Siberian Summer Survival Skills

Good morning -

We're often asked "Don't your dogs hate the heat?".  Siberians are a very adaptable breed.  Their double coat not only serves to keep them warm in frigid temperatures, it also acts as an insulator to prevent overheating in the summer months.  That's why we always warn to NEVER, EVER shave a double coated dog!  

Melee volunteered to demonstrate one of the classic ways Siberians cope with the warmer summer temperatures:

The secret weapon:

Yet another fine example of Siberian resiliency!  

Potty Mouth

As we may have mentioned before, cohabitating with Siberians can be a challenge at times.  There's really nothing quite like it and unless you've actually had to deal with it, you probably don't really know what it's like.  It is tolerable with a sense of humor.  Very often, issues will turn into a bit of a battle of wills.  For instance - our powder room toilet has recently become one of those issues.  Toilet, loo, reading room, throne, water closet....you can call it what you want.  For us, it's the current battleground!

Let's start with the perpetrator:

That's right - that's none other than our strongest willed pack member - Shanuk.  Recently, Shanuk decided that the two pristine, regularly cleaned water bowls aren't desirable.  Instead, he has chosen the toilet in the powder room as his water bowl of choice.  Aside from the fact that this is not acceptable for obvious reasons, it's also not good when the seats slam back down on porcelain when his royal highness is finished.  BANG!  You get the point.  So, I set out to make it impossible for him to continue this new bad habit.  Several brands of heavy duty tape and numerous "child-proof" locks later the score is bleak.  Shanuk 5....Mom 0.  BUT NOT THIS TIME!  I introduce to you my new secret weapon......

HA!  It works!  Unless he grows some opposable thumbs he's out of luck.  I now present to you a very annoyed Shanuk:

 
Sorry guy.  I win!   :)

Working dogs

Good morning -

Since living with multiple Siberian Huskies isn't what most would perceive as "normal" (HA!  Far from it actually!), we are often asked many questions from intrigued onlookers.  There are many rumors and preconceived notions about this breed.  You've all heard them - "Is that a WOLF DOG?!", "I know they're great guard dogs!", "They only eat raw meat right?".....the list goes on and on.  Despite the urban legends, those of us that are familiar with the breed know how ridiculous most of them are.  Anyone who reads this blog or others that are dedicated to sharing life with a Siberian knows these class clowns are far from guard dog material!  No two are alike and each have strong personality traits unique to them.  Perhaps that's one of the things that sets them apart from other breeds.  Aside from the basic breed traits that are found in their DNA, you never quite know what you might get!  

Today we have an example of their working dog mentality.  They do best when they're contributing to the task at hand and usually insist on being part of things with their pack members whether canine or human.  I give you Shanuk, who's demonstrating one of the more typical Siberian qualities - helping.  

That will conclude today's tutorial on Siberian work ethics.  We hope you enjoyed our presentation!  

Avoiding Monday

Shyla heard it was Monday and wasn't quite sure she was willing

to deal with it.

Humor

"A well-developed sense of humor is the pole that adds balance to your steps as you walk  the tightrope of life."

                                                              William Arthur Ward

Wisdom

The more time we spend with Shanuk, the more we realize his wisdom....Shanuk style.  

Nothing is out of reach and the spirit of adventure keeps you young.

Love is.....

.........staying close to our favorite friends even when they're not around.

We Celebrate

On this Memorial Day weekend, we honor those that have given their lives to protect our country as well as those that are currently serving.  We remember and thank you for your sacrifices.

Guilty!

It was a typical morning with the exception of one delay.  I couldn't find my coffee cup. I looked upstairs.  I looked downstairs.  I looked outside (I watered the flowers).

N O W H E R E  to be found.  Until I let Shanuk out of his crate.  I give you Exhibit A:

Exhibit B:

Exhibit C:

GUILTY!  Someone's got some explaining to do!  Apparently he needs his own coffee mug.   

It's All In A Name

Hi Friends -

Melee here.  It was a typical quiet morning at our house.  Except I might have gotten into trouble.  Sometimes that still qualifies as typical.  With a name like Melee, what do they expect??  Here's how it went......

Dad:  "Melee!  What happened here??"

 

Me:  "Oh.  That.  I have no idea."

Living up to your name is hard work.

Double Trouble

Because two heads are better than one!   

My Plan

Hi everyone -

It's a big weekend so I have a plan.  I'm resting up today so that I can love Mom even more tomorrow since it's MOTHER'S DAY!

We wish all of the Moms out there - with 4 legged children or 2 legged children - a very happy Mother's Day!  

Birthday Boy!

Good morning friends -

Many of our old friends know that there are two other 4 legged members of our pack, but perhaps our new friends aren't aware of them.  We have Logan (Dad Said Yes) and Niko (Explosive Version) who our girl, in particular, spends mass quantities of time with.

LOGAN (Dad Said Yes)

NIKO (Explosive Version)

Today is Niko's 14th Birthday and we'd like to wish him a happy day filled with Stud Muffins (his favorite treat), carrots, and apples, and Cheez Its!  Happy Birthday big guy!  May there be many more happy years.  We're proud to share our pack with other 4 legged creatures that shed as much as we do.

Fast Food Friday

Hello friends!

Shanuk here to introduce a new Friday segment we call Fast Food Friday.  I'm particularly excited about this segment because I happen to be the host!  Mom says it's because of my profound willingness to do just about anything for food.  I'd like to think of it as my dashing good looks and sparkling personality.  Anyway, this segment will give us an opportunity to share some of the treats we enjoy.  Even though Mom's picky, she realizes not everything can be perfectly healthy and well balanced and sometimes things just need to be fun.

This is what's on the table for our very first edition:

Wingalings are a grain free, gluten free Merrick product with a decent ingredient list (so says Mom).  They contain chicken, sweet potatoes, peas, brown sugar, carrots, bacon, and apples.  (They had me at bacon!!).  It's a tough job but somepup has to do it.  Here we go:

"TWO PAWS UP FROM ME MOM!  How about a second taste test, just to be sure?"

So there you have it!  It appears as though our first Fast Food Friday was a success.  Until next time.....

                                                                Your Friend, 

                                                                 SHANUK

Siberian Husky Manual

This morning the boys were very cooperative in demonstrating how to not be cooperative. Most Siberian Husky owners will tell you, there's a Siberian Husky Manual that all Huskies take very seriously.  Here we have Shanuk and Melee demonstrating one of the classic rules listed in the manual.  

Stay tuned for upcoming tutorials on "How To Be A Siberian Husky".