This is a Hoss retirement update.
Many folks ask me how can I possibly let one of my prized sled dogs retire to another home. As I always say … it takes the right human combined with the right dog. I just got a letter from Tom in Pennsylvannia and you’ll see that from what he says, they certainly make that perfect combination.
“Hoss is the hit of the neighborhood! He is so well-behaved compared to the other mutts on the hill. He did go visiting the other day, though. I usually let him lay outside in the front yard when I am home and he doesn’t go wandering. I check on him from time to time, just to make sure he’s not getting into any trouble (like what trouble could happen here?…..)
Well, he disappeared and came back after a few calls. He came loping up from the neighbor two doors down (they have a lab puppy and it was trash day) but there didn’t seem to be any ruckus.
He has taken over MY spot on the couch!! Now that is going too far.
We got him a bed, what more does he want? No, he is NOT getting my spot on the bed. He can sleep in my tent any time, but a man’s home is his castle (ha, ha).
He is becoming every retired sled dog’s dream…a pampered pup!”
Hoss looks so content! Wasn't he the one that you had to keep "encouraging" to keep moving on our trip? Looks like he loves being a couch potato!
Linda Finkel
Hi Aliy, I have eight Siberian Huskies and I cannot trust any of them off leash. I have a large shaded fenced backyard that keeps them from wandering off and getting in trouble. Can you trust your sled dogs off lead? You probably can in your kennel and when in your enviroment. But can you trust Hoss to be the same dog when he is living in Pennsylvania with Tom? I sure would to be sad to read of Hoss getting runover by a vehicle or shot by a irate neighbor. Sorry for butting in on this happy post.
To ANONYMOUS with 8 Siberians….
I guess the bottom line is that some dogs I trust off leash and some I don't. In the 7 years I had HOSS, he never had that extra energy or mischievous nature to get in trouble. When he ran around here at the kennel, he would jump off his house run directly to the garage door and sit there until I let him inside. He did the same on the North Slope or in Nome. Honestly, it was hard to "encourage" him off of the sleeping bag and out of the tent during our Mushing Adventure Trips.
On the other hand…. HE STILL IS A DOG. So, yes, he needs supervision. I think that Tom and Hoss are still working out the details of their life together.
Feel free to "Butt in" anytime.
ALIY
Believe me, I wouldn't let Hoss wander around the neighborhood. Even though we live on a rural, dead-end street, there is traffic. I am very careful about his whereabouts. It is summer here, and hot. There is a shade bush next to the porch, which Hoss has staked out as his siesta haven.