Huskies are all the rage in the Okanagan right now after more than a dozen of the fluffy dogs were taken in by the BC SPCA.
A total of 17 husky puppies and two adults dogs were officially put up for adoption this week, but if you are hoping to get one, better luck next time.
There were more than 1,200 applications to adopt the loveable fluff balls.
The dogs were seized in late December 2019. After receiving a complaint, RCMP and animal control officers found the dogs living outside in the snow at the property. They were found shivering, lethargic and "riddled with parasites."
They have been nursed back to health and will soon be placed in their forever home, but owning a husky is not for everyone.
Miranda Dussault, with the Vernon SPCA, says huskies have some unique characteristics that may not suit everyone.
“Huskies are an awesome dog. They bond very deeply with their owner,” says Dussault. “They are basically the cat of dog breeds. Huskies tend to be very independent and they tend to go off and do their own thing and then come to you for attention when they want to.”
Huskies are a high-energy dog and need an outlet for that energy.
“They are bred to just get up and go. They make excellent adventure partners. They love to go for runs, walks, hikes,” she says.
Dussault adds huskies are also “creative escape artists” and can go “over, under and through fencing” so owners need to have a secure yard.
“It can be very hard to contain a husky,” says Dussault, noting tying up a husky is not an option.
Huskies also have a strong prey drive, so owners need to be aware of this when they are around other smaller animals.
“It's very important to teach huskies at a young age to be socialized with dogs, cats especially. If you have chickens or ducks or any sort of poultry on your property, it's good to socialize them at a young age,” says Dussault, adding owners also need to be cautious if neighbours have poultry or other small animals.
Huskies can be very vocal and are well known for their ability to howl and to 'talk.'
Dussault said husky owners must embrace this characteristic and some owners have even taught their dog to say 'I love you.'
