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

                                                                             November/December 2006

Naming Your Dog With Thought

Permission to reprint provided by Fuzzy Pawz Shih Tzu Rescue, from the November issue of “Fuzzy Times."

Max, Buster, Jake. Maggie, Muffin, Princess. Yes, these are among the most popular dog names this year. Maybe Princess is a Rottweiler, and perhaps Buster’s a Chihuahua. Muffin might be a petite Pomeranian or a muscular Bullmastiff, who knows?

Does it really matter?

What's in a name?

Turns out, that yes, it does. There's both a science and an art to dog naming. The name you give your dog has repercussions for you and your dog - it has an impact on training, perception, behavior, and more.

Let's have a look at just some of the implications of canine naming choices:

Role & age appropriateness: Bunny may not be a suitable name for a five-year-old German Shepherd who is meant to be a companion and help guard your home. Because consciously or not, the name means something to the way you treat her, and the way she receives your commands.

If Bunny's behaving like a baby and occasionally urinating in the house, her name just may have something to do with how effective your training is. Try to match up the name to your dog's (eventual) age and role in the family.

TIP: Give your dog a name he can grow into, eventually fitting his role and life stage.

Names invoke emotions: Emotions influence behavior. So when you name your big Bouvier Bruiser, don't be surprised if people back away from both of you in the dog park.

We repeat our dog's names often, and this repetition will have an effect, especially unconsciously - whether it's good or bad.

TIP: Try for a good effect when naming. Attempt to invoke pleasant emotions. For example, Buddy can be a good choice, for obvious reasons while Killer may not be.

Sound effects: There are more direct effects a name can have on your dog, particularly in regards to training. The structure of sound can play a large role. Hard consonants like D, K, and P crackle with energy across many frequencies.

Names, especially short one-syllable names with these letters (and sounds) are great for getting your dog's attention; far better than softer vowels and their accompanying softer sounds. In fact, this is why clickers work so well in training.
 

Happy Holidays!!!!!!

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

IL EVENTS

Dec. 2 Pet Supplies Plus, Pictures with Santa, Arlington Heights, IL       

Dec. 3 Paw Law - Pictures with Santa, Roselle, IL

Dec. 9 Holidays with the Huskies, Naperville, IL

Jan. 20/21 The Iditarod - Experience the Adventure Without the Frostbite, Lisle, IL

HAPPY TAILS
Recent fosters that have found their forever homes.

Togo (IN) Oct. 1      Simone (IL) Oct. 1   Sawyer (MN) Oct. 14     Uzon (OH) Nov. 11       Squi  (OH) Nov. 11       Kent  (OH) Nov. 11    Huron (WI)  Nov. 12    Nordic Star (IL) Nov.  13  Gibson (IL)  Nov. 20    Oslo (MN)  Nov. 20

TIP: Dirk or Kip will serve you and your dog better when training, when compared with Missy or Sam. Any dog can be conditioned to any name, certainly, but if you plan to have your dog compete in performance events, for example, this may give you a "leg up."

One syllable or two? While one-syllable names with hard consonants are great, there's much to be said for two-syllable names. It's almost as if the first syllable alerts your dog to the second, which can be very effective.

Two-syllable names also make for more iterations of your dog's name. You can get an affectionate nickname, a training name, and a stern name out of most two-syllable names. Very versatile, indeed!

TIP: Try the above with a name that's under consideration. We'll try Pepper. We have our training name (Pepper or Pep), a nickname (Pep-Pep, Peppy), and a "grab-her-attention-now" name (Pep-per!).

A rose by any other name -
By the way, you can change your dog's name. Unlike humans, dogs don't become emotionally attached to names the way we do. If you don't like the name your dog came with, change it. It happens all the time, after all, when you adopt from a shelter.

In the end, many factors come into play when naming. But ultimately a name you love, one that makes you smile and feel good (like your dog makes you feel), a name that really sums up your dog's personality - well, that's preferable to an "acoustically-correct" name any day.

That takes care of the science. But, finding an exquisite name you adore? That's where the art comes in.

If you'd like to read more about the power of names, look for "Adam's Task" by Vicki Hearne.

 

Siberian Husky Nationals

The 2006 Siberian Husky Nationals was held October 16 – 21 in Rockford, IL.  There were probably over 900 Siberian Huskies that participated between all of the events so the fur was really flying.  Nationals are held once a year in different regions of the U.S. and this year it was in the Midwest.  Many people come from all parts of the country to attend and participate in this grand event and others fly in from around the world from places like China, Russia, England, Germany, just to name a few.  While the main focus of the show is on the conformation aspect, there are a variety of activities for everyone including rescue dogs. 

Adopt A Husky was very well represented at this show.  Besides having a booth with lots of really unique items for sale, all of the activities (except conformation) had AAHI former fosters participating in them.  On Tuesday there was Rally Obedience where 8 rescue dogs competed, 3 of them were previous AAHI fosters and all 3 of them qualified.  That afternoon was the Rescue Parade where adopted dogs walked around the ring while a small biography was read about them and then they received a large personalized ribbon along with a goody bag filled with treats and toys.  Of the 39 dogs that participated in the parade, 17 were previous AAHI fosters and another 5 were from AAHI volunteers who had adopted from other rescues or shelters.

Wednesday was Obedience where 2 previous AAHI fosters competed.  The Parade of Titleholders was held later that day where any dog who had earned an AKC title could walk around the ring and be recognized and 3 previous AAHI foster dogs were represented.  Thursday was agility were 2 previous AAHI fosters competed.  Friday was the rig race where 30 teams of 2, 4 and 6 dogs raced against each other.  Thirteen of these teams contained both previous and current AAHI fosters with many taking top placements. 

I would personally like to thank everyone who represented us at Nationals whether it was in a parade, showing in a performance event or volunteering at the booth.  It was great to see our volunteers from Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin.  On a final note, to show how important rescue is to the Siberian Husky community, the Siberian Husky Club of Greater Chicagoland donated $1,000 to AAHI along with three other organizations.  What a wonderful surprise and a great ending to a fabulous week!

- Noel, IL Volunteer

Photos from the Volunteer Rig Outing

AAHI volunteers and their dogs gather for a fun rig outing at Blackwell Forest Preserve in IL.

Mike (IL) coming back from a run with his 4 Siberians and Margaret's Siberian (IL) that ran in harness for the first time.
 

Photos from AAHI's IL/WI Annual Bark-B-Que

 

Nothing like watching a pack of Siberians play "Husky Tag!"

 

Sasha bobbing for hot dogs at the BBQ.

The Shopping Season Has Arrived

Have you visited our affiliate pages recently at http://www.adoptahusky.com/affiliates.htm?  We have added many new and exciting stores for everyone’s shopping needs.  I thought that I would take a minute to summarize what we currently have in case you haven’t browsed through our stores.

Our FIRST affiliate page contains Pet Related Products and Pet Gifts & Collectibles. 

Our Pet Related Products section has nationally known stores like PetCo and PetSmart but also very well known pet websites that offer discounts on a variety of pet products like treats, toys, collars, leashes, bowls, crates, bones, supplements and anything else you can think of.  Many of these stores also offer free shipping and because they are out of state you don’t pay sales tax so you can’t go wrong, especially with the price of gas these days.  Just as a side note, because you never know when your dog will need to have surgery or recover from an injury that will require them to wear one of those clumsy Elizabethan collars, it’s always to have a Bite Not Collar on hand since it is much more comfortable for the dog and easier on you also.  They are available at both Jeffers and JBDog.

Our Pet Gifts & Collectibles section offers a variety of really cool items for you to wear, display or give as gifts.  All of the stores carry Siberian Husky items along with different breeds and types of animals.  I guarantee you haven’t seen some of these items anywhere else!

Our SECOND affiliate page contains Miscellaneous Stores, Clothing and Accessories and Book Stores.

Our Miscellaneous Stores section has just about anything you can imagine in it.  You can purchase electronics, camping supplies, flower supplies, sporting goods, restaurant gift certificates, stuffed animals, engraved items, send flowers and print your digital pictures.  If you bid on eBay items you can go through our website so we get credit.  Café Press has thousands of items for sale and it also has AAHI exclusive items that can be purchased.  Do you frequently purchase items from stores not listed, then go through the iGive and Buy For Charity links.  Each of those websites have hundreds of stores that you can chose from.

Our Clothing and Accessories section lets you purchase items from Lands’ End, Spiegel and A&E Designs which has thousands of various clothing items to pick from at greatly discounted prices.

Our Book Stores section allows you to buy from Amazon, Barnes & Noble along with Dogwise which has just about any book you are looking for regarding your furry friend.  Don’t forget to shop through our links if you purchase books for work or school. 

Our THIRD affiliate page contains Products & Services.   These are a variety of businesses that have partnered up with us so give them a try if you are in need of their products or services.  Some of these companies have adopted dogs from us and this is their way of giving back.

AAHI receives a percentage of all your purchases every time you go through our affiliates pages.  It’s an easy way to help raise funds for all of our medical bills but especially one of the reasons that we can accept the major medical cases that we do such as heartworm positives, hip and leg surgeries, mouth and jaw surgeries, illnesses that require several months of antibiotics along with other medications and the list goes on.  Please encourage your family, friends and co-workers to shop through our affiliate pages since this is an easy way for them to support us.

Happy Shopping!

- Noel, Fundraising Coordinator

 
Living with a Siberian Husky

What a title, huh?  Well, right off the bat you might as well understand, the Siberian Husky doesn’t live with you.  YOU live with the Siberian Husky.  Everyone with a Siberian learns soon enough that one or more Siberian Huskies in the house can mean a complete change in lifestyle.  In many ways, a Siberian is like a way to the perfect exercise program for the entire family.  Let me give you a few examples. 

For the woman of the house, life is easy.  Vacuum twice a day (the entire house).  Feed the dogs twice a day; groom them while you watch the news or favorite programs.  When done with one chore, you will see that the chores have not ended as new ones are created with each passing moment.  

For the man, life is simple.  Fill in the new holes in the yard, patch the day’s efforts by the dogs concerning the fence, and then simply sit on the deck and watch your work rearranged as soon as you think you are done.  Contemplate new ways to prevent an escape, as Siberian Huskies are great artists at finding new exit paths.  And as you think about how to do that, always remember the old saying.  “Ask not what your Siberian Huskies can do for you; ask what you can do for your Siberian Huskies.   

When you walk your Siberian in the winter, YOU walk in the snow, they walk on the sidewalk.  If not, you will find yourself being transported very quickly in a direction you may not want to go.  With paws that move like a cat, they “grip” the ice and pull with tremendous force as their nails grip into the ice.  And when they see you struggle, look closely, as they will smile from ear to ear.  Somehow they find our weak spots and thrive on them. 

But then, you also have to understand the benefits.  Siberian Huskies are clean and neat.  If you have air conditioning, you have to kick them out in the summer.  In the winter, you have to beg them to come in.  They will curl up on the ground during a snowstorm, and let the snow cover them.  Remember, beneath the snow, the temperature never goes below 32 degrees, so they enjoy the warmth.  You never have to wipe food off of your child’s face.  You never have to answer a Siberian Huskies mail and teachers never call about misbehavior.  Siberians are always on time, and they always come to dinner when called.  You never have to pick up any crumbs or food from the floor, as crumbs are gone before they hit the floor.   

If a rodent is present, it’s snack time.  We have neighbors a few doors down that like to feed the cute little bunnies.  At $60 dollars a pop for tapeworm medication, I think they should share the expense.  Instead, those animal lovers don’t seem to realize that rabbits are a delicacy, as are mice and moles, to a Siberian.  Yesterday, our “big guy”, Merlin, decided to grab a wandering possum.  He shook it till it was dead, then left it alone and came into the house.  What a 6:30 A.M. event.  It laid there lifeless for 15 minutes; I put it in a black plastic bag and tossed it over the fence to be put in my car for transport to the garbage can.  When I went to the side of the house and picked up the bag, halfway to the garbage can I looked like Chevy Chase with Aunt Bethany’s cat in the Christmas gift box.  It was alive and ready for escape.  I laid down the bag, and it eventually exited to points unknown.  Now I know the true meaning of playing possum, but didn’t have the heart to tell Merlin he failed to make the kill.

- Hal, IL Volunteer

  

Foster Spotlight:  Simon, MO Foster Looking for a "Furever" Family

Simon has been in AAHI's care for some time.  He is waiting for the perfect home to call his own. 

Simon is so sweet and loving.  He is very playful, and doesn't have a mean bone in his body. Simon is quite the clown when he wants attention. He loves kids and is very gentle.  Simon will make a great addition to a home that will provide him with plenty of exercise, love and attention. 
 

Click here to read Simon's bio.  Interested in adopting a Siberian, please read our adoption process and fill out our online adoption application.
 

Announcing "Foster Follies" Diary of an AAHI Foster Dog

"Foster Follies" is a diary of an AAHI Foster Dog.  To read Skycat's latest adventures click here.  The link can also be found on AAHI's main webpage www.adoptahusky.com  Check back often as Skycat updates her diary frequently.

 

Moving to Singapore . . .

Note:  This is a continuation from the Sept/Oct Newsletter.  To read the first half of this article visit the Sept/Oct newsletter.

4. How to Prepare the Dog’s Crate for the Airplane

In order to prepare the dog’s crates, we taped a large picture on the top, listing their name and sex.  We also attached a note to Dakota’s crate indicating that they must be careful when letting him out as he may bolt. 

Dog Crate needs:

Dog must be able to standup and turn around.

Water Bottle

Do not use the water bottle with the stainless steal tube.  When at altitude, the pressure causes the water bottle to leak.  It is best to use a bird water bowl or a deep dish which clips on the front of the dogs crate.  The water dish which comes with come crates is not sufficient for shipping.

Crate Pad

We used a bolster type pet bed (Quiettime pet bed by Midwest Crates)in each of the crates.  The bolster type bed protects the dogs from being jostled around in turbulence.  We also lined bed with shredded newspaper to absorb any moisture.

5. Quarantine

Greeting your dogs at the airport.  We worked with our pet mover in Singapore so I could see the dogs once they arrived in Singapore.  My impression was that this was an odd request, but none the less I was able to see the dogs when they arrived and they were fine.  I did have to remind the quarantine officials that I had sent food along for them to be fed. That dog food was lost in the transportation, as a precaution I had brought some of their dog food with me, so they were fed their own food and not what was on hand at the airport quarantine facility.

Once the dogs arrived at quarantine, I had to make some decisions.  I had originally had them in air-conditioned quarantine, but had been persuaded that the fanned quarantine facilities were very nice.  Siberian Huskies in Singapore need air conditioning (just about as much as their owner from North Dakota.)  They were also originally all in individual kennels as well.  After listening to them all whine their first day in quarantine, I had them doubled up.  When we kenneled them in the past we doubled them up and it seemed in the new surroundings that would provided them some comfort.  They stayed double up for the rest of their 30 day stay. 

While your dogs are in quarantine you may visit them.  I visited them every other day during the week and for long periods on Saturdays.  I was fortunate that I could sign up for exercise time, which meant all the dogs could run around and play for 15 – 30 minutes on the days I visited.   

It would be helpful to bring leashes with you to your new destination to walk your dogs in quarantine.  Leashes were not provided.  I also had the dogs play with different toys while I was visiting quarantine.  With them doubled up and under stress I did not think it was safe to leave toys with them unsupervised.

Bring a small amount food to new country (I would not try this going to Australia or New Zealand, they have quarantine dogs who check all luggage for foreign food items), but the rest of the countries I have traveled do have an honor system, which I did not declare my small amount of kibble.  Also check out dog food manufacturer’s website to find out if your dog food is available in new country.   If it is not it might be a good idea to switch to a food which is available in your new country before you depart the US.

Dog Tags

We had dog tags made before the dogs left quarantine with our new address and my cell phone number.

- Jenaah, AAHI Adopter
 

Chris setting up the info table at Morton last year.

Volunteer Spotlight: Chris, IL Volunteer

Name: Chris

Hometown:  Lake Villa, IL

Family (including pets):  My wonderful wife Maria and our 11-1/2 year old adopted Siberian Gwen
 

How did you get involved with rescue?  Maria and I adopted Gwen in 2001 after meeting her at Arlington. We spent the next year working through a few of Gwen's issues and decided a nice way to repay the organization (and foster mom Cheryl T.) would be to volunteer ourselves. We attended a volunteer meeting in 2002 and here we are...

What is the best thing about volunteering for AAHI?  The friendship and comraderie of Adopt A Husky volunteers. We're so lucky to have such compassionate and devoted people as fellow volunteers and friends.

Favorite AAHI event and why?  The IL/WI Husky Hike. It's great to see so many of our volunteers, foster dogs, adopters, and adopted Siberians in one place. 

What are your interests/hobbies outside of Siberian rescue?  Competitive 12-inch softball, snow skiing (weather permitting), cleaning spam out of the volunteer account, and commuting.

If you could travel to any place in the world, where would you go and why?  San Diego, CA. I've been there several times and have always had something special happen on each trip.

What CDs are you listening to in your vehicle? The Black Crowes "Southern Harmony & Musical Companion", Little Feat's "Live from Neon Park", and the usual heavy rotation of Jimmy Buffett albums.

Favorite sports team? A tie between the Chicago White Sox and San Diego Padres, usually broken by whoever's doing better at the time.

What would you like to say to fellow AAHI volunteers and to those people thinking of volunteering with AAHI?  To our current volunteers: Thanks for all that you do to help Siberians in need. Regardless of what area of the organization you help with, your efforts are truly appreciated!

To those thinking of volunteering: Please consider joining us. In addition to volunteering with some great people, there's no better feeling than helping a Siberian find it's forever home.

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

 

Hold the Guacamole Please!

Note:  As provided by the ASPCA

From the Medical Side
PET HEALTH ALERT: HOLD THE GUACAMOLE, POR FAVOR

Thinking of giving Polly a little something extra with her cracker? While there are a few foods that both humans and pets can enjoy, there are others that, while perfectly safe and healthy for people, can be dangerous to our animal companions. "Avocado leaves, fruit, seeds and bark contain a toxic principle known as persin,” says Dana Farbman, CVT, of the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC). “The Guatemalan variety, which is the most common variety found in stores, appears to be the most problematic.”

The primary concern in dogs is with gastrointestinal irritation, including vomiting and diarrhea. Typically, these effects are seen in dogs who have scavenged on significant quantities of fruit or branches. Birds and rodents appear to be particularly sensitive to avocado, and ingestion can result in respiratory distress, congestion, fluid accumulation around the heart and even death. For additional information, please visit ASPCA online.

If you suspect that your animal companion has eaten avocado—or any other potentially dangerous substance—call your veterinarian or the APCC's emergency hotline at (888) 426-4435 for round-the- clock telephone assistance. For more information on poison prevention, visit APCC online.

Article Courtesy of www.aspca.com

 

 

CONGRATULATIONS TO . . .

THANK YOU TO . . .
  • Poplar (previously MN foster) and her new family on being AAHI's 1000th adoption!
  • recent foster failure Kim (MN) and her family!
  • Amy & Erik (IL) on their baby girl!  Gabrielle Judith was born September 30, 2006.
  • Noel, Skye & Breeze (IL) on Skye's Rally Novice title and Breeze's Novice Agility and Rally Novice titles!
  • Lois & Dickens (WI), Dickens earned his Rally Excellent Title at the Chicago Specialty and earned his UKC CD!  His official name is currently U-CD Willo's Oliver Twist, CGC, RE.
  • to everyone that competed at the recent Siberian Husky Club of America's National Specialty!
  • to all of the AAHI mushers that have competed in recent dryland races!
  • all of our recent adopters on the addition of a furry family member and to our fosters that have found their "furever home!"
  • Dawn (IL), Noel (IL), Chris (IL), Tami (MN), Amie (OH) and Chantale (IL) for organizing recent AAHI events!
  • The Siberian Husky Club of Greater Chicago for their generous donation!
  • all of the AAHI volunteers that have volunteered their time to staff AAHI's recent events!
  • all of AAHI's supporters: without you, we wouldn't be able to help Siberians in need!
  • Jenaah (previous adopter), Hal (IL), Chris (IL), Noel (IL) and Lois (WI) for helping with this newsletter.

 

 

 

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