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Messages - ButterflyChaser

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Siberian Husky Discussions / Siberian Husky Lost and Found
« on: April 07, 2007, 06:35:19 am »
I've rescued a husky from a local dog pound, and I'm certain someone is looking for her.  She has been well trained and taken care of.  I love her to pieces, but I feel like I'm shortchanging her.  She wants to continue her training but I am familiar with training and don't know what she wants from me. 

If I could locate her true owner, I could probably convinced to hand her over.  I'm sure there are lost and found services somewhere.  I looked at Petfinder and have contacted someone in another region of my state who has lost two sibs.  I doubt my sib is hers, but we'll see. 

What other pet locator services are well-known and widely used?  I love my Angelina, but knowing I can't provide the training and stimulation as well as the quality of care she's used to, I'd like to return her to the lifestyle she's accustomed to.  I THINK.  Letting her go will be very hard I know.  But I just know her owner is looking for her.

NancyAnn

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Siberian Husky Discussions / Re: New to Sib Huskies - Info Please
« on: April 02, 2007, 09:16:02 am »
It's nice to meet y'all.  I'm really glad I found this place.  My family thinks I'm nuts for bringing home yet another animal.  My brother just doesn't get it at all.  But if I had a farm, I'd adopt any stray that comes along.

I'm glad to see some folks here who know and appreciate Sam Elliott.  I don't feel so old now. 

I was afraid that Angelina might be a climber.  Sam was when I got him.  He ended up getting a leg entwined in the chainlink fence and I was sure it was broken.  I had to cut a hole out of the fence around his leg, which was hiked way up.  Then I had to calm him down so I could cut the fencing off his leg.  It is a real miracle his leg or hip or both weren't severely broken.  He never climbed the fence again.

I guess I better put up a privacy fence for Angelina and put big rocks around the bottom to keep her from digging out.  She's already shown me that she's a digger.  I've ordered a name and address tag for her which should be here soon.  I won't let her out in the pen unsupervised until I get the tag on her collar.

Believe it or not, my vet recommended Pedigree, and Angelina and Sam will both eat it, so that's what I'm going with.  The vet said it's a good "middle-class" food for them.  And that silly Angelina!  She'll not only eat carrots, but she loves bananas too!  Sam won't touch either one, but Angelina begs for them, even for the banana peel!

Thank you all for the warm welcome and all the info.

NancyAnn

3
Steffanie, thanks for the leash suggestion.  I found one on ebay and just bought it.  I'll have a fence up soon so we can train in the fence.  But until then, I can use the training leash you suggested.  I didn't know such a thing existed until you mentioned it.  Thank you!

NancyAnn

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Treatment & Preventative Meds / Re: Pet Meds - Where to Buy
« on: March 30, 2007, 12:50:41 pm »
Wow, thanks for all the information everybody.  Getting a RX won't be a problem.  My vet understands my limited finances.  He's in the profession more for the healing than for the money.  He's a darling!

I'll check out the sources you guys suggested. Thanks again!

NancyAnn

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I recently rescued a beautiful Siberain Husky.  She seems to be about 6 months old, well-groomed, and trained.  She sits, shakes hands, fetches a tennis ball, and walks well on a leash.  I want to continue her training, but I've never really trained a dog before.  I mean, I taught most to sit and stay and get down, etc.  But this husky seems to need more and I can't afford a trainer.  So I wanted to learn how to train her myself.

She will fetch a tennis ball, but she seems to expect me to do something other than throw it across the room.  I don't have the kennel up yet, so we haven't done any outside fetch.  When she sees me get her leash, she gets so excited.  And I think it's more than just a walk she is expecting.  I think her previous owner was doing some sort of training with her and she wants that.  But I'm clueless.  I feel like I'm letting her down.

Is there a particular site someone can recommend with basic commands and training exercises?  I might even like to later advance into agility training, altho I doubt I'd ever "show" her.  It would just be recreational for us.

She's an adorable creature, full energy, very lovable and intelligent.  And I just don't want to shortchange her.  Somebody help please!

NancyAnn

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Treatment & Preventative Meds / Re: Pet Meds - Where to Buy
« on: March 29, 2007, 10:58:53 am »
I checked with my vet about the Ivomec from the feed store.  He said I can use it, BUT it's too strong taken straight. Taken straight it can, over time, damage the heart and kidneys in dogs. And mixing it with water doesn't work either because they're like water and oil--they don't mix.  He said I should bring it to his office and let him "cut" it.  Then I can administer it orally.  So I think that's how I'll go with that.  It's cheaper than ordering the meds online.

So now I need a cheap source for Frontline.


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Siberian Husky Discussions / Re: New to Sib Huskies - Info Please
« on: March 29, 2007, 10:52:20 am »
Jenn, I am surprised you know who Sam Elliott is.  Most people don't.  Since I've had a crush on him for years and he's been an actor for decades, I couldn't believe people hadn't heard of him.  He's such a versatile actor--in westerns, actions, dramas, and even children's movies.  Doesn't that voice just do things to ya?  LOL

I just ordered dog tags for Angelina and Sam.  So if either goes missing, maybe someone will call me.

Do Huskies climb chain link fences?  I'm putting a kennel together and I hope she'll stay in it.

NancyAnn

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Siberian Husky Discussions / Re: New to Sib Huskies - Info Please
« on: March 26, 2007, 03:51:22 am »
Kathryn, thanks for the info on the hooves.  Angelina loves this one.  I thought it was interesting that she grabbed it while we walked down an aisle at Petco.  Even more interesting is Sam likes it too.  He doesn't usually chew on anything--milk bones, rawhides and the like.  But when Angelina drops the hoof, Sam picks it up and gnaws on it a while.  I'll be going back to get more of them.  Sam is getting a bit old for teeth cleaning.  The vet said the anesthesia could knock him out permanently.  so I'm glad we found something that will help.

Happiday, I can just picture Cheyenne skidding on the linoleum.  Sam did that when I first took out the carpet.  He now moves much slower.  I think he finds it amusing to see Angelina struggle for footing.

Angelina and I go for a brisk 30 minute walk each morning at the lake.  She makes sure I crawl out of bed early in the a.m. so we can beat the heat (already in the upper 70's and even 80 here!).  She's a great conversational piece.  Everyone wants to know what she is and they can't resist those blue eyes.  We take shorter walks around the neighborhood throughout the day.  And I'll be putting up a privacy fence soon so she can run free and burn some energy.

Thank you all for the welcome and the wealth of info.


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Treatment & Preventative Meds / Re: Pet Meds - Where to Buy
« on: March 26, 2007, 03:39:29 am »
Thanks for all the info.  I'll certainly check with the feed store after I talk to my vet.  Whatever I can't get at the feedstore, I'll get from one of those sites y'all mentioned.  You guys have been a great help!

NancyAnn

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Siberian Husky Discussions / Re: New to Sib Huskies - Info Please
« on: March 25, 2007, 05:40:18 am »
I hadn't considered agility training, but I think you're right.  It might be something she'd excel at, and I could definitely use the exercise.  My niece has several dogs that she enters into agility competitions.  I think I'll ask her advice.  I think she'd love having her old aunt ask her for info on something she is so passionate about.  Her dogs are always winning ribbons and awards at the competitions.  She might very well get me started in the right direction and may even have some books to pass along.  Thanks for the idea!

I keep reading that Innova has a lot of protein in it.  For some reason, my vet didn't want Sam, my Samoyed, to have food that was high in protein.  Thus he told me not to let him eat any of the cats' foods because of the protein level.  I think I'll ask him about the Innova before I buy it.  I've been reading about the natural ingredients and how the Innova foods imitate what animals would eat naturally if humans didn't get in their way.  So it seems like a logical choice to me.  They would mostly eat meats, high in protein.  I discuss it with the vet.  I'm sure he has a reason for not wanting Sam to get more protein.  So the Innova might be fine for Angelina but maybe not for Sam.

You make me laugh with "it helps keep good poops coming."  I don't know why, but I laughed out loud when I read that and nearly spit Mtn Dew all over my computer!

Aren't her eyes spectacular?  I've always wanted a blue-eyed dog.  And the minute I saw her eyes, I knew she was coming home with me.  Her eyes are so silvery that they're spooky!

A "splash coat"?  I'll have to read up on that.  I'm not sure, from your description, that she fits the pattern.  But I could be misunderstandi ng.  She is completely white on the bottom (legs, belly, chest, throat and most of her face).  And she's completely black on top (most of her tail, back, and head.  She does have a white band that goes almost completely around her neck and some white inside her ears and on the tip of her foxy tail.  So is that the "splash coat" you refer to, Whiskey?  I can see there's a lot to learn about my new Angel.

I have a feeling that she is purebred.  She has been very well groomed and taken care of before she escaped and ended up in the shelter.  I find it odd that no one claimed her, but perhaps they didn't have a clue where to look.  Is there some way to find out if she's pure bred?  Not that it really matters.  I don't intend to breed her, just love her.  In fact I plan to get her fixed soon.  I wouldn't want to risk losing her in childbirth or something.

I will be putting up a 6 ft high privacy fence so Angelina can run free in a small area.  She loves our walks but she really wants to be off the leash.  And I can't blame her.  I have a bunch of large crystaline rocks brought home from the Ozarks and I can line the fence bottom with them if she begins digging.  Right now I work at home so I can watch her and see what her tendencies are and try to rectify them.

Have any of you used a radio fence and shock collar?  I never have but I'm giving it some thought with her.  I don't like the idea of shocking, but I live near a highway and in a split second, she could be hit by a big truck.  That's worse than a little shock I think.  Any ideas on the subject?

I just took her to petco to see if she'd pick out the dogfood she is accustomed to, but instead, she picked out a hoof.  Another lady there recommended so I bought it and she loves it.  Is it good or bad?  My vet said absolutely no real bones (rawhides are fine), but this hoof seems bone-like to me.  What do y'all think?

She also picked out a tennis ball and some bacon jerky strips which I'll use as treats.  I did buy a clicker too and the sound seems to intrigue her.  I can't tell if she is familiar with it or not.  But I'll begin some training with it and see what happens.

Angelina behaves a lot like Sam does.  They have very similar personalities and intelligence I think.  People are amazed that Sam seems to understand just about everything I say.  But I've always talked to him, expecting him to understand, and he rarely lets me down.  We can put on quite a show for company.  Sam even sighs heavily when I "tell" on him or mention "diet".  People always get a kick out of that.

Well, Angelina just proved that she knows how to fetch.  She grabbed a tennis ball and brought it to me to throw for her.  When I threw it, she raced after it on the slippery linoleum floor, struggling to get traction.  She retrieved it and brought back for me to throw again.  When I ask "Where's your ball?" she hunts for it.  Someone is definitely missing this little girl.  They put a lot of effort into her care and training.  I feel just a bit guilty for having her when I know someone out there is missing her.  Is there a missing pets service somewhere?  I would hate to lose her, but if I found her rightful owner, I might hand her over.

NancyAnn

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Treatment & Preventative Meds / Pet Meds - Where to Buy
« on: March 25, 2007, 03:03:19 am »
I'm almost out of Frontline and Heartgard and I'm looking for a new, affordable supplier.  Where do you guys buy your pet meds?  With 2 cats and 2 large dogs, it can get rather expensive.  I would consider buying generic meds too if y'all can recommend some as well as a supplier.  My vet will give me a prescription for the meds.  He understands I rescue animals with limited income. 

Thanks for any information.

NancyAnn

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Sometimes a smelly dog is the sign of an infection.  My Samoyed is allergic to flea saliva.  If he gets bitten once, he begins stinking and losing hair.  I keep him on Frontline and I keep my yard doctored, as fleas and ticks are bad here.

Also, due to the heat and humidity here, he frequently suffers from yeast infections on his skin.  My vet recommended daily yogurt.  He said most dogs love the strawberry/banana kind, and of course Sam does, I've discovered.  I figure the yogurt helps in so many ways and Sam considers it a special treat.  Perhaps this is a dietary supplement option for your dog.

But speak to your vet about the smell.  Different "stinks" can tell a vet the real problem, whereas we're all just guessing.  Sam smells different with a flea bite infection than he does with a yeast infection, and the treatment options are different.


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Siberian Husky Discussions / Re: New to Sib Huskies - Info Please
« on: March 24, 2007, 02:43:23 pm »
Here are some pics for ya.  The first, of course, is Angelina.  Already she knows her name and comes when I call her.  I've just started calling her that last night.  I've been just saying "HEY" and she'd come running. 

The second is my Samoyed, Sam.  When I got him, I hadn't ever even heard of a Samoyed so I had no idea what he was.  My guess was some sort of collie mix.  I named him Sam after Sam Elliott the movie star who used to be the voice for Chevy trucks.  Oooooh, that voice!  Later I learned Sam was a Samoyed and I can't help but wonder if he somehow told me he was Sam.  Many people name their Samoyeds Sam, so I find it intriguing that I chose that name for him.

Sam is a little jealous of Angelina, so I took him for a walk just the two of us, without his new little sister getting in the way.  He was thrilled to be alone with me.  In time, I hope he'll adjust and that the two of them will be great companions.  We went thru this adjustment period  with the cats too.

Thanks for the suggestions on the food.  I didn't know that about the filler.  Sam is now very overweight.  The picture posted is of his "younger days".  I was sick for a couple of years and we had to give up our walks completely.  We both got pretty fat. 

Now that I'm beginning to feel better, we're getting back into our routine and hope to shed the pounds.  I wonder if switching Sam to the Innova might help with his weight as well.  I know the activity will.  Like Huskies, he NEEDS to be active.  And while I've been sick, we've both been pretty much stuck inside and not athletic like we once were.  He needs to shed 15 or so pounds, according to the vet.  I think I'll see if he'll eat it.  He is kinda picky and doesn't eat the usual things other dogs will.  He doesn't eat chewy bones, jerky or milk bones, which I think is strange.  If I switch dog foods, he pouts.  But it may be that I just haven't found the right ones.

Thanks for the suggestions and the link to siriuspup.  You've been a big help Holly.

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Siberian Husky Discussions / Re: Friends Husky going after baby..
« on: March 24, 2007, 01:32:26 pm »
Hi, I'm new here and new to huskies.  Just rescued my first one two days ago.  But I've been doing a lot of reading, and from what I gather, they're not too much different from Samoyeds.  And I've had my Samoyed now for 9 years.

I also didn't see the husky's nipping as aggression, but maybe rather playful.  Huskies are very mouthy.  Mine uses her mouth to grab and she growls anytime she wants attention.  It's not a hostile growl, but rather a "notice me, play with me" growl.  Perhaps your friend's husky likes the baby and wanted to play.

It could also be that the husky was "herding" the baby.  My husky is trying to herd or roundup my two cats.  She doesn't hurt them.  She just corners them somewhere, as if that's her job, to corral.  Then she's happy and walks off.  In the two days I've had her, my two cats have already learned that my new husky is not a threat.

Another thing I would like to mention is that no child should ever be left unsupervised with any animal EVER.  There should always be close supervision.  Both children and animals are unpredictable.  And even the sweetest, gentlest animal can get vicious if a child hurts them in some way.  Children often pull tails or get careless, and injured animals just react without thinking.  My Samoyed will snap at me if I accidentally step on his tail.  He loves me and would otherwise never hurt me.  But he does snap if hurt.  I don't consider it aggression really, just a shout of OWWWWWWWW, DON"T DO THAT, YOU BIG CLUMSY GALLOOT!

One last thing, if the dog's owner doesn't feel she can walk the dog, she needs a fenced in yard so the dog can just run free.  They're easily bored and need entertainment, much like children do.  They need physical activity to work off their energy and keep them from getting bored and irritable.  If she doesn't have a fenced in yard, maybe she can set up "play dates" with another friend who has a dog and a fenced in yard.  I do this with one of my friends.  Her little Scotty just loves my Sam and they have a nice fenced yard.  So the two dogs lope around the yard together chasing squirrels while my friend and I work on a project.  When I get Sam home, he crashes on the couch for hours.  LOL

Huskies, like my Samoyed, are powerful, energetic, ambitious animals and thrive on activity.  Your friend's husky would probably quickly learn some of the rules of football if her older kids wanted to play. They seem to be intelligent and easily trained.  So spending some more time with the husky might be a solution.

NancyAnn

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Siberian Husky Discussions / New to Sib Huskies - Info Please
« on: March 24, 2007, 01:05:13 pm »
I just found this site while looking for info on my new puppy.  On Thurs, I rescued a siberian husky from a shelter here, and I was hoping to get some info.

The minute she saw me, she headed straight for me.  I had a leash in my hand, as I had already been told I could have her, sight unseen.  She saw the leash and just got so excited, prancing around and nudging me eagerly.  Once on the leash, she was ready to go and dragged me out of the kennel with childish enthuisiasm.

She's about 6 months old, I'd guess, full of energy and seems to be happy all the time.  She made herself at home with my Samoyed and two cats with no problem at all.  She sleeps by my bed at night, as if she'd always been there.  In the morning, as soon as I begin to stir, she pounces on the bed and smothers me with smelly, sloppy kisses.  But she's good-natured and stops when I firmly say no.  She follows me everywhere.  And unlike my Samoyed, she readily submitted to a bath.  Her nails are clipped and the hair around her feet is neatly trimmed, so she is obviously used to grooming.

She has been well taken care of and has had some sort of training.  She knows "sit", "get down", "go out", "go in", "go pee".  She'll jump up eagerly to get treats, but when I tell her to sit, she'll sit and wait impatiently for me to hand her the treat.  I've decided to name her Angelina because I think she's an angel.  And also her silvery blue eyes remind me of Angelina Jolie's.  They're just almost spooky because they're so silvery.

My question is, what kind of training do people do with these kinds of dogs?  When I let out a certain kind of shrill whistle, like you hear people do with a horse or in movies with sled dogs, she immediately stops and pays attention to me, as if she is waiting on some sort of command.  I'd like to know how to continue her training.  She's so smart and so willing to please.  I'd like to take advantage of her willing participation and continue to work with her.  If you know of some good sites on training, please let me know.

Another question is what kind of food do y'all give your huskies?  She begs for people food, of course, but the vet doesn't recommend it and I don't want to get her started on a lifetime of health problems.  My Samoyed loves the Purina Prime Cuts (dry food), but Angelina doesn't seem to like it.  She does love milk bones and other chewies.  But she's rather skinny and I'd like to put a little weight on her.  What do you recommend?

She's been a delight so far, friendly with kids, adults and critters.  Today I had to leave her home alone with Sam (my Samoyed) for several hours and that made me nervous.  She chewed up her leash yesterday so I feared the couch would be in pieces when I got home today.  But only a silk plant in a window was knocked over.  She didn't even turn over the trash.  I was pretty impressed.

I'm looking forward to hanging out here and learning more about this new precious puppy I've been blessed with.  Thank you guys for any info you can share.  And thank you, administrators, for this site.  I'm glad I found it.

NancyAnn

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