The following information is provided for those seeking our assitance in finding your dog a new home.

When getting a pet, you are making a life long committment.  We do realize however, that there are a few situations where the animals best interests would be served by being placed in a new loving home.  If you are considering giving up your pet, we ask that you read the following carefully.  If after reading these excerpts, you still would like our assistance, placement rules follow at the bottom of the document.

How Could You?

by Janis Dibert

How could you love a puppy's look
And take him to your home,
Then turn around and give him up
When he becomes full grown?

How could you keep a dog chained up
And wonder why he's wild?
He needs some love and discipline,
Just like he was a child.

How could you let a dog run loose,
Running near and far,
And be surprised when you find out
He's been hit by a car.

I can't forget their faces,
Or the awful things you do;
I couldn't live with myself.
So, tell me, how could you?

Have you decided that you cannot keep your Siberian Husky? Did you purchase your pet from a breeder? If so, have you contacted the breeder for help? A reputable breeder will, without question, take back any dog they have bred, no matter what age.

In a perfect world, Adopt A Husky, Inc. would help place every Siberian Husky that needed a home. However, we can only accept dogs into rescue that are in dire circumstances. With resources at a premium, we reserve our available space for dogs that will die in shelters unless we step in to help, and even then we are unable to take them all.

If you give up your dog to a shelter, its chances of being adopted are slim. Shelters are bursting with dogs…..young dogs, healthy dogs, handsome dogs, purebred dogs, dogs that were picked up as strays, dogs that were left when owners moved or deliberately turned loose to fend for themselves, dogs that owners dumped because they just didn’t want them any more. With more dogs than space, every time there is a new arrival, a dog that has been there for a while and not adopted will be euthanized to make room. Most shelters operate on public funds and will euthanize an owner surrender immediately, reserving the limited space for the many strays that are picked up within the various communities. When you, convinced that your wonderful pet is so nice that someone will surely adopt, drop your dog off, the shelter worker will not tell you that – but it is the unvarnished truth.

Some shelters attempt to get the dog into a rescue program for that breed. Adopt A Husky, Inc. fields calls from dozens of shelters and animal control facilities on a daily basis. As quickly as one of our Siberian fosters is placed, the spot is filled from a waiting list that never has less than fifteen in need. We average fifty in foster care at any given time. Our resources are stretched to the limit. It is the same for every rescue group of every breed.

What happens if we have no space and cannot accept them from the shelter? They will die. We will not ‘sugar coat’ it; if you give your dog up, its chances of survival are very slim. We urge you to reconsider your decision. Basing it on frivolous reasons such as "he needs room to run" or "I don’t have time" or "I’m moving and don’t want to take him" is unfair to your pet. Then there’s "we’re having a baby" -- will you give up the baby when the next one comes along? We’ve been told "my wife has new carpet and doesn’t want the dog" – a dog that had been in the home for seven years. We’ve heard every excuse you can think of, and probably some you haven’t…..and most of them are not valid reasons to dump this dog that didn’t ask to be placed in this situation, that relies upon you for companionship and love. Consider the emotional trauma of a dog that ends up in a shelter and doesn’t know what he or she has done so terribly wrong so that his family has deserted him, and then think whether what you are contemplating is the right thing to do.

 

"How Could You?"

Copyright Jim Willis 2001

When I was a puppy, I entertained you with my antics and made you laugh. You called me your child, and despite a number of chewed shoes and a couple of murdered throw pillows, I became your best friend. Whenever I was "bad," you'd shake your finger at me and ask "How could you?" - but then you'd relent, and roll me over for a bellyrub. My housebreaking took a little longer than expected, because you were terribly busy, but we worked on that together.

I remember those nights of nuzzling you in bed and listening to your confidences and secret dreams, and I believed that life could not be any more perfect. We went for long walks and runs in the park, car rides, stops for ice cream (I only got the cone because "ice cream is bad for dogs," you said), and I took long naps in the sun waiting for you to come home at the end of the day.

Gradually, you began spending more time at work and on your career, and more time searching for a human mate. I waited for you patiently, comforted you through heartbreaks and disappointments, never chided you about bad decisions, and romped with glee at your homecomings, and when you fell in love.

She, now your wife, is not a "dog person" - still I welcomed her into our home, tried to show her affection, and obeyed her. I was happy because you were happy. Then the human babies came along and I shared your excitement. I was fascinated by their pinkness, how they smelled, and I wanted to mother them, too. Only she and you worried that I might hurt them, and I spent most of my time banished to another room, or to a dog crate. Oh, how I wanted to love them, but I became a "prisoner of love."

As they began to grow, I became their friend. They clung to my fur and pulled themselves up on wobbly legs, poked fingers in my eyes, investigated my ears, and gave me kisses on my nose. I loved everything about them and their touch - because your touch was now so infrequent - and I would have defended them with my life if need be. I would sneak into their beds and listen to their worries and secret dreams, and together we waited for the sound of your car in the driveway. There had been a time, when others asked you if you had a dog, that you produced a photo of me from your wallet and told them stories about me. These past few years, you just answered "yes" and changed the subject. I had gone from being "your dog" to "just a dog," and you resented every expenditure on my behalf.

Now, you have a new career opportunity in another city, and you and they will be moving to an apartment that does not allow pets. You've made the right decision for your "family," but there was a time when I was your onlyfamily. I was excited about the car ride until we arrived at the animal shelter. It smelled of dogs and cats, of fear, of hopelessness. You filled out the paperwork and said "I know you will find a good home for her."

They shrugged and gave you a pained look. They understand the realities facing a middle-aged dog, even one with "papers." You had to pry your son's fingers loose from my collar as he screamed "No, Daddy! Please don't let them take my dog!" And I worried for him, and what lessons you had just taught him about friendship and loyalty, about love and responsibility, and about respect for all life. You gave me a goodbye pat on the head, avoided my eyes, and politely refused to take my collar and leash with you.

You had a deadline to meet and now I have one, too. After you left, the two nice ladies said you probably knew about your upcoming move months ago and made no attempt to find me another good home. They shook their heads and asked "How could you?"

They are as attentive to us here in the shelter as their busy schedules allow. They feed us, of course, but I lost my appetite days ago. At first, whenever anyone passed my pen, I rushed to the front, hoping it was you - that you had changed your mind - that this was all a bad dream...or I hoped it would at least be someone who cared, anyone who might save me. When I realized I could not compete with the frolicking for attention of happy puppies, oblivious to their own fate, I retreated to a far corner and waited.

I heard her footsteps as she came for me at the end of the day, and I padded along the aisle after her to a separate room. A blissfully quiet room. She placed me on the table and rubbed my ears, and told me not to worry. My heart pounded in anticipation of what was to come, but there was also a sense of relief. The prisoner of love had run out of days. As is my nature, I was more concerned about her. The burden which she bears weighs heavily on her, and I know that, the same way I knew your every mood. She gently placed a tourniquet around my foreleg as a tear ran down her cheek. I licked her hand in the same way I used to comfort you so many years ago. She expertly slid the hypodermic needle into my vein. As I felt the sting and the cool liquid coursing through my body, I lay down sleepily, looked into her kind eyes and murmured "How could you?"

Perhaps because she understood my dogspeak, she said "I'm so sorry." She hugged me, and hurriedly explained it was her job to make sure I went to a better place, where I wouldn't be ignored or abused or abandoned, or have to fend for myself - a place of love and light so very different from this earthly place. And with my last bit of energy, I tried to convey to her with a thump of my tail that my "How could you?" was not directed at her. It was you, My Beloved Master, I was thinking of. I will think of you and wait for you forever. May everyone in your life continue to show you so much loyalty.

Please read the following information carefully. It clearly delineates the process under which we can assist you, if you have determined that a new home is the only answer for you.

We are asked on a daily basis to take dogs that owners want to 'get rid of;' but our focus must be directed toward saving dogs in shelters that will certainly be euthanized without our aid.

However, we do understand that there are cases where a dog is better off in a new home. If you have exhausted every possible alternative, and if you are willing to help yourself, we will assist you in every way we can. Many owner-surrendered dogs are in wonderful, loving, permanent homes because the original owners were willing to accept their responsibility, work with us, and not make it our "emergency" to take the dog. Calling Adopt A Husky on a Thursday and saying you have until Saturday to get rid of the dog is both unrealistic and irresponsible. So is an ultimatum: "if you can’t take my dog I’ll have to give him to the pound." If you are not willing to help yourself and decide to turn your dog into a shelter, we may not be able to save him in time. Also, be aware that there actually are (thankfully very few) shelters which only CLAIM to be ‘no-kill’. This means that they don’t kill on the premises, rather they send animals out to be dealt with...or worse, they SELL them for medical research. If you do not want this to happen to your dog, and you are willing to help yourself, please follow these guidelines closely. Please be a responsible dog owner, and help us to help you.

In a very few instances (critical illness, death of the owner, extreme danger to the pet), the original owners are unable to act as fosters during the placement process. IF, and ONLY if an Adopt A Husky foster home is or may become available, we may be able to physically take the dog, and each case is evaluated on an individual basis. However, in such cases, we do ask that a donation be made to the organization. We are dedicated to this effort; unfortunately, it is not without costs. A minimum of $75 is requested to cover any temporary boarding or related expenses that may be incurred by us involving the placement of your pet in a new, safe, permanent home.

Here is a summary of Adopt a Husky's process on dealing with owner-surrendered dogs. These requirements are very specific, and they are not subject to negotiation. If you have any questions, please contact adoptahusky@adoptahusky.com. If you wish to proceed, please follow the instructions noted below.

REQUIREMENTS:

Please do not expect us to pay for the above services. We are volunteers who operate out of our own pockets and donations from supporters. We will be screening applicants to find the best family for your dog, including a home visit and follow-ups. We cannot financially afford to bring your dog up-to-date healthwise.

An Adopt a Husky volunteer will come to your home to evaluate the temperament of your dog (once proof of medical is provided and prior to placing the dog on our website). We do NOT take aggressive dogs. Many of our adoptive home are families, some with small children. Do not try to hide your dog's aggression and risk injury to another person. Should this be part of your reason for finding a new home, we suggest you consult with your veterinarian or a professional trainer regarding options for your dog.

If your dog is accepted into our program, you will be asked to sign two documents:

Any AKC papers available shall be signed over to our organization at this time.

Acceptance of your dog into our Foster Program is subject to approval by our Board of Directors.

What else can I do???

If you can foster your dog while finding a new home and would simply like our help in advertising, we can assist you via our web site.  Send the following information to adoptahusky@adoptahusky.com:

- 2 pictures of the Siberian from the dogs level.  One side shot and one face shot.
- A short biography containing the dogs name, sex, age, description, and anything else you would like known.
- The contact information as you would like it listed on the website including name, email, and phone number.

Please note that when listed on our website, we are simply providing advertising.  We do not put these applicants through our adoption/screening process.  It is your responsibility to keep us posted on the progress of the placement so that we know when to take the posting off the web.  If we do not hear from you at least monthly, we will remove it.

Adopt A Husky, Inc, reserves the right to refuse any posting request without cause.  While our postings have been very successful, we cannot guarantee any results.