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

                                                                                  March/April 2007

Hiking Huskies

Alright all of my furry friends out there, do you smell what I smell?  That is the smell of Spring just around the corner and you know what that means…our Husky Hike will be here before you know it.  Yippee!  Now hold on to your fur (which seems to be coming out by the bagfuls at our house right now) because I need to let all of our newly adopted friends know about this spectacular event. This is our opportunity to help raise funds for some of the really expensive major medical cases we receive (like broken jaws, hips, legs, etc.).  We get to pull our owners around a 3 mile trail (shorter if you are just a pup, if you're older, or your owners don’t want to be dragged that far), play games, watch and participate in various demos, get great goody bags with lots of stuff for us to eat and play with (they even put stuff in there for our owners), visit the chuck wagon (of course begging here is a must), visit with exciting vendors such as animal communicators (where you can plead with your owner for their hot dog), get brushed or have your nails clipped (personally I’m not in favor of these but my owners seem to really like them – NOTE:  this can and should be used as a bargaining chip for that hot dog mentioned above) and best of all sniff hundreds of Siberian Husky butts!  There is also an opportunity to walk our foster friends that haven’t been adopted yet so they too can find their forever homes soon.  Maybe you would like a brother or sister to play with at home…start working on your owners now!

So here’s what I need you to do.  Both the Minnesota and Illinois/Wisconsin hikes will be held on May 19th so I need you to scratch (or paw) that date on your calendar now before you forget.  All of the registration forms, posters and information are available on our website, so have your owners sign up early.  Also, please beg your owners to help us and volunteer for a shift or two at the hike.  There are many jobs that need to be done (descriptions and times are listed on the website) so if each family could sign up for one that would really help move things along more smoothly.  Don’t forget, have your owners print out a few posters and hang them in pet stores, vets, doggy daycares, etc. because I just love meeting new friends.  So start begging for those pledges and get your paws ready (and noses too) for the best tail-waggin and howlin’ husky event ever!  I’ll sniff you there. 

Breeze - Foster Failure Extraordinaire

 

Important Reminder about Heartworm Preventative

Spring is arriving which means warmer temperatures and the return of mosquitoes.  Please make an appointment with your vet to have your dogs tested for heartworm and to buy heartworm preventative.  Heartworm will kill your dog if left undetected.

 

What You Should Know About Heartworm disease

This information has been prepared as a service by the American Veterinary Medical Association.  August 2005

Heartworm disease is a preventable, but serious and potentially fatal, parasitic disease that primarily affects dogs, cats and ferrets. It also infects wild animals such as foxes, wolves, coyotes, and California Sea Lions. There are documented human infections, but they are thought to be rare and do not result in clinical disease.

 

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

IL/WI EVENTS

May 19 Husky Hike 2007, Wadsworth, IL

June 10 Mounds Pet Food Warehouse's Dog Fest 2007, Madison, WI

June 24 Fox Valley Animal Welfare Pet Expo, Aurora, IL

MN EVENTS

May 19 Husky Hike 2007, Plymouth, MN

OH EVENTS

April 8 Moochie & Company Meet 'n Greet, Strongsville, OH

May 12 PAWS 4 a Cause, Cleveland Metroparks, OH

June 2 Meet Your Best Friend at the Zoo, Cleveland, OH  

HAPPY TAILS
Recent fosters that have found their forever homes.

Sierra (MN) Jan. 11    Sundog (WI) Jan. 13   Edgewood (IL) Jan. 13  Mitts (WA)  Jan. 15   Litella (MN) Jan. 22    Velvet (IL) Jan. 26   Cordelia (IN) Jan. 27   Normandy (IL) Jan. 28  Mayan (MN) Jan. 30  Snickers (MO) Feb. 5    Mr. Bill (MO) Feb. 22  Trinity (IL) Feb. 23  Wyndwalker (OH) Mar. 4 Mackinac (MO) Mar. 18
How is heartworm disease transmitted and what does it cause?
Heartworms are transmitted from animal to animal by mosquitoes. When an animal is bitten by an infected mosquito, young heartworms (called microfilariae) are transmitted to that animal. In about two weeks, the microfilaria develop into larvae. The larvae, as they mature, move through the animal's body and eventually enter the heart and blood vessels. Over the next several months, the growing heartworms reach adult size (female worms can reach up to 14 inches in length) and reproduce. In time, the worms cause injury to the pulmonary vessels and heart. This can lead to severe lung disease, heart disease and damage to other organs. Heartworms may survive for 5 to 7 years in dogs.

Where is heartworm disease found?
Geographically, heartworms are a potential threat in every state except Alaska, as well as in many other countries around the world. All dogs, regardless of age, sex, or living environment, are susceptible to heartworm infection. Indoor, as well as outdoor, cats are also at risk for the disease. If you plan to travel with your dog or cat to a different part of the country, ask your veterinarian about the risk of heartworm disease in the area where you are going to relocate or visit.

How can I tell if my pet has heartworm disease?
Dogs: If your dog has been recently or mildly infected with heartworms, it may initially show no signs of disease. However, as the disease progresses, your dog may cough, become lethargic, lose its appetite or have difficulty breathing. You may notice that your dog seems to tire rapidly after only moderate exercise.

Your veterinarian will test your dog's blood for the presence of adult heartworms. Further tests, such as chest x-rays and an echocardiogram, may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis and to help determine the severity of the infection.

Cats: Signs of possible heartworm infection in cats include coughing, respiratory distress, and vomiting. (In rare cases, a cat may suddenly die from heartworms.)

The diagnosis of a heartworm-infected cat is more difficult than with dogs. A series of different kinds of tests may be needed to help determine the likelihood of heartworm infection being the cause of your cat's illness and, even then, the results may not be conclusive.

How can my pet be treated?
Dogs: As with most medical problems, the best defense is prevention. However, if your dog is infected with heartworms, there is an FDA-approved treatment available. Although there is some risk involved in treating a dog for heartworms, serious complications are rare among dogs that are otherwise in good health and if the disease is detected early.

The goal of heartworm treatment is to kill the adult worms that are present in your dog's body. While your dog is hospitalized and for a period of time afterwards, it will require complete rest and may need additional medications to help limit inflammatory reaction as the worms die and are absorbed by the body.

Cats: There is currently no effective and safe treatment for heartworm infection in cats. If your cat is diagnosed with heartworms, your veterinarian may recommend medications to limit the inflammatory response and the resulting heartworm disease.

Can heartworms be surgically removed?
Some veterinarians are equipped for surgical removal of heartworms from dogs and/or cats. This procedure, however, is typically reserved for severe cases.

Can heartworm disease be prevented?
Heartworm disease is almost 100% preventable in dogs and cats. There are several FDA-approved heartworm preventives available in a variety of formulations. Your veterinarian can recommend the best method of prevention based upon your pet's risk factors and lifestyle.

A blood test for existing heartworm infection is recommended before beginning a prevention program to confirm that your pet is not already infected with the disease. In addition, annual re-testing is recommended to check your pet's status and ensure that the appropriate medication is being prescribed.

Heartworm infections are preventable.
Check with your veterinarian today to help ensure that your pet is protected.
The AVMA appreciates the assistance of the
American Heartworm Society
 www.heartwormsociety.org

Article Courtesy of American Veterinary Medical Association

 

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Releases List of Top 10 Hazards Encountered by Pets in 2006

Article courtesy of the ASPCA

New List Reveals Significant Increase in Calls Pertaining to Common Household Items

Urbana, Ill., March 5, 2007—The ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) today announced that it managed more than 116,000 calls to its Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) hotline in 2006, several of which pertained to common household items. “While the reason is not clear, calls in virtually each of these categories seems to be on the rise,” said Dr. Steven Hansen, veterinary toxicologist and senior vice president with the ASPCA, who manages the ASPCA’s Midwest Office, which houses the APCC. As National Poison Prevention Week approaches (March 18-24), the ASPCA advises pet parents to stay alert to the possibility of poisoning from these common household items:

1. Human Medications: For several years now, this category has been number one on the ASPCA’s list of common hazards, and 2006 was no exception.  Last year, more than 78,000 calls involving common human drugs such as painkillers, cold medications, antidepressants and dietary supplements were managed by the Center—a 69 percent increase over 2005. “Pet parents should never give their pet any medication without the direction of a veterinarianjust one extra-strength acetaminophen can be deadly to a cat, and just four regular-strength ibuprofen can lead to serious kidney problems in a 10-pound dog,” says Dr. Hansen. To avoid inadvertent poisoning from medications, store them in a secure cabinet above the counter and out of the reach of pets.

2. Insecticides: The APCC handled more than 27,000 cases pertaining to products used to kill fleas, ticks and other insects in 2006, up more than 28 percent from 2005.  According to Dr. Hansen, “A key factor in the safe use of products that eliminate fleas, ticks and other pesky bugs, is reading and following label instructions exactly. Some species of animals can be particularly sensitive to certain types of insecticides, so it is vital that you never use any product not specifically formulated for your pet.”  It is also a good idea to consult with your pet’s veterinarian before beginning any flea and tick control program.

3. Veterinary Medications: Surprising as it may seem, last year the APCC managed more than 12,000 cases involving animal-related preparations such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, heartworm preventatives, de-wormers, antibiotics, vaccines and nutritional supplements—a 93 percent hike in volume.  “Although these products are formulated for use in pets, it is very important to always read and follow label directions for use exactly,” says Dr. Hansen.  “As with flea and tick preparations, many medications are intended for use in certain species only, and potentially serious problems could result if given to the wrong animal or at too high a dose.”

4. Plants: The number of cases involving plants also shot up by more than 111 percent in 2006 to more than 9,300. Some varieties that can be harmful to pets include lilies, azalea, rhododendron, sago palm, kalanchoe and schefflera. ”Just one or two sago palm nuts can cause vomiting, diarrhea, depression, seizures and even liver failure,” says Dr. Hansen. “Also, lilies are highly toxic to cats—even in small amounts they can produce life-threatening kidney failure.”  While poisonous plants should certainly be kept away from pets, it is also a good idea to discourage animals from nibbling on any variety of plant, as even non-toxic plants can lead to minor stomach upset.

5. Rodenticides: Last year, approximately 8,800 calls about rat and mouse poisons were received by the APCC, representing an increase of more than 27 percent over 2005.  Depending on the type of rodenticide, ingestions can lead to potentially life-threatening problems for pets including bleeding, seizures or even damage to the kidneys or other vital organs.  “Should pet owners opt to use a rodenticide around their home, they should make sure that the bait is placed only in areas completely inaccessible to their animals,” says Dr. Hansen. 

6. Household Cleaners: In 2006, approximately 7,200 calls pertaining to cleaning agents such as bleaches, detergents and disinfectants were received—up 38 percent from the year before.  Says Dr. Hansen, “Depending on the circumstances of exposure, some household cleaners can lead to gastrointestinal irritation or even severe oral burns for pets.”  Additionally, irritation to the respiratory tract may be possible if a product is inhaled.  “All household cleaners and other chemicals should be stored in a secure location well out of the reach of pets,” recommends Dr. Hansen, “and when cleaning your pet’s food and water bowls, crate or other habitat, a mild soap such as a hand dishwashing detergent along with hot water is a good choice over products containing potentially harsh chemicals.”

7. Chocolate: Always a common food-related call, more than 4,800 chocolate calls were received by the APCC last year, an 85 percent increase from 2005.  Depending on the variety, chocolate can contain large amounts of fat and caffeine-like substances known as methylxanthines, which, if ingested in significant amounts, could potentially cause vomiting, diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity. In severe cases, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors and seizures have been noted—and it could even be fatal.  “Typically, the darker the chocolate, the greater the potential for poisoning,” says Dr. Hansen.  “Baking chocolate contains the highest amount of methylxanthines, and just two ounces could cause serious problems for a 10-pound dog.”

8. Chemical Hazards: A newcomer to the top 10 category, this includes such harmful items as volatile petroleum-based products, alcohols, acids, and gases.  In 2006, the APCC received more than 4,100 calls related to chemical hazards—an astronomical jump in call volume of more than 300 percent.  “Substances in this group can cause a wide variety of problems,” Dr. Hansen explains, “ranging from gastrointestinal upset and depression to respiratory difficulties and chemical burns.” Commonly-used chemicals you should keep your pets away from include ethylene glycol antifreeze, paint thinner, drain cleaners and pool/spa chemicals.

9. Physical Hazards: While not necessarily all toxic, items in this group consists of objects that could pose a choking hazard, risk for intestinal obstruction, or other physical injury, and in 2006, the number of physical hazard calls grew a staggering 460 percent to over 3,800.  “We’ve managed cases involving the ingestion of several common objects—from pet collars and adhesive tape to bones, paper products and other similar items,” says Dr. Hansen. “It is important to make sure that items which could be easily knocked over, broken, chewed up or swallowed are kept out of the reach of curious pets.”

10. Home Improvement Products: In 2006, approximately 2,100 cases involving paint, solvents, expanding glues and other products commonly used in construction were managed by the APCC—up 17 percent from 2005. While the majority of water-based paints are low in toxic potential, they can still cause stomach upset, and artist paints sometimes contain heavy metals that could be poisonous if consumed in large quantities. In addition, solvents can be very irritating to the gastrointestinal tract, eyes and skin, and could also produce central nervous system depression if ingested, or pneumonia if inhaled.  “Prevention is really key to avoiding problems from accidental exposures to these substances,” says Dr. Hansen.  “Pet parents should keep pets out of areas where home improvement projects are taking place, and of course label directions should always be followed when using any product.”

Article courtesy of the ASPCA

 

Rosie

Rosie, the main character in the following tale, was born at Willo Siberians, daughter of Willo’s Tshabet Gyded Missle, SDO and Willo’s Tshabet Float’n On Air, SDO (Cher). She is 12 ½ years old and has been racing competitively for most of her life. In her youth she ran “point” on a 10-dog mid-distance team made up primarily of Alaskan Huskies for Sharon and Larry Brunzlick! In “middle-age” she became part of our six-dog distance team, and after our retirement from racing she began a new career as the primary trainer and part of Musher Jeff's "A" team.  When her age

required that she move to a less strenuous team, she was loaned out to another volunteer, Kellie, as her main lead dog. Of course, looking at her picture, you sure can’t tell she’s a “senior citizen!”

Hey, Bill & Lois -

I'm sure Rosie has emailed you already, but I want to defend myself!!  I'm sure she thinks I'm an incompetent idiot. 

I know George & Jen have told you about how I am convinced that Rosie hates me and purposely ignores me on the trail.  I have worked really hard this season to earn her trust and respect.  I was finally making headway, to the point where she would acknowledge that she was a little excited to see me, but not too much.  I found that if I gave her a quick little massage and told her how pretty she was before we would go out, she responded much better to me on the trail.  So I had been doing this, and it was working great.  At Drummond she actually got excited and pawed at the door of her box when she saw me.  We had two great runs at Drummond, and I thought she was actually starting to like and trust me.  I was so excited!!! 

Then we went to Wooden Nickel.  Jeff and Jenn let me take Rosie, Daphne and Sirius for the weekend, and I borrowed two dogs from Mary Beth to make a five-dog team.  On Saturday I went through my normal ritual with Rosie of giving her a massage, telling her how pretty she was and that I really enjoyed running with her.  She was excited to run (as always).  So we took off down the chute, and the trail was completely ungroomed with probably close to four inches of fresh powder on top of a really punchy base.  They extended the Wooden Nickel trail to 6.5 miles and reversed it to avoid the head-on passing.  So about half-way Rosie started running on three paws, alternating lifting her back ones.  I got to a point where there was trail help and decided to stop and take a look.

Well -- Rosie was going to have nothing to do with me looking at her feet.  So I decided (and I stand by my decision) to take her out and put her in the bag.  ROSIE DID NOT AGREE WITH THIS DECISION AT ALL!!!  It took a number of tries to get her in the bag, and then when I tried to zip it and velcro her completely in it, she just pushed her head out and glared at me.  So I moved other dogs around and we headed down the trail with Rosie in the bag. I held her with one hand while trying to drive the sled with the other.  I rubbed her neck the whole time telling her what a good dog she was being, but she just glared at me the entire time.  I wish had a camera with me so you guys could see the true anger on her face.   

We got back to the truck and pulled her out right away, and it took two of us to check her feet, but found they were ice-balled and we got them cleaned out.  I knew, though, that the entire time she spent in the bag she was plotting on how to get back to me and that I had lost all the respect I had earned. 

So to not have problems, we put booties on her on Sunday.  She did fine with them and we had no problems on Sunday...except when we tried to pass Cynthia (our first pass nearly 1/2 mile into the run).  I swear she looked over her shoulder and smirked at me as I asked her to go on-by and instead she ran right into the middle of Cynthia's team...and caused a tangle.  Then she just stood there (I swear she was laughing).  I had to hook down and un-tangle them.  After that we had a seamless run with a number of passes. 

It will be interesting to see if she is nice to me or not this weekend.  I am hoping we will get snow and not rain and can be on runners...

Kellie, Illinois volunteer

(COMMENT: Rosie is simply saying that she’s been doing this for a whole lot longer than Kellie, and she just needs to make Kellie understand who is really in charge!)

Bill and Lois, Wisconsin volunteers

 

"Tails on the Trail"

What does one do when it is cold and snowy outside and they are suffering from cabin fever?  Well they come outside to learn why the Siberians think winter is so great of course!  And come on out they did – by the thousands… 

This past January 20th and 21st, the Morton Arboretum hosted our annual “Tails on the Trail” event.   Adopt A Husky volunteers and members of the Siberian Husky Club of Greater Chicago provided entertainment and education opportunities in three venues.   Towards the main entrance to the park we had several fosters roaming around with their handlers to show off for the public.  The most famous one

AAHI Mushers at "Tails on the Trail"

of course was Miss Skycat in her very fashionable outfit!  Also in that area we had an education and gift room where folks could go to warm up a bit (why Siberian folks would want that I am not sure), learn all there is to know about our breed and adoption opportunities, and shop for all their favorite Siberian related gifts.  Across the park in the Cudahy theater we ran an educational and entertaining presentation -  The Iditarod: the Last Great Race.  It featured film about the book “The Cruelest Miles” as well as a narrated slide show detailing actual photos from the trail.  Of course showing all of our hard entertainment work up was a guest appearance by Arrow, an AKC Champion Siberian that ran in the 2004 Iditarod.  Everyone really enjoyed meeting him.

Not to be outdone, the field surrounding Firefly Pond, was swarming with activity.  Approximately a dozen sled teams were running a small trail that we set through the woods of the Arboretum.  The dogs all had a great time showing off for the guests and of course enjoyed all of the attention that they got from their fans once they were back by their trucks.  This venue is always a huge hit with the thousands of guests that come to see us each year at the Arboretum.

The crowds were a bit smaller this year than they were last year but all in all we still had a great time.  After all, we had far less snow than last year and we only had just a little competition for our entertainment – you see it was the final playoff game weekend for the Bears.  Now why that matters I am not sure – certainly a beautiful botanical park loaded with dozens of your favorite furry friends would be more compelling than a Bears game right? Well OK, maybe we will call it a tie.  Next year we will have to ask those Bears to schedule things a little better!  None the less, it was once again a very successful and entertaining weekend for one and all.  Hope you can all come see us next year.

Mike, IL Volunteer

 

Foster Spotlight:  6 White Siberians Looking for a "Furever" Family
Meet six wonderful Siberians that have two things in common, all of them are snowy white and are looking for a family of their very own.  Please click on one of their photos to be taken directly to their bios.
  Nashotah, male, 1-2 years old

Meringue, female, 2-3 years old
   Pahana, male, 1 year old

Cobalt, male, 1 year old

Pearl, female, 2-3 years old

Soapy, male, 2-3 years old

Interested in adopting a Siberian, please read our adoption process and fill out our online adoption application.
 

Volunteer Spotlight: Barb, MN Volunteer

Name: Barb

Hometown:  Chicago, IL (now lives in MN)

Family (including pets):  John (husband); Sweet Pea (9 y.o. F, black/white Siberian); Laci (2 ¾ y.o. F, Cinnamon/white Siberian); Penny (5 m.o. F, gray/white Siberian—our new show dog!).  With their combination, I call them our “Spice Girls.”
 

How did you get involved with rescue?  I’d known about AAHI for a long time and gone to the Hike.  I think I remember an email about the MN Home Visit Coordinator spot being open and thought it looked interesting and thought I’d try it.

What is the best thing about volunteering for AAHI?  This is a great group of volunteers, and I enjoy getting to meet them.  The dogs that come in our care and have the opportunity to find a forever home is another big part.

What are your interests/hobbies outside of Siberian rescue?  Conformation with our puppy, water gardening, our MN Siberian Husky Club, other volunteer work, driving trips when John and I and our Spice Girls have time, Rosewood pottery collector, children’s storybooks (particularly related to northern breeds), and horses.

Favorite holiday:  My favorite holiday is Mardi Gras, and I decorate a bit with masks, beads, etc. around the house.  When the Christmas tree goes down and the decos put away, the colors of Mardi Gras and the beads, etc. help to get through the winter blahs.  I’m a person who likes color, and this does it for me.

If you won the lottery tomorrow, what would you do?  I’d buy (have built) a log cabin with everything being on one level (because of my wheelchair); rent a motor home that was wheelchair accessible and travel around this wonderful country of ours on our own time (go south in the winter and vice versa) with John and our girls; give money to so many worthy places/people who could use some monetary help.

What would you like to say to fellow AAHI volunteers and to those people thinking of volunteering with AAHI?  This last year I’ve been able to meet folks whom I email with in person, and I’ve enjoyed this immensely.  AAHI volunteers must have extra large hearts, because they’re always there for counsel, to rescue a dog(s), support one another, educate, and find wonderful homes and on and on and on – they love these Siberians and want what’s best for them!  Thank you!

Thank you Barb for volunteering your time to help save Siberian lives!!!!!!! 

 

Attention Adopters: Update your contact information with AAHI

Have you moved and forgotten to update your contact information with Adopt A Husky?  Do you have a new phone number or email address?  If so, now is the time to update it.  Email us at adoptahusky@adoptahusky.com with your name (include maiden name), dog's name (if you have changed your dog's name since adopting, please include old and new name), new address, phone number and email address.  Please also include 2 names of alternate contacts and their phone numbers.

Updating your contact information with us is a MUST, as this is the only way we will be able to get a hold of you if the unthinkable happens and your dog escapes and is lucky enough to be found.  Mack, AAHI adopter, was reunited with his dog, because he updated his contact information with us.  Make sure you do the same.

 

Attention IL residents: Jewel Shop & Share

Please help us save Siberians in need!  Support our Jewel Shop & Share days!!  It's easy, just CLICK HERE to be directed to the shop & share coupon, print it and then present it to the cashier when you check out on March 26th, 27th and 28th.  THANK YOU!!!!!

 

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!"
  • Jim and Kathleen (WA) on foster failing Mitts!
  • Former IL foster dogs, Naya, Orion, Sirius, Daisy, Daphne, Scarlet & friends on their Hollywood debut as a dog team in the upcoming "Fred Claus," starring Vince Vaughn, set to come out Christmas 2007!!!
  • Noel and Skye (IL) on Skye's recent OAJ (Open Agility Jumpers) title!

 
  • Noel (IL), Mike (IL), Renee (MN), Lois (WI), Mary Beth (IL), Donna (IL) and Teresa (IL) for organizing recent AAHI events!
  • all of the AAHI volunteers that have volunteered their time to staff AAHI's events and for doing all of the recent home visits!
  • all of AAHI's supporters: without you, we wouldn't be able to help Siberians in need!
  • Mike (IL), Barb (MN), Noel (IL), and Lois (WI) for helping with this newsletter!

 

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