Milah & Chance (1-29-11)

[Madi P]

Well poo, I wanted yall to tell me what to do! lol..
Thanks for your positive thoughts and reinforcements though I do need to make a decision soon - its all I think about

The two dogs are really great together, ive caught them snuggling a couple times, and Milah is not a snuggler.
But Keona still isnt sure about us. Making it hard to potty train or get her to do anything really. Even with a treat, she grabs it and runs away.

It saddens me to think about the shock she will go through if we take her back and then for her to be given to another family and do this all over again.. but try as I might I cant picture her here with us in the future - wheres a crystal ball when you need one!?

What about her jumping our fence, Richard? Or do you think with Milah as a companion Keona will be less likely to try and escape? Would you like another baby to raise ? kidding.. *cough* but seriously

Caught!


Guarding their territory

[SookDog]

They are absolutely irresistible snuggling together! I'm sure that's making it even harder to decide.

As to her being skittish - she probably is just getting used to her new surroundings, and I'm sure Milah helps with that. Huskies tend to be independent dogs, so it's possible that she's not warming up as quickly because it's not in her nature to be a snuggly lover. How's Jason doing with her?

[Madi P]

Yes it does make it harder... I was just over in the Breed Specific section reading what everyone had to say about Siberian Huskys, of course all good things.
Im still waiting to fall in love.
Jason is doing well with her I guess. He has had to go to work the past 3 days where I havent so ive been able to spend time with both of them and he hasnt. She still hasnt quite warmed up to me - as I said - and hasnt with Jason either. He isnt trying as hard as I thought he would.

Actually last night I got really annoyed with him and.. um... raised my voice.. because I was trying to cut Milah's nails and trim the hair between her toes and I needed him to help me distract her or him cut while talked to her.. something - the boy said No.
I was like What?! Come on! He Always says no - butt head. He wont help me bathe her, brush her, cut her nails, trim her hair, rarely picks up poop... at first he was not liking the idea of helping me clean her after her surgery. But he did.
All he wants to do is play, but hello its more than that with a dog!
So I told him if he didnt start helping me Keona was for sure going back, bc she is supposed to be His dog!

Sorry to vent a little there...

Really? Husky's are independent, see I didnt know that, the guy we got her from said they are very cuddly dogs and will be right by your side. And maybe they do and are after they know their humans obviously. But, yeah Keona is seemingly very independent, as is Milah.

Its all gonna take time.

[SookDog]

Ah, men and their dogs. When we brought Sookie home Jeff said all sorts of outrageous things like, "she should know she isn't supposed to chew on that" and "she has to respect my TV time." I'm not sure if it's an all-men thing, but they seem to think dogs are self-reliant creatures, or they can at least become that way. He also thought she would just know how to live in a house - we had a couple of long talks about "what you can expect from a dog." Even though he grew up with them, he was never a primary caregiver, so I think the adjustment was difficult.

As to Husky temperament, I got this off of the Siberian Husky Club of America website:

"The Siberian Husky has a delightful temperament, affectionate but not fawning. This gentle and friendly disposition may be a heritage from the past, since the Chukchi people held their dogs in great esteem, housed them in the family shelters, and encouraged their children to play with them. Today, it is charming to observe the special appeal that Siberian Huskies and children have for each other. The Siberian Husky is alert, eager to please, and adaptable. His intelligence has been proven, but his independent spirit may at times challenge your ingenuity. His versatility makes him an agreeable companion to people of all ages and varying interests."

By indepedent I didn't mean to suggest that Keona would never be loving, but rather that she's likely to be an "I can do it myself" kind of dog. A friend of mine has a Siberian named Sophie. When Sophie comes to the dog park she walks around and does her own thing - you'd think she forgot she even had an owner. Sookie is the opposite - she makes the rounds and says hello to everyone, checks in with me every once in awhile, and asks to be petted by leaning on a stranger's legs. One isn't better than the other, they're just different.

I do hope you and Jason can work things out with the dogs, and it's okay to raise your voice every once in awhile

[kian]

I would love a Siberian and she is pretty! What a great price. Alas, my fence isn't tall enough and I don't tolerate digging in the yard. Richard is your go to guy here. Shari that is excellent information you found, great post. It's hard when both owners are not in agreement and she will be yours to look after as well. Jason needs and should be onboard with you to make this a successful outcome for Keona and for Milah. (Is she going to fit through that doggy door when she matures?)

I'm a neat freak too and now that I have no carpet I am amazed at the amount of dog hair I pick up daily and Sibes do shed. Regular brushing should help with that.
You need some one on one time with her to help you bond, perhaps a daily walk and find a spot to sit with her might help. My OH is looking for a ACD to call his own, guess who's dog it will end up being . Yup you got it right, not his as I will be the primary caretaker and it sounds the same with you. I don't remember if you work as well? Either way it is possible you will end up with the dog work, so yes you have have decision to make. Have a heart to heart with Hubby and keep us posted and vent anytime!

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

Madi, I can't believe the "boy" told you "No"! (I do enjoy your Southern vernacular.) Hopefully he'll think twice before he does that again.

I think your statement to him was perfect. You are not that keen on Keona (lovely name) and you acquiesced to please him. The least he can do is help when you request it. Shari summed it up rather well, and I do believe it's true of most men...not all.

Richard loves his dogs and tends to them himself. Yay Richard!

Years ago, I knew a couple who raised and showed Siberians. I had not personally known any prior to that. I found that yes, they are independent, but they are also very smart, humourous, and loving. They do love children, but tend to carry themselves with an air of aloofness. Don't mistake that aloofness for lack of affection. It just means that they are thinking for themselves.

Regardless of the breed, it takes most dogs/puppies at least two weeks to acclimate to their new surroundings. Clearly, Keona has already formed a bond with Milah. Those photos are adorable. Milah also seems very comfortable with the puppy! That often takes a great deal more time than it has in this case.

Shari had a great idea about spending one on one time with Keona. The bond will develop for both of you. Let her show you over time how much she loves you. One day she will give you a look of love that is only for you.

In all fairness to Keona, if you really are not going to keep her, the sooner you take her back, the better, for everyone, including Milah.

While two puppies at once seems like a lot to handle (and it is), it is doable. Your husband needs to "get with the program" so that you are not carrying this load on your own. His participation is a huge part of the equation as you so rightly pointed out to him.

Good luck Madi! We would never tell you what to do. We will support your decision.

[Nileska]

You want to know what to do EH? .
..1.Keep the dog,you will never find one nicer at that price.
..2.Remind Jason that you two are a team so lets have a little team spirit.
..3.Inform him that since Keona is HIS dog,he gets to take her to puppy class NOW!...BTW Puppy classes are FUN for dogs and owners and who dosent like to have fun?.

.. 4.If he refuses to step up to the plate he does not deserve such a fine dog and perhaps someone else would be happy to have her.
..Siberians are very smart,they are allways learning so you better teach them what you want them to know.,
..Siberians however, are not Golden Retrievers who live to please,Sibes want to know,"whats in it for me?"...They are Not fans of endless repetition in training ,you must be ready to vary your approach to each problem...They dare you to keep them Interested...However they DO like routine in some things like mealtime

Shari has posted an honest evaluation of the Siberian directly from the SHCA website..One other thing that is essential is a sense of humor...Are you up to the adventure,is jason?..Milah has allready signed on.

And now the fun begins....Richard

[Margie-Rex's Mom]

Richard, you are such a wonderful resourse for all of us here. I learn so much every time you post. Your list of "what to do" was fantastic.

Madi, the only thing I can add is...it seems to me that you have already decided you don't want to keep her. I understand your phobia of wolves, and how much that is a part of your issue with her. Keona will certainly feel your "distance" from her and keep hers from you. That will continue to make your attempts at bonding next to impossible. She will open up to you if you allow yourself to open up to her.

The first photo you posted of her took my breath away...she is so beautiful. She and Milah look so cute together and seem to be getting along well already.

And Jason needs to get on board the bus, not only for Keona, but for Milah too. And especially you.

Whatever you decide, you have the support of all of us. {{HUGS!}}

[Madi P]

Thank for all the advise and the pep talks. Thanks Richard for Telling me what to do - lol you have given wonderful steps and information.

But, the decision has been made. We are going to try and find Keona a better home than with us. Both Jason and I were upset talking about it last night, but he agrees with my decision. It will be hard to see her go, but best in the long run.

I have put her as Adoptable on the daily puppy and we are keeping our eyes and ears open. I really dont want to take her back to the guy we got her from. Do yall think I should?
If anyone has an adopter in mind please send them my way. Or, if any of you, Sheri, Deb, Kristen, Sher, Kian, Richard, Linda... would like to give her a home I know I could trust yall to give her the best.
We will be hoping to get some of what we paid for her back, however.

Thanks for reading all this past mess! I appreciate everyones input.

[Deerie me]

Keona is a beautiful dog and whoever homes her will be lucky to have her. It sounds like you have made the right decision for your family, especially if Jason isn't up to helping out.

Good luck in finding the right home for Keona.

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

Tracy said it perfectly.

Perhaps you may wish to look into a Siberian Rescue in your area. Richard again will be the best resource for you to tap. Please message him.

Best wishes to all of you. I know this hasn't been an easy road.

[Nileska]

Maddie I am dissapointed to say the least...Time to "get rid of the dog" EH? ...DONT GIVE THE DOG AWAY! anyone who dosent spend anything for the dog is likely to not spend any money on the dog(vet care,quality food.many other expenses).
.....THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A FREE DOG!

Since neither of you have the experience or the contacts to rehome Keona her best bet is a breed rescue...Try SHCA/rescue [Siberian Husky Club of America/rescue]...Dont expect to recover any money,Fees collected by rescues go to expences and demonstrate that the adopter has the wherewithall to care for the adoptee...I would expect the there would be multiple applications for Keona,the rescue will select the best fit.

I have a lovely black and white piebald bitch who has been rehomed several times and was 4 when I rescued her,she is by nature an alpha bitch,completely confident with other dogs but a bit tentative with people..I suspect she had some bad exreriences along the way. Her training has had to be very gentle and positive.I recieved her registration papers with her so I know her birth date and she turned 14 last month.

Good Luck...Richard

[Madi P]

My goodness Ive been gone forever! Its been NUTs around my house hold - anyway, Way over due for an update...

So, good news Keona has a good, new home I cannot believe how fast and fortunate we were.
heres the semi-short version:

I found Southern Siberian Rescue and got in touch with them, they basically said they were full but would help me look for a home for her, and they would post her in various places, however, I obviously was responsible for most of the hunt. But they would give me a list of good questions to ask and such.

Well I asked around and a friend of a friend turned out to be looking for another Sibe Husky puppy. And my goodness I drilled this girl with questions about her life style, her home, her dogs, family, knowledge of huskys, vet reference, home visits.. . She was totally understanding though, I talked to her vet and her groomer, and a lady, Gale, that she adopted one of her other dogs from, she has fostered huskys in the past so I asked her who she fostered through, I got some names and numbers, unfortunately they never returned my calls, but I got good reports from Gale, vet & groomer, and then my friend Charles also, said he would trust her with his own children and that Alison (Keona's new mama) was in love with her dogs.

Alison came to my house and brought one of her dogs, Bandit- her 7yr old husky, and her son. They were really nice, and the dog, while older and didnt really play, accepted Keona and tolerated her puppyness as well as Milah's. I explained to her how things were going to need to be taken slow with Keona, because she was so skittish, and took time and patience.

A day later I went to Alison's house and Keona met her other dog 1yr old Luna and her daughter, Hubby was out of town. They had 3 acres of fenced in yard, so lots of room to run. Keona and Luna will take some time getting used to each other, Luna was a lot bigger and wanted to play but Keona wasnt sure.

Anyway, I talked with Alison and made out a contract, talked with her vet, Keona is scheduled to be spayed on Feb 2. I had her make the appointment and then I called to confirm it before even thinking about making a final decision. Alison agreed and signed off on that: 1) if Keona doesnt work out, they will bring her back to me and we will keep her and 2) if she fails to get her spayed I have to right to come and collect her.
I had taken Keona to my vet and had her checked out and gotten her 2nd round of shots, so she was as up to date as she could be before I let her go.

After a few tears I took Keona to her new home, about 30min away from mine, on Monday afternoon. I took some blankets and some of the food & treats we had been feeding her and a toy, we had bought a collar for her so I left that as well.
It was harder leaving her than I thought it would be...

But I have been keeping up with Alison, she sends me emails pretty much daily. The first night Keona ended up sleeping in their bed, and has been on the couch the rest of the nights. She doesnt leave Keona alone with her other dogs just yet, which is a good thing, as they still need to slowly get used to each other. Keona steals their socks and runs to the gate when the kids get home from school, scratches at the door when she wants out or in, shes wagging her tail and finding her voice around new faces.
I feel really good about it. And I love that we are keeping in touch and she is so close. I do plan to visit.
Oh and she did pay us for her - No there is NO Such Thing as a Free Dog! She paid us $100, what we got her for.

Rewind: The rescue group didnt really have many leads for me that were in my area. I talked to them about Alison, told them the info I had gotten from my friend - as a reference - the vet and groomer, as well as the lady she had adopted from before. They didnt have any reasons for me not to go ahead with the adoption, so I just went with my gut. And so far things seem great. I hope we helped Keona trust humans more so that she will warm up even faster to her new family. Because she was a pretty scared little one when we brought her home. : /

Milah is bored and pouting. We are doing our best to entertain her. And I know that we are still on the hunt for the perfect 2nd addition to our home.

Yeah, so much for the short version! On to read up on what Ive missed around the forums!

[Kristen&Bailey]

Madi, I'm glad to hear that you found a suitable home for Keona. Good for you for doing everything that you did, including all the reference checks and also having a contract that she must be spayed. It sounds as if Keona has gotten a great home and it is wonderful that you will be able to keep in touch with her. Even though it was hard to give her up, you knew that she wasn't right for your family and you did the best thing that you could have by finding her a great home where she will be appreciated for all her "huskiness."

Good luck on your continued search for your next furry family member. Remember not to let Jason talk you into a dog you don't 100% want this time. I know that you learned your lesson and the next dog you bring into your home will be the one that is meant to stay.

[kian]

My goodness Madi you did a terrific job! It's sounds like her new home will be just perfect and with the contract I'm sure they will make a extra effort with her. Congrats on all your hard work, you rock! Take your time to find the next pup, life has a way happening and I don't know if there are children in the future, none of our business, that is a consideration as well. In the meantime enjoy being a newlywed and Milah!