I created this blog over a year ago, with the view to one day being able to start a Husky rescue centre here in Windhoek, as people seem to struggle with the concept of Huskies and how they must be managed.
A Husky is not an easy dog to manage - they are strong-willed, arrogant, working dogs and can get aggressive and destructive if they're bored. If they're happy, however, they are the most wonderful dogs on the planet and have so much character and love in them.
Not everyone is lucky enough to be in my situation where I am often at home as that is where I work, and I also MAKE the time to walk my dogs daily, to play with them, to brush them, to bath, treat, take them to the vet, and do everything that must be done to keep a dog happy and healthy. They cost a fortune - but I will gladly give up everything for them. It doesn't matter how busy I am - my dogs get walked six times a week at around 6:30pm every evening - and the reward that I get from being able to do some exercise, breathe some fresh air, and simply watch them going crazy with enthusiasm and running for the love of running is a reward that no matter my mood, I smile and am happy.
So Dog Bless You was born out of pity for the Huskies that I see here that are locked in yards, that don't get walked daily when they are so terribly bored, and aren't looked after or have medical problems due to in-breeding and other issues. I remember it took me ages to decide on a name, and I probably poached a name from someone else on the internet, but I loved it and chose it. My dogs are a blessing to me, and should be to everyone that owns one.
Most importantly, and what I remember every day, is the Ten Commandments:
1. My life is likely to last only ten to fifteen years.
Any separation from you will be painful -
Remember that before you get me.
2. Give me time to understand what you want from me.
3. Please your trust in me - it is crucial to my well-being.
4. Do not be angry at me for long and do not lock me up as punishment.
5. You have your work, your entertainment, and your friends.
I have only YOU.
6. Talk to me sometimes. Even if I don't understand your words,
I understand your voice when it is speaking to me.
7. Be aware of how you treat me, I will never forget.
8. Remember before you hit me that I have teeth that could easily hurt you,
But I choose not to bite you because I love you.
9. Before you scold me for being uncooperative, obstinate, or lazy,
Ask yourself if something might be bothering me.
Perhaps I am not getting the right food, or I have been out too long,
or my heart is getting old and weak.
10. Take care of me when I get old;
You too will grow old. Go with me on difficult journeys.
Never say "I cannot bear to watch" or "Let it happen in my absence."
Everything is easier for me if you are there, even my death.
Remember that I love you.
This is so true. I see how they greet me when I get home, and know that they missed me. When I ask them something that they don't want to do, there IS always something that scares them or that they don't like (or, in Bear's case, he's hunting and just doesn't give a damn about me). When I do give up the fight and trust that they will come back, learn to love me, trust me back, or whatever the situation is, I have seen immediate results from that simple action which has taught me that they trusted me long before I trusted them. They forgive so quickly, how can we stay angry? They do have us and love us unconditionally - I hate being away from my kids. I talk to them all the time and I will get a slow wag of the tail from Bear, a woo from Kita, the occasional happy hop from Coda, and a never-ending stare from Cady ... And they don't forget, ever. Bear has bitten me when he got a hiding - proof that he could break my arm if he wants to. But he chooses to be gentle when warning me that he doesn't want to be smacked or that he hates being brushed and I should rather bugger off and leave him alone. Dogs have moods and issues as well and these should always be taken into account - they just might not UNDERSTAND what you want from them. They might be sick. They might be feeling under the weather - just like we do.
And yes - take care of them when they get old. I can say no more on that one, as hard as it is. Dogs are a blessing - angels walking on earth. They are selfless, loving, kind, forget quickly and love even after you hit them. We could learn so much from the animals that walk around us.
On a happier note, after all this time, I will finally start updating the blog on the progress with our first two rescues, Coda and Cady. I will look into registering a charity as they're eating me out of house and home, and post photos of how they love their walks - off lead! They are two happy stories that have amazed me in little ways every day.
Here's to Dog Bless You! May you always have such a blessing in your life!
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