In the Beginning…
This is how it all started, back in 1997.
Ice Blue Eyes
“God made the world round so we would never be able to see too far down the road.” —Isak Dinesan
Sometimes it is instantaneous. A single glance, a momentary glimpse into the eyes of a dog; contact is made, bonds form. Then a swift determination, “This is the one.”
Suddenly, in the blink of an eye, one can make a commitment to a fellow creature. A dog or cat wins adoption from the pound or shelter; or a certain breed of dog or cat is rescued and fostered in hopes of finding it a good home.
These stories originated with one such dog and several others that followed in his wake. What slowly grew and evolved into a series of stories began as pleas for guidance to an e-mail list of Siberian husky owners, appropriately called “Sibernet.” It blossomed into a journal of how many insignificant, ordinary elements and events weave a rich tapestry through life. The chapters herein are the individual Internet postings, replete with signature closings. This crayola box of reminiscences records our true experiences.
Some of these tales and antics will bring a knowing smile to those who live with dogs; a mutual memoir. For others, it may lend insight into how our pets profoundly affect us in ways we often do not realize…. Such tales could center on any dog, but this one happens to be a Siberian Husky. And the fact that Taz is a Siberian, and our first “fostered rescue-husky” is precisely why these tales came into being.
A distinctive and dynamic breed, huskies are indelibly connected with the Far North. They elicit tales of the Yukon gold rush, the Iditarod trail, North and South polar expeditions, and of course, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Often mistaken for wolves, huskies are an immensely, strong breed; strong in muscle, very headstrong in attitude. Siberian Huskies are not the faithful, tail wagging, companion dog that many people assume. They are fiercely independent, doggedly determined, intelligent to their own detriment and full of rambunctious character. Intuitive, inventive, and clever, they constitute a very strong challenge, which is why so many huskies end up abandoned or in pounds and shelters. It also explains why most responsible breeders, husky organizations and owners actively discourage clients from being impulsive in choosing one.
Recognizing the challenge, the long-term commitment to rescue Siberian Huskies from the pounds and the endeavor to find them good homes is a formidable task at best, even for people as dogged and determined as the breed. As an owner of huskies for over twenty years, my partner, Robbi, deftly described the difficulties in the realm of fostering huskies.
However, being quite confident of my ability to handle a new challenge, I leapt to the task.
Therefore… On a bright, clear, March morning, with very little time to spare, I took a moment to race through the animal control facility in Orange County, California. The husky rescue mission ended prematurely with the fortunate puppy having been adopted prior to my arrival.
I took a quick dash among the kennels, preoccupied with other thoughts since the prime goal no longer existed. Distracted by the cacophony of noise, it amazed me that I made notice of anything at all. Turning down the last row, I suddenly halted in my tracks. Half way down the aisle, I saw his ice blue eyes. Amidst the boisterous dogs, barking and dancing about the cages, the pair of ice blue eyes sat tranquil and still. It was a red and white husky, sitting quiet and intense – which is no small feat in a breed recognized for hyper energy.
Approaching the cage, time suddenly froze for me as we focused upon each other. This immensely, peaceful dog in the center of this maelstrom studied me coolly, intensely. He looked right into me, and for a moment, we connected. Regaining my senses, the shortness of time reared its’ ugly head and I knew I must leave. Immediately, I determined to return and recheck the dog the following day.
A cursory check of the cage card revealed that the dog had been surrendered by its’ owner. No information was available except its’ name and age. The next day I returned for another evaluation. Tall and rawboned with a bushy, dry, sun-bleached coat, the dog was not attractive. Still, the husky exuded a calm, attentive intensity.
And those eyes… I couldn’t resist. I took him. Certainly we would find him a home through the husky rescue network quickly enough. Oh, and the name on his card, given by his previous owner, was Taz… – Scott Ski
“Opportunity’s favorite disguise is trouble.” – Frank Tyger
That was the start of six years of these stories…157 in all.
