Hello, everyone!

Maybe some may remember me, or not, but I joined this forum almost 10 years ago when I got my first husky, a little puppy called Orion. I was young and had dog experience although not as much as I would have liked to at the time, so I had questions about a lot of things. I learned a lot from here at the time.

Ori came into my life at just the right time. I was a teenager, lonely, sad and undiagnosed autistic, who found joy in animals and especially dogs, and mushing. I was lonely and going through a lot with things I don't ever want to get into anymore. I had, and still have mental health issues. And Ori was with me through all of that and more! Getting to spend every moment of my free time to train him, learn about him, spend time with him and introduce him to dryland mushing, it was a dream! I had found a best friend. My very first husky *and* a loved companion who I could spent all my time with!

In just over a month, Ori is going to be a big 10 years old. My heart breaks to see him age, and he has sadly developed arthritis that he struggles with, but together we are working with it every day to try and help him, and I will always be there for him like he has been for me.

He taught me and inspired me so much, and still does. When I got him, I was already working with animals, and he inspired me to learn more and more and to pursue education in animal and dog behavior. Today, I work as a dog trainer and a behaviorist, and have been doing so for 8 years now. I have also worked in veterinary, pet nutrition and pet sales, but training continues to be my passion, all thanks to my wonderful sweet boy Ori.

I remembered about this forum recently and decided to return and reintroduce myself. So, hello!

Hello! And congratulations on your progress. Manny of our dogs here are now getting on in years. I lost one of mine last August, my other guy will be 12 this fall. So I'm sort of holding my breath as Siberian lifespan averages somewhere between 11-13 to 12-14 depending on the source. A bittersweet time for us.

Hi! I've also rediscovered this forum this week after many years.These pups definitely help us through tough times. I know mine sure have and I'll always be grateful to them for being there even after they're gone.

Welcome back!

Welcome back! Great to see you and Orion again and all your progress.

I'm so glad Ori has been able to give you so much joy. I know how hard it is to see them age. My first Yuki is 12 this summer, hard to believe how fast time goes.

Welcome back mine are almost 12 and 9 this year