My Dogs...

[Aethian]

In 2001 I got my first husky. He is Nikita and he is my avatar. A year later we were adopted by Noel. Less then a year later we had a birth of six, we kept one named Sable. A year after that we had a group of five born... Ulmer, Ulric, Vesta, Vega, and Aurora.

Nikita, Noel, and Ulmer live with me.

Earlier this week I was finding out over the phone that my 86 year old Great Uncle died, during the conversation she started to scream.

Ulric and Vesta attacked her cats and then turned on her. She had marks on her legs and arms. One on her side. One cat of three...dead. It makes me feel sick to think about this. So today we did the hardest thing we could, we took Ulric and Vesta to a husky rescue shelter. Mom was scared of them...out of my pack they were the heaviest and the strongest at 89 and 72lbs.

I was there when they were born and I feel I have let them down. Like I have been a horrible Mother for having to do this. They were so trusting when we dropped them off. Being so good on their leashes, so good to walk with. Gave us kisses before being taken into a week of quarantine. Ulric just leaned up against Mom like he used to do and talked as she rubbed his chest.

I'm not horrible, am I?

[Midnight12]

Lots of hugs and good vibes your way

no you aren' horrible at all. but when something like this happens its a very difficult choice to make and if something isn't done the aggression issue (if any) could be worse

I think they were being brave on your behalf

[Red_Dazes]

No you are NOT horrible. *hugs* It's a hard decision to make, but one I think is going to be great for your babies. If she was scared of them... it really was for the best. Be happy they are some place where they will be taken good care of, and live long happy lives. Instead of some rinky dink little animal shelter that could run out of space and have to put them down.

*lots of hugs and good thoughts*

[NightAngel]

I once had to give over my dog, Lady (rest easy, girl), for a week of quarantine. She bit in defense of my oldest son, though. I cried and cried and felt terrible as they put her in the puppy paddy wagon to take her away. When I picked her up I had one of those GIANT chocolate chip cookies for her (yes, dogs and chocolate- I know). She sat in the seat next to me 'talking' (rar, roorwar, rawr) about her week and looking very accusingly at me.

She forgave me pretty quick though- I'm sure your pups will to.

[Aethian]

She forgave me pretty quick though- I'm sure your pups will to.

I'm not getting mine back.

[NightAngel]

I'm not getting mine back.

My apologies then- I read the part about their week of quarantine and thought that meant you'd be retrieving them.

[Aethian]

My apologies then- I read the part about their week of quarantine and thought that meant you'd be retrieving them.

They were surrendered to the husky rescue shelter. The animal control in my Mom's county hates working dogs with a passion. I know of two husky teams that have been put to sleep because the owner had gotten in between an alpha play and gotten nipped. It's something that happens sometimes with strong willed huskies.

So instead of taking the chance they would be put down due to this dislike we surrendered them to the rescue group.

I miss my big teddy bear.

[LillFilly]

I'm so sorry for you. I hope it's the last time something like that happens; if only you knew what caused it.

[Aethian]

It was just so...sudden. They have been around the cats for awhile and while they would rough eachother up nothing ever happened. But then to attack and kill and then attack Grandma I don't get it.

[NightAngel]

They were surrendered to the husky rescue shelter....
So instead of taking the chance they would be put down due to this dislike we surrendered them to the rescue group.

Then you have done the very best thing you could for them. You've given them to people who are dedicated to huskys and have a love of the breed. People who know what makes them tick, how they think, and what needs to be done.

[evillebee]

I'm normally just a lurker, but reading this post got to me and I had to reply.

I am a huge fan of huskies and working dogs. I had 4 at one time (dad, mom, and their two male pups). I had to have the last put down earlier this year and it was the hardest thing I ever had to do.

Huskies are a misunderstood breed. What may look like vicious fighting between them is just play. They are hunters and will kill small animals. It is a natural instinct in them. I live in the country and I never had any problems with moles, muskrats, or raccoons getting in the trash. If a stray cat happened to wander onto the property, it didn't last long. Huskies and cats do not mix well. Usually they will be ok with cats that they have been raised with, but with that instinct, it is not a guarantee. From reading your story, it sounds like play turned to tragedy for the cats that got in the way and when your mom stepped in, they were in the hunt/kill mode. I was never afraid or threatened by any of my huskies, but I never tried to get in between them while they were going after another animal.

I am so sorry for your loss and that your mom had to go through that. I am so glad you took them to the huskie rescue. It is a great organization and I'm sure they will find good homes. You are not a horrible person.

[JustaCashier]

Aethian, NightAngel has nailed it right here:

Then you have done the very best thing you could for them. You've given them to people who are dedicated to huskys and have a love of the breed. People who know what makes them tick, how they think, and what needs to be done.

Obviously this was a very painful experience and decision, and I understand your feelings of guilt, and wondering what you could have done differently. Hell, I still beat myself up almost daily, over 4.5 years after my parrot died, from injuries he suffered during a night fright a few nights before. I don't feel like I did enough. What could I have done differently?

So, hang in there. You have a lot of support here at CS.

Do you knkow if you'll be able to visit Ulric and Vesta occasionally?

Mike

[Aethian]

Do you know if you'll be able to visit Ulric and Vesta occasionally?

No,Mom asked and we're not able to find out anything about them unless they find something medical about them that we should know about for the rest of the pack.

Just got the pictures loaded from the camera...anyone want to see pictures of them with Mom before they were taken by the workers?

[JustaCashier]

No,Mom asked and we're not able to find out anything about them unless they find something medical about them that we should know about for the rest of the pack.

Damn! That sucks!

Just got the pictures loaded from the camera...anyone want to see pictures of them with Mom before they were taken by the workers?

Yes please!

Mike

[Aethian]

Vesta


Ulric