"Ivy" playing in the snow, Dec. 2007.
We have received so many inquiries about this photo, not to mention the fact that someone from England stole it off of this website and was selling it on E-bay, that we decided to offer it for sale. This photo has also caught the attention of a professional pet artist who has asked permission to paint this photo in oil on canvas as well. This photo is for sale in a beautiful 8X10 suitable for framing for $14.95, free shipping. This photo looks beautiful framed in a black 11X14 frame with a white mat.
The Pros and Cons of Owning a Husky
Things We Love About Huskies:
Intelligence: Huskies are very smart, and are easily trainable, when they want to be. Consistency is the key to training.
Loveable: Huskies are very loveable. They make great companions and a great family dog if the right effort and attitude are put into it. Huskies do well with people and, therefore, they are not a great guard dog because they generally like everyone. Huskies tend to get lonely, which is why they are so loving to their owners. One way to combat the loneliness is to buy a companion dog for your husky, as they truly are a pack animal. Huskies demand attention, the minute they become bored is when they get into trouble.
Cleanliness: Huskies are "self-groomers" and are a very clean dog. They do not like to stay dirty and will groom themselves much like cats. They do not require a lot of baths. They also do not have a strong dog odor like many other breeds.
Independent: Huskies are very independant and can be very stubborn. If they do not obey a command, it is not because they are stupid. It is usually because they have decided they have something better to do, or their mind is on something else. Just as they have an active body, they have an active mind and imagination as well.
Things You May Not Like About Huskies:
Shedding: Huskies "blow coat" once or twice a year depending on the climate you live in. Huskies, as with many northern breeds, have a double coat---a soft, fluffy undercoat, and a "guard hair" top coat. When they blow coat, they will shed the entire undercoat. This is massive shedding, which can last for several weeks. You can speed up the shedding process by brushing them on a regular basis. If you cannot deal with shedding from another breed of dog, then a husky is not for you.
Howling: Huskies are generally a quiet dog and seldom bark, but they do occasionally howl, or go "woowoooo". This is actually a trait we love about our huskies.
Digging: Huskies love to dig! If you value your landscaping and your yard, then this may not be the breed for you.
Watch dog: Huskies are definitely not a watch dog, as they like all people. If you are looking for a watch dog, then buy another breed.
Escape artist: Huskies are escape artists. It is in their nature to run and roam. They have no homing instinct which means that if they get far enough away from home, they will not find their way back. Huskies MUST be contained for their own safety. I cannot stress to you enough the need to have your husky stay in a kennel or fenced in yard. We are having success with the invisible fence, however, this success depends on the proper training and the temperament of your dog. We do not rely solely on the invisible fence. By that I mean that we kennel our dogs when we are not at home, or in bed, at work, etc.. When we are home where we can supervise, then they are allowed out in the yard.
Husky Love
It's been quite a while since I took a chance.
And brought home a dog born to snow dance.
Your icy blue eyes are what drew me in,
but I was also smitten by your husky grin.
Head tilted skyward, sniffing the air,
inhaling the adventures to be had out there.
Out there in the wild and wood,
longing to roam free if only you could.
Bred for endurance, strength and speed,
but also for filling a special need.
The need of an owner for a friend,
a companion and playmate to love 'til the end.
One of God's creatures, sent from above.
I will always be thankful to know Husky love.
Copyright 2006 Sheila A. Cottrell
