I have been an avid reader of this blog for two years now--since we got Mars. Keeping up with @aljones’ menagerie and @amymeme’s Z’eve and Ami, to name a few members, along with all of the other members’ huskies has been great. It’s lovely to see other huskies’ behaviors, characteristics, and how they interact with their packs. @amymeme is so descriptive with her posts, it’s as if I am reading a book--I can imagine Z’ve and Ami in action.  From these posts, I always draw comparisons to mine and commiserate with what other are going through.

Today, I would like to introduce Mars. We brought Mars home when he was about 7-8 weeks. As many of you know, it was A LOT of work. Having had four children, I like to compare the first week to when I brought a newborn home—the lack of sleep made me feel like a zombie.    That first week, we slept in the living room with Mars and alternated taking him out for potty breaks every time he woke up, which was about every two hours. Of course, eventually, things got better. I must say that the number of potty accidents inside the home were very few.

While inside the house, we kept him tethered wherever we were: in the kitchen, to a chair, a sofa in the living room, etc.— This is how we were able to control and watch out for when he needed to potty. He has always been very diligent about keeping himself clean so I think this helped, since he wouldn’t potty in his living area. Tethering is the way to go when potty training.

From reading the blog posts, it is amazing to see all of the character similarities that these huskies have. When Mars was a puppy, he could be mean at times, which concerned me. He nipped often and continuously wanted to rough play. However, I’m happy to say Mars has grown into a very playful, happy, outgoing, friendly, and gentle dog. And, since he is a husky, occasionally rambunctious, mischievous, and stubborn.

He now interacts differently with my children; seeming to know that my youngest daughter is more fragile than my son, whom is the eldest. With my son he rushes at him, and to an extent, play wrestles. However, with my youngest one, even if Mars is chasing her around the house, he trots softly after her. I say he’s a lucky dog because he has incorporated a family of six into his pack, and we are, 99.9 percent of the time, so happy to have him.

Mars is now an oversized puppy, as we call him.  He is about 73- 75 lbs, and pretty tall.

I am attaching a few photos of Mars.

Mars on the first day we got him.




The first night with us was ruff, so he slept most of the next day.






His second bath.




After a ruff day of play.




I posted this picture to my sister and she thought he had been run over by a car.     But it was just him being Mars.




Mars when he was about 9-10 months.




My daughter showing of her carving skills, or should I say Mars.  




Mars now.







As you all can see, photography is a new hobby that all my children have embraced!  But how can you blame them.  

Beautiful pics! But OMG, that one pic DOES look like he got run over by a car! He's grown up beautifully

Welcome to the forum. He's a big handsome boy. We look forward to you adding your own dialogue to the place.

What a handsome boy! Welcome to the forum. And thank you for the kind comments.

Welcome to the forum! And wow what a lovely looking boy you have.

Thank you all.  I may have been having very happy thoughts when I wrote this post.    It was difficult when he was a puppy.  I now understand why they don't recommend Siberian Huskies for first-time dog owners.  But, we do love his personality, sass, mischievousness, playfulness, stubbornness, etc...

handsome guy, he is growing up nicely. love that pick with him on the floor , all muddy.

PollyR wrote:

Thank you all.  I may have been having very happy thoughts when I wrote this post.    It was difficult when he was a puppy.  I now understand why they don't recommend Siberian Huskies for first-time dog owners.  But, we do love his personality, sass, mischievousness, playfulness, stubbornness, etc...

These are the things that I just love about huskies, they are definitely a unique breed personality wrapped up in fluff, haha.

I love your avatar!

Great story and beautiful big boy indeed! We have 5 kids 8 y/o and under, so Lucy has quite a large "pack" as well over here lol! I think she really enjoys and benefits from all the activity and commotion that goes on in a home with a big family, and other pets too.

Artic_Wind wrote:

PollyR wrote:

Thank you all.  I may have been having very happy thoughts when I wrote this post.    It was difficult when he was a puppy.  I now understand why they don't recommend Siberian Huskies for first-time dog owners.  But, we do love his personality, sass, mischievousness, playfulness, stubbornness, etc...

These are the things that I just love about huskies, they are definitely a unique breed personality wrapped up in fluff, haha.

I love your avatar!

"...personality wrapped up in fluff, haha"  

You can just imagine how hard it was to choose an Avatar!

Hahaha, I can imagine! You captured his spirit well with this one

I like picture number two, he looks like a passed out Shriner!

You are so right!