kind of wondered what I was thinking but once the initial shock was over its the same amount of work so it isnt a huge change.

I think the drive will be worth it. Get a feel for the rescue, quiz them hard about themselves and the dogs so you can be confident they know what they are talking about and are not leading you on with details on the dog. For me it was really hard going to the shelter expecting one thing from the dog you're going to see (like he's 60lbs and finding out he's really 40lbs) and getting another. If you feel confident and comfortable with the shelter people then make the drive. If this guy settles in, you won't regret it.

It is the Hairy Houdini Siberian Husky Rescue (HHSHR), it is in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and I live in mid-Michigan... so it is a little bit of a drive. But they are recognized as a non-profit husky rescue shelter, focused on re-homing huskies. I have done a lot of research on them recently, and a bit in the past year or two... I have been following them on Facebook as a minor curiosity, and to help look out for potential information. They have had this boy (assuming he is still there, there is no update to say that he isn't ) since September of last year. I have been thinking about it for a good year now, and I really believe myself and Okami should meet him.

But I am pretty sure they know their stuff, I can't find their application, so I am assuming they give it to me after I contact them, which I have. But all their dogs, when adopted come with full vacs, de-wormed, microchip, and are altered -full work up.

Okay I am talking with the rescue people, they said Casper has found his furr-ever home. Great for him <3

However, there is still a many husky needing furr-ever homes. So I think I will continue to talk with them and see if I have any heart felt love for another that is actually available. I will update you guys as learn what is going on.

Lucy - if it were me, I would talk with the rescue about coming down (or up as the case may be) with Okami and letting Okami pick out his new friend. Hopefully, they have an exercise yard or if its' all foster, maybe a dog park or someone's yard and letting the dogs play.

That being said, son Josh got Archer through the rescueme.org site from supposedly a rescue organization advertising on that sight. It sounds to me like Archer was in foster with someone, they had a caravan of adoptable dogs going north and once Josh agreed to adopt the dog, sent him north on that caravan. Archer was sight unseen other than some pictures and talking over the phone to foster mom. Fortunately, everything worked out and Ami and Archer are becoming so close I am a little concerned about them becoming a bonded pair that thrives only when together.

By the way - I would not recommend adopting the way Josh did. I would want to meet the other dog and do test runs with my own.

Yeah I have asked them in my last responce if they would be willing to meet me half way-part way ... at least on my side of the bridge, so we can meet the available dogs. There are 2 that I am interested in meeting, now that I know Casper is adopted.

There is a boy, Fulton, is a black and white, bi-eyed, it doesn't say how old he is. Was brought to them heavily malnourished and with a bladder infection. He is on the huge road to recovery, but I guess he still walks crooked from lack of strength when he was malnourished, but getting strength back and with time should be better.


The girl, Beauty, all White, Bi-eyed 3-4 years old. There isn't any back story on her at all other than she loves kids, and is really well mannered.

May I suggest you look at males vs. females as it could make a world of difference in the transition for your girl now. Females do tend to be the alpha so bringing another female into the pack could cause some problems between the two fighting for dominance. Not that this always happens but it can/does. When we brought Cooper home we were well educated on how Abby could behave and for the most part she did (and still does) by putting him in his place if she doesn't like what he is doing. She is the boss, no doubts about it. I have a few friends told the same thing when introducing a 2nd dog into the home (with a veriety of breeds) that if there is a female at home, do her the favour and bring her home a little brother, not a sister to compete with. You could end up with dueling teenage girls constantly at each other!

Oh and I also want to add that bringing a second pup into our family was the best thing we ever did! Abby was 4 (rescued at approx. age 1) and we were so impressed with how well she adapted and took on the big sister role. She is so good with Cooper but is also good at letting him know when she just needs her space (he can be a little clingy). I just cannot imagine our family without the two of them. Best of luck in your search, when the time is right, you will know the right dog for your family.

Great advice Cindy. I have been having the same problem as Lucy. Btw Lucy I have seen your pics, I'm sure you're leaning towards another white? lol you took me by surprise when you put up Fulton's pic. Slightly off topic, and my apologizes Lucy, but was curious Cindy if the pack dynamics would be the same if Lucy were to get a female puppy vs another adult female? We are looking for a second as well, Miya will be 2 in November, I tend to agree with you on bringing in another adult female, but would there be problems bringing in a female pup?

Renee

I am not really particular to the color, yes it would be cute to have another white, but I would rather add a new family dog that is compatible rather than beautiful, however I haven't seen a husky yet that was ugly to me, and I have seen a few with down syndrome.... still cute as a button.

I have personally seen a female horror story once, with a different breed. They were pit bulls. My friend had one elder and two 2 year old's. The two year old's were trying to gain house dominance over the elder girl. So my friend had to keep the elder girl in a crate at all times and put the other 2 in a separate room just to take her outside to go do business. One day the crate was opened when the 2 year old's were not in a separate room.... it was a bloodbath and not something you would want to witness. It was one of the truly most awful, scary things I have ever seen. So yes, I understand the risk of bringing home another female.

However, I have seen some amazing all female dog situations as well, so there is still the chance that it could work. No matter the gender, no matter the color. If they get along, that is what will make me happy. If the situation presents itself that I can't get a dog to be civil with Okami, (highly unlikely, she is pretty well socialized and gets along with virtually every dog, I have only ever seen 2 times the other dog was intimidated by her, but they were smaller...) then I will have to take alternate measures, maybe try a puppy. I still have time to raise another puppy, its just I would rather not when there are so many in need of rescue. I got my puppy fill with Okami! lol.

I don't think being a puppy matters, Renee, with the two female dynamic. Mishka(girl) isnt even 6 months old yet and is pretty much the boss over Kohdi(boy)she even goes as far as literally taking food right out of Kohdi's mouth!! And when I had Anuschka and Malukhai, there was no doubt Anuschka was alpha. I've nevr had 2 girls at the same time, but I have had 2 boys at the same time...both were neutred and I think that helps a lot, but there were still spats here and there. I don't know if spaying really takes the alpha out of a female though

btw Lucy, both of those dogs are beautiful!!! Good luck in whatever you decide

MiyasMomma wrote:

Great advice Cindy. I have been having the same problem as Lucy. Btw Lucy I have seen your pics, I'm sure you're leaning towards another white? lol you took me by surprise when you put up Fulton's pic. Slightly off topic, and my apologizes Lucy, but was curious Cindy if the pack dynamics would be the same if Lucy were to get a female puppy  vs another adult female? We are looking for a second as well, Miya will be 2 in November, I tend to agree with you on bringing in another adult female, but would there be problems bringing in a female pup?

Renee

We were told this when we were looking at bringing home a puppy. Several people and breeders told us an dominant female does not outgrow this tendency and that it may not be an issue with the pup but could become one around age 2 so it wasn't a chance we wanted to take and have been very happy with our girl/boy husky family

lillith87 wrote:

. If they get along, that is what will make me happy. If the situation presents itself that I can't get a dog to be civil with Okami, (highly unlikely, she is pretty well socialized and gets along with virtually every dog, I have only ever seen 2 times the other dog was intimidated by her, but they were smaller...)

Remember, she may get along just fine and be very social (our girl is) but when it comes to *her* turf then it's a different story. You are talking about driving her to meet up with the other dog so she won't be guarded as she would if the other dog were to come to her property kwim?

Artic_Wind wrote:

)she even goes as far as literally taking food right out of Kohdi's mouth!!decide

Abby does this to Cooper all the time!!! She will take one kibble out of her bowl (claiming it as hers) then walk over and take his bowl right away and sit it beside hers. She does this when she is on her fast as if to tell him that he has to fast too! It's actually kind of cute

The one time I tether both dogs when we are home is when we feed them - Archer gulps his food really, really fast and is quite the little budger - he would eat his own than promptly devour Ami's...Ami is so gentle, he would just step aside.  Their beef bones - I can leave them untethered.  AMi will stand his own on that - and Archer respects it so the 2 of them gnaw away about 5 ft apart.  Really sweet, actually!

If I did not have Archer periodically, knowing what I do now, 2 versus 1, I would definitely get a second - they really keep each other exercised (but I have a large fenced in backyard, too).  However, with Archer visiting frequently, I don't need it and is easier to travel, hotel wise, with 1 dog than 2.  Also, Ami is showing a definite propensity to become pair-bonded which I am trying to discourage.  Alone kitchen time with peanuts, sausage tidbits and scrambled eggs seems to keep that at bay

LOL Cindy, that is too cute ...Mishka doesnt take Kohdi's food bowl, she goes right into his mouth and takes it!! Just yesterday when I came home, I gave them each an ice cube (they like it) and Kohdi ran down the hall with his, Mishka, with an ice cube already in her mouth, ran after him, went right into his mouth and took his, while hers was STILL in her mouth. She does this with many things so I always end up giving Kohdi another, of whatever it is, and keep Mishka occupied until Kohdi is done. Kohdi will "warn" her when its something like a treat or a bone, that she should probly just stay where she is, haha.

Lucy - I posted this in the wrong thread - these are in Michigan:

Here are some more for you to look at...they have a white, too.

http://husky.rescueme.org/Michigan

The only white one, Angel, says not good with other dogs. But I see potential in a few of them; Koga, Zoey, Sasha and Jack. Worth checking out. Thanks Amy I just don't know what to do though if the ones that are "Outside dogs" because they can't be outside dogs here at my house lol. I hope I could get an outside dog to adapt to an indoor lifestyle, with outdoor activities.

lillith87 wrote:

The only white one, Angel, says not good with other dogs. But I see potential in a few of them; Koga, Zoey, Sasha and Jack. Worth checking out. Thanks Amy I just don't know what to do though if the ones that are "Outside dogs" because they can't be outside dogs here at my house lol. I hope I could get an outside dog to adapt to an indoor lifestyle, with outdoor activities.

Ami was outside dog when we got him, kept him that way for first 6 ish months - gradually added house time - now I think, if we wanted we could easily transition him to full time.  But not without crating when we're gone Housetraing was not an issue - the first time he lifted his leg I screamed bloody murder.  Hasn't done that since...Just get the dog before his coat is a monster winter thing, easier for the dog to adapt.

Sometimes he's in the house from breakfast until dinner, sometimes from dinner until bedtime (which around here is frequently close to or after 2AM ) He just sleeps under the table once he realizes there's no more food coming (except for first thing in the morning - than he's rarin' to go for his walk and is a total idgit, wooing, pawing, pulling my hair (yes, like a cow, he grabs my hair with his teeth and pulls!)

I messaged about Sasha and Jack. The owners of Sasha are only 15 minutes away from me. The owners of Jack are about an hour. Much less than a trip to the U.P. I told them to contact me tomorrow when I have my cell phone, I will update.

Lucy, They are both beautiful. I agree never seen an ugly husky, lol. I leaned towards Saha as well, You would be her third and final forever home, poor girl. Can't wait to hear of your update.

Renee