Cold and Wet Day for the Husky Hike

Aise and Illy at 5 1/2 mos

See how the "cute" factor just draws you into the booth?

It was soggy wet outside but the pools were still a popular attraction.

The wetter the better for this big handsome boy.

The Adopt A Husky Volunteer group

Aise got so tired, I watched her head slowly lower to the ground, being propped up by her nose.

Getting all of this attention in one day is tiring stuff.

Illy

Sasha digs in and pulls those tires up the hill. Maybe now she'll sit still! She's just like Wimzi and they're both in a nutso stage where I find myself repeating over and over, she WILL grow out of this.....patience, patience.

And the hike begins.

It's becoming a tradition that the Husky Hike each year takes place on a cold and wet day. Not next year! Nope. We've got to send our wishes for a nice day out to the clear sky gods for next year. At least this year we didn't have horrific thunderstorms!

Each year the Adopt A Husky organization, a Siberian Husky Rescue group, holds a day of fun where you can come out, hike with your dog of any breed, listen to live music, buy neat stuff and bid in a silent auction. All of the proceeds go to help save the lives of our Siberian Husky friends. This year's turnout was a tad down and likely having to do with the fact that it is Minnesota's fishing opener. It can be hard to compete with the fisher people, thus the low attendance.

Points Unknown attended to support the organization, to sell Redpaw and to hand out information about our winter adventures. Aise and Illy came along to add the "cute" factor and for ongoing socialization. Sasha, Wimzi's sister, attended last year and came again this year with Chris to be the demo dog for our impromptu pull training classes. What an excellent example! She was so antsy sitting in the rain, waiting for something to do, that Chris attached her harness to a large tire and she took a few runs around the park, pulling it like it was a feather. So, we attached another one. She did an excellent job and really put her head to the ground and pulled those tires on the lawn, not slacking up the hills. Illy couldn't stand to be left behind and readily protested at the top of her lungs.

Both Aise and Illy enjoyed the one on one time with me as we took turns walking around the park, meeting people and dogs. They even had their first experience with a live band. Heads cocked side to side at the little box with all of the sound coming out of it.

Illy has come a long way since her first puppy class when she screamed bloody murder when an 8lb terrier jumped up to play. She now approaches with more confidence but makes it very clear that she would prefer they don't try to eat her as she will typically squat for a submissive pee and tentatively lick a chin. Aise displays the behavior I've seen many of my Hedlund Husky pups display. Even as very young puppies, they will not tolerate another puppy or dog they don't know flying into their faces. They are more reserved and like to get to know other dogs slowly and "properly"; approach slowly and extend the doggie handshake (translated as sniffing rear ends). Then when the proper body language has been displayed, they can begin to play but only if all of the initial criteria has been met to a "T". If not, a quick snap to the face will surely remind them. And if they insist on being improper, well, the Hedlund Husky will turn their noses up and walk away as if to say, "You've been given all of the chances you're going to get". They seem to much prefer the company of a human than another dog outside of their pack and tend to stick closest to those with the best treats.

It was sure nice to see all of those familiar faces today from the volunteers that made the day happen to those folks that have been attending the hike for years. Fingers crossed that they were able to take in the donations they were expecting, despite the weather. If you would like to to donate to an excellent cause, you can so do by going to their website by clicking here.