Sweaty palms, racing heart, confusion, urgency and utter chaos – this is what it feels like when a sled dog gets “loose” – a wave of panic I had the pleasure of enjoying (I say sarcastically) for myself for the first time just recently. For those of you who are new readers let me digress just a bit.
The NHSDRHEC is a rescue and educational nonprofit organization located in Jefferson, NH (aka “The Grand North”). Our mission (in addition to educating the public about northern breed dogs and the dog sledding history of NH) is to provide rescue and second chance sled dogs with a home and job either for life or until they find the perfect family. One of these dogs is Tundra. Tundra is one of our newest rescues having just arrived in July. She was one of 37 sled dogs that were seized from a very bad situation in Canada (think emaciated dogs with inadequate food, water and shelter). At the ripe old age of approximately two life as Tundra knew it consisted of fear, boredom, neglect and avoidance. Given Tundra’s painfully shy and fearful nature and small stature (35lbs) we knew that she would need extra care and time to adjust to a better quality of life … which is how she came to live with me her two-legged “foster-mom” and ultimately getting loose which brings us back to the main story …
This is Ms. Tundra, Alaskan Husky
So it was a Tuesday night as I was getting ready for bed that I received the frantic news, “she’s loose! Tundra’s loose! Hurry up” my boyfriend shouted. “How” I practically screamed back as I ran down the stairs in my PJs, slippers and face-wash. (This is when the sweaty palms, racing heart etc sat in). “The leash got stuck in the door and when I opened it to get it unstuck she snuck out” he exclaimed exasperated.
Anyone who has ever owned a northern breed dog knows that they are opportunist and will take full advantage of any opportunity to run and/or bolt. This a very bad situation even under the best of circumstances … let alone when the dog hardly knows you, is in a new environment and fears everything around her.
As I reached the bottom of the first outdoor step I began cooing “Tundra … come here girl … come on … time to go inside.” I don’t know if it was the despair in my voice or bond that we had established in our short three weeks together but Tundra come charging out of the darkness happy as a clam! She proceeded to happily leap and playful crouch within reaching distance. It was as if she was saying “look at me, I not on a leash wanna frolic in the wet evening grass” and with that I swiftly hitched her leash to her harness, petted her on the head and happily went inside where we both laid on the bed and went to sleep (may I note that she fell asleep much quicker – probably due to the fact that she wasn’t experiencing an panic induced adrenaline rush).
Tundra and foster-mom Emma
Tundra “leaping” with happiness … much like she did on the night she was “loose.”
Fortunately, for me and Tundra this story had a safe, happy and rather quick ending. The number one problem rescuing (and rehoming) dogs – especially sled dogs – is that if the new owner/family loses the pup the canine has no knowledge of their area or any reason to go back. This is why all of our rescue and timid sled dogs wear “Ruff Wear Webmaster” harnesses. These harnesses prevent them from backing out (i.e.: “slipping their collar”) just don’t get the leash stuck in the door! To try and prevent situations like mine we discuss this major concern and the proper safety measures to take with new adopter and foster homes.
For more information on the NHSDRHEC or our adoptable dogs please feel free to visit: http://www.dogslednh.com, call: 603-545-4533 or email: info@dogslednh.com.
I have a Norwegian Elkhound who is an escape artist. I fully understand what you went through. I wish my dog Hilde (aka The Great Hildini) would come back that quick. Instead she looks at you, gives you the paw (hypothetically that is) and runs in the opposite direction. At almost 13 yrs. of age she still finds new ways to escape and go for a run and she never forgets the ways she has learned to escape. Very glad for you and Tundra that she didn’t go very far and came back quickly and safely. She is a beautiful dog.
Thank you for taking the time to comment on our latest post “WHO Let The Dog Out.” I will be sure to share your compliments with Tundra (who for the time being is sitting right beside me in the office). Norwegian Elkhounds are beautiful dogs (and great escape artist) as well; I love your nickname The Great Hildini it’s too cute (and spot on I’m sure). It’s really amazing how even as northern breed dogs age their adolescent-like zest for life never diminishes. Myself and Tundra wish you and Hilde a wonderful (and escape free) week!
I just adopted a 6mth Husky. He took to training extremely well, except for recall. After 4 “escapes” in a row from the open dog park (I’ve even had to stand in the street to stop traffic in a panic) he is now officially banned by me from the play group until he learns to behave a bit better.
Sweaty palms, lots of running and heart palpitations are just the beginning of it :/
However, I must admit, no matter the scares, I can’t wait to finish training reliably so I can adopt another Husky.
Thanks for sharing your personal stories as well! As much as we share this part of husky ownership with others, sometimes it is hard to imagine just how much they can be escape artists and houdinis until you live with them
So glad you are pursuing training… maybe when you are done, a visit to our kennel is in order to find your pup a pal 
We have totally experienced that sheer panic of an escaped husky! It first happened about a week after we adopted our girl Nikki (Princess Nikita of the Great White North) and happened again probably another 10-12 times over the the 12 years she shared her life with us. We always thought we had it figured out, but smart as she was, she always found another way!
We lost our girl this past fall and still miss her terribly. She was Trouble with a capital T but she was also loving and sweet and utterly beautiful. We used to say she was Magic to put us through so much panic when she got out (not to mention once eating our couch to “escape” a thunder storm) and yet we kept her and loved her. I have sworn to never have another husky…although looking at your blog and your site…well, let’s just say there are stirrings.
Good Afternoon Kenyadee,
I am glad the learn that I am not the only two-legger that a husky has bamboozled into security! It always amazes me at what opportunist sled dogs are. That being said, I thank you for sharing your personal husky escape experience; it sounds like Nikki was a wonderful husky. If you ever find yourself in the position where you are ready to welcome another sled dog into your life feel free to reach out us!
Warm regards,
Emma & The Four-Leggers