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Dear Siberian Husky Owner,
Thank you for contacting the Siberian Husky Club of the Twin Cities, Inc. (SHCTC) to inquire
about placing your dog in Siberian Husky rescue.
Unfortunately, our club does not have an official rescue program. Due to the small size of our membership and the large amount of liability and expenses incurred with rescue programs, the SHCTC does not offer
this service at this time. Many of our members cannot have another dog, even temporarily, due to community laws
restricting the number of pets.
If you can no longer keep a Siberian purchased from a breeder, we suggest first
and foremost that you contact the breeder. Most responsible breeders, like our club members, sell dogs with the
stipulation that if you EVER get to the point where you can no longer care for
the dog, you contact the breeder first. A good ethical breeder is there for the life of the dog.
If you have tried this without success, your next step may be to place an ad in
the newspaper for awhile. With the large number of dogs of all breeds in shelters and rescue programs, it may take
some time for the right family to come along. Try to ensure that your Siberian Husky goes to a good home that
understands the uniqueness of the breed, and will be willing to keep and love
the dog for the remainder of his years so that he is not looking for a new home
again soon. The most important thing that everyone should know before considering owning a Siberian is that this
beautiful, friendly, gentle creature enjoys chasing small animals (including cats) and running, running, running for the sheer joy of it. Siberians must be confined to a fenced yard, kennel, or on a leash at ALL times -- NO EXCEPTIONS!
We suggest that you do NOT give the dog away. It is generally believed that people apply little or no value to
something that is free. The new owners must understand that owning a dog is a responsibility that comes with some
financial obligations attached. After all, you have invested money of your own into the purchase and upkeep of this
dog, including normal veterinary care, and you have every right to expect some compensation for that. Consider asking at least $100.00. The most important factor in finding the dog a new home is his health and happiness. If you find the perfect family, but the price is a problem for them, then you might consider taking payments, lowering,
or eliminating the fee.
Another matter you should take into consideration is that there are people who will
want to acquire purebred dogs purely for the purpose of breeding and selling
puppies. If your dog is not neutered or spayed, beware of the person who seems especially interested in using a dog for breeding purposes. There are already far too many litters of puppies being bred and sold with little or no forethought to the health or correct qualities of the breed.
As a last resort, you can take your dog to a shelter, humane society, or private
rescue program. We recommend Pet Haven, #952-831-3825 (http://www.petfinder.org/shelters/pethavenmn.html). When you call, you will likely get their voice mail, so leave a message. Please
be aware that Pet Haven has very limited space because all of their boarding is
done in volunteer homes. One option they will discuss with you is the possibility of you keeping the dog and
bringing it to their Adoption Days. They will send out a schedule of Adoption Days with locations. It generally takes an average of 3 or 4 Adoption Days over a period of 4 to 6 weeks to find a home for a dog.
Another excellent rescue organization is Adopt A Husky. You can find them at http://www.adoptahusky.com
on the internet. Their phone number is 612-986-2244 in you live in Minnesota or 262-909-2244 elsewhere.
If
you have access to the internet, you may also check out the Rescue website for
the Siberian Husky Club of America (http://www.siberianrescue.com/). This may give you some additional help or ideas in placing your dog in a new happy home.
The Siberian Husky Club of the Twin Cities, Inc. has a Referral Coordinator as a
service to our club members only. This person maintains a list of SHCTC members who may have puppies or adult dogs
available. Anyone interested in acquiring a Siberian Husky as a pet or show prospect may contact the Referral
Coordinator, who will refer them to our members. Please do NOT contact this person about rescue. We wish you the
best of luck in placing your Siberian Husky and hope that these tips will help you to do that.
Sincerely,
The Members of
The Siberian Husky Club of the Twin Cities, Inc.
Are you interested in buying a Siberian Husky ? Then, you've already heard how
marvelous they are. We think you should also be told that they do have their short-
comings, and may not make the ideal pet for everyone who is attracted to them.
Siberians are a gregarious lot and need the company of other dogs or of people at all
times. If you work all day, or have room for only one dog... Don't buy a Siberian.
While capable of strong affection for his family, the Siberian Husky is also very friendly
with strangers. So, if you want the fierce loyalty of a one-man dog...Don't buy a
Siberian.
The Siberian Husky is not a watch dog, although those ignorant of his true nature may be
frightened by his appearance. If you want a dog with aggressive guard-dog instincts...
Don't buy a Siberian.
At least once a year Siberians shed their coats. If you like fur all over the house and in the
very air you breathe, then fine. If, however, you value neatness at all times, then
Don't buy a Siberian.
Siberian Huskies have a natural proclivity for digging holes in backyards. If you take
great pride in your landscaping efforts...Don't buy a Siberian.
Of all the shortcomings to be found in Siberian, the most dangerous to the pet owner is
their tremendous desire to RUN. But the very first dash that a puppy makes across the
road could be his last run, anywhere. A Siberian, for his own protection, should be kept
confined or under control at all times. If you are one of those people who think it is cruel
to kennel a dog, or keep him confined to his own backyard... Don't buy a Siberian.
We just happen to believe that any dog is better off in a proper kennel that running loose
all over the countryside. Yes, a kennel dog is missing a lot of like: the chance to be hit by
a car; or loaded with worms; the opportunity of being
attacked by other dogs; the joy of being sick on garbage infested with disease; the pleasure
of being tormented by mean kids; the thrill of being shot in a farmyard; and finally the
great comfort of never knowing where he belongs or how to behave. We don't want to
see any Siberian become a TRAMP.
If you have read this far, honestly feel that you qualify on all counts, and are still
determined to own a Siberian, then we take great pleasure in welcoming you to fold. Join
the rest of us in the smug complacency of knowing that we own the most beautiful, the
smartest, and the most nearly ideal dog in the world...the SIBERIAN HUSKY!
Written by the Siberian Husky Club of America, distributed by the Siberian Husky Club of
the Twin Cities, Inc.