Adopt A Husky News July/August 2007

Adopt A Husky, Inc.

"Saving one dog won't change the world, but surely the world will change for that one dog."

NEWS YOU CAN USE

July/August 2007

Rally Obedience What is it? Have you recently heard the terms Rally-O or Rally Obedience and just weren’t sure what people were talking about? Or have you been to a dog show and saw people walking around the ring talking to themselves, turning in circles, walking sideways and/or backwards around a bunch of signs on the ground and think they were a little odd? Well there is a new and exciting team sport for you and your dog to enjoy called Rally Obedience. Typically you hear the traditional word obedience and think serious, strict and regimented but you couldn’t be further from the truth. In Rally you can have fun in the ring with your dog while doing obedience. You still need to perform all of the traditional obedience commands such as heel, stay, come, sit, stand and down but most importantly you must know your right from your left. In traditional obedience (and the CGC test) the judge calls the commands out for your dog to perform. In Rally the signs tell you the commands. You begin at the start line and follow the numbered signs that provide the commands to be performed throughout the course with your dog in heal position. You can talk and praise your dog as much as you want, clap your hands, pat your leg and give as many hand signals throughout the entire course with the one restriction that you can’t touch your dog. The scoring isn’t as stringent as in traditional obedience either. What are the signs? Well they can be as basic as Sit, Down, Stand, Right Turn, Left Turn, Fast Pace, Slow Pace, About Turn, Walk Around Dog (you walk around the dog while they are staying). Other things you do are 360 Right/Left which means you heal in a tight circle to the left or right, Moving Side Step Right (take 1 step to the right while you are healing), Spiral Right/Left (walk around a set of 3 cones), Call Front Finish Right (call your dog and have them finish on your right side) and several others that are variations of the above. In the first level everything is done on leash while the more advanced levels are done off leash.
	MARK YOUR CALENDAR
	IL/WI EVENTS August 12 Paws in the Park, South Milwaukee, WI September 8 Pet Supplies Plus, Arlington Heights, IL
	HAPPY TAILS
	Recent fosters that have found their forever homes. Pearl (WI) June 6 Vita (WI) June 6 Kaye (WI) June 16 Sawyer (WI) June 16 Valiant (WI) June 17 Nantucket (MO) June 23 Annamaet (OH) June 23 Riley (MN) June 24 Dixie (WI) June 24 Oberlin (OH) June 24 Nashotah (IL) June 26 Agere (WI) July 8 Bil Jac (OH) July 14 Talkeetna (IL) July 15 Utah (WI) July 22 Lacie (WI) July 22

So how do I get started?

Take an obedience class to get a good foundation. It’s also helpful to take a CGC class and then take the test so you can get some ring experience in a very non-threatening environment since you can talk to the dog throughout the entire test. Then look for training facilities in your area that offer Rally Obedience classes because you’ll need to learn what the signs say and how the judge expects the sign to be performed.

What organizations have Rally Obedience?

Currently there are two organizations that have trials, AKC (American Kennel Club) and APDT (Association of Pet Dog Trainers). Each organization has 3 levels of competition and expects similar skills to be performed for each level. The two organizations have some rule, course and deduction differences such as APDT allows treats in the ring but AKC has shorter and simpler courses.

This is a great way to have fun with your dog and form a lasting bond that will be treasured for many years. Remember that Siberian Huskies need a job and this is a great one for them to do with you.

- Noel, IL Volunteer

Photos from Mounds Dog Festival

Jack, IL Foster Dog

Kodak, IL Foster Dog

Adopt A Husky's Booth

Wet Nose, Dry Nose, What Does It Mean?

Article courtesy of www.pedigree.com

Your dog's nose can do a lot. It can help him to recognize other animals and people. It can tell him who was at his favorite hydrant pole. It may even tell you if he is feeling sick. Let's take a closer at your dog's wonderful nose.

Wet Nose vs. Dry Nose

Wet Nose: Usually, when a dog has a wet, cool nose, it means he's healthy. That's because fluid produced from the lacrimal and lateral nasal glands make your dog's nose moist and shiny.

As well, when your dog licks his nose, it leaves his nose looking and feeling wet. These are all signs of a healthy dog. So does this mean that if your dog's nose is dry then he is ill?

Dry Nose: When a dog is feeling ill, symptoms may include a dry nose.

Other Explanations? But is that it? Wet nose means healthy and dry nose means ill? Not necessarily. There are many different things that can cause your dog's nose to become dry. Some of the most common are:

The Sun: Dogs with a light colored coat, and dogs who have a pink nose are susceptible to sunburn. Often, exposure to the sun can make their nose dry and even crusty. Please be aware that these dogs are prone to skin cancers as well, so it's important to take precautions when these fair skinned dogs are out in the sun.

Dry Air: If your dog has been in a room where the circulation isn't great or the air is quite dry, then his nose is bound to dry up a bit.

Hot Temperatures: If a dog has slept in the sun, even if he is indoors, or just in an area where it was very hot, his nose will be dry as soon as he wakes up.

Dehydration: Your dog may be completely healthy but have a dry nose because he's slightly dehydrated from not drinking enough. When a dog is dehydrated it's harder for his body to create moisture and so his little nose dries up.

Past Illness: A dog who has ever suffered from the viral disease 'Distemper' at an early age is likely to have a permanent dry nose as a result of the illness.

Article courtesy of www.pedigree.com

Foster Spotlight: Twinkle, IL Foster

Hello. My name is Twinkle, and I am an AAHI foster dog located in the Illinois area. I am the latest foster to take over the Foster Follies blog, although I have not posted in ages. Seems my foster mom feels going out of town on business trips and doing "projects" is more important than letting me play on the computer. But that is all changing! Well, not her obsessive need to start things and then walk away with them half finished, but at least she is home now, and I can get on the computer much easier. I will be blogging regularly soon, I promise. So, a bit about me. I am quite the looker, a point that made me very unpopular with a certain blogging previous foster. But I am here to say that the things Skycat said about me are not true!!! Well, some of them are not true. Some might be, but I think she made up lots of stuff about me cuz she was jealous about how graceful and athletic I am. I am always raring to go and believe me, I can go go go. That is why you are not going to see too many pictures of me on my diary. My foster mom tries and tries to get a nice posed picture of me, but all she gets is blurs. Because I just love to zoom all around the yard and have no time or patience to pose and act all pretty like some other previous foster. But in me, you will get an athlete, not a pretty socialite model type. You best know that about me if you are at all interested in taking me home. I like to work out and expect you to accommodate me in this regard daily, please. If you like to bike or jog or skijor, I think you and I should meet. Because believe me when I say I will not let you forget to go out every day and do these fun things! And, Ok, I admit that perhaps I might not have the best manners when it comes to meeting other dogs. See, the thing is that I just have so much energy and excitement for life that when I meet another dog, I just have to express myself. And I usually do this by jumping all over them and telling them, real loudly, how much I love life. And can you believe that some dogs do not like this??? Isn't that just the craziest thing? So perhaps it is best that I am the only dog in my forever home. Because while I am not (I swear, I am NOT) dog aggressive, I am dog silly (foster mom has said dog stupid, but I think that is a bit harsh) and I do not see that changing much any time soon. Believe me, foster mom has tried to curb my enthusiasm, but it remains, strong and unchanging. So an only dog home would be good. Oh, and no cats, says foster mom. I think cats would be fine, but for some reason, my foster mom thinks me chasing and, um, tasting, small critters is not a good thing either. And I like to chase small critters. Like squirrels. Love to chase squirrels. And one of these days I am going to figure out how to climb that darn tree and get that squirrel. But until then, chasing it is. So, to sum up, if you want a gifted, athletic, young (I am around 2 years old) only dog to spend lots of time outdoors playing and lots of time indoors cuddling, fill out an app for me. I am waiting!!!! Twinkle
Interested in adopting Twinkle or another rescued Siberian, please read our adoption process and fill out our online adoption application. Can't adopt, but would like to sponsor a Siberian in need? Please email us at adoptahusky@adoptahusky.com for more information on how to sponsor one of our rescued Siberians.
Going on the Road (and beyond) with Rover? Here's How to Travel Safely with Your Pet Article courtesy of the ASPCA For some pet parents, summer vacation’s no fun if the four-legged members of the family can’t come. But traveling without thoughtful preparation can be highly stressful, both for you and your animal companions. Before you embark on your journey, the ASPCA would like to offer pet parents some essential advice: If you’re traveling by air: - Don’t forget a collar with destination info and an ID tag. - Purchase a USDA-approved shipping crate large enough for your pet to stand, sit and turn around in comfortably, and write the words “LIVE ANIMAL” in letters at least one inch tall on the top and sides of the crate. - Book direct flights whenever possible. This will help to avoid any chance of your pet being left on the tarmac during extreme weather conditions or mishandled by baggage personnel. - Freeze a small bowl of water for your pet the night before you leave. It won’t spill during loading and will melt by the time she’s thirsty. If you’re driving: - Make sure your pet’s collar has an ID tag with your home address, along with a temporary travel tag with your cell phone, destination phone number and any other relevant contact information. - Never leave your animal alone in a parked vehicle. On a hot day, even with the windows open, a parked automobile can quickly become a furnace. - Always bring plenty of plastic jugs filled with bottled or tap water from home. Drinking water she’s not used to could upset your pet’s stomach. - Don’t forget to bring along your pet’s rabies vaccination record, as some states require proof at certain interstate crossings. For additional information, check out the ASPCA's complete lists of car and air travel tips. Article courtesy of the ASPCA
Volunteer Spotlight: Scott & Sarah , WI Volunteers

Name: Scott & Sarah

Hometown: Salem, WI

Family (including pets): Scott, Sarah, Rachel, Angel (white siberian, 8), Dodger (Mutt, 6), Pacman (Red/White Siberian, AAHI adoptee, 6) & Zuma (Black/White Siberian, AAHI adoptee, 5)

How did you get involved with rescue? I saw Lois's van in town and called for information

What is the best thing about volunteering for AAHI? Finding forever homes for pets in need

Favorite AAHI Event and why: Husky Hike because it is always a fun (yet exhausting) day for the whole family and friends!

What are your interests/hobbies outside of Siberian rescue? Scott is very involved in music and plays in many bands in the area. He plays trombone, trumpet, drums, tuba, saxophone and dabbles with all the other instruments. I also have a love for music, as well as movies and spa time!

Favorite summertime activity: We love going to the Bristol Renissance Faire.

If you could travel to any place in the world, where would you go and why? We both would go to Germany during Oktoberfest. We both have been there before, myself as a child and for Scott when he was in the military. It is a beautiful country and has wonderful people.

What would you like to say to fellow AAHI volunteers and to those people thinking of volunteering with AAHI? AAHI is a wonderful organization! We've volunteered with other organizations in the past and have found a home with AAHI. Since day one we've been welcomed with open arms and found out everyone has a wealth of knowledge for us to soak up. Volunteering is a amazing experience, not only because we get to meet tons of great people and animals, but because we know that we are making a difference.

Thank you Scott and Sarah for volunteering your time to help save Siberian lives!!!!!!!

CONGRATULATIONS TO . . .

THANK YOU TO . . .

all of our recent adopters on the addition of a furry family member and to our fosters that have found their "furever home!"
Paul, Phyllis & Murphy (IL) on Murphy passing the Canine Good Citizen test! Way to go Murphy!!!!

Lois (WI) and Mike (IL) for organizing recent AAHI events!
Cindy (WI) and Phyllis (IL) for sharing their photos from Mounds!
all of the AAHI volunteers that have volunteered for all of the recent home visits and that have assisted with adoptions!
all of AAHI's supporters: without you, we wouldn't be able to help Siberians in need!
Noel (IL), Scott & Sarah (WI), Mary Beth (IL) and Lois (WI) for helping with this newsletter!

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