Amid the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, and a day before Independence Day, an adult husky walked into a Houston-area Home Depot and collapsed. Staff and onlookers quickly rushed to the animal providing aid. Max, the husky in question, was drained, exhausted, malnourished, and suffering. Along with other injuries, a trip to the emergency vet also revealed Max to be heartworm-positive.
It is here that Houston PetSet, and our supporting neighbors, stepped up. While Max was being fostered, Houston PetSet covered Max’s expenses, particularly his veterinary care. As vets and fosters worked to bring Max back to health, the community responded by finding him a home.
When Shima first heard Max’s story her heart sank. “I called right away and spoke to the boarding clinic,”.
A friend had shared with Shima, an Instagram post regarding the need for foster assistance with Max. Shima, had been actively considering adopting a husky puppy from a recent litter at Texas Sled Dog Rescue.
“He leaned into me…and just melted,” Shima said. “He showed me so much love from the very start,”. Shima took him home that day. But there were still challenges to overcome. In addition to his health issues, Max was missing several teeth. Beyond that, was the adaptation Max had to make.
Adjusting to life as an inside dog had some challenges. For Max, even the sound of the ice machine was a new experience. “He was so confused by the sounds of the ice machine that first day…it made me question if he had ever been inside before,” Shima recalled.
Over the next few months, Max grew into his surroundings and overcame his health concerns. Today, you would hardly be able to question if Max was ever in need of a rescue. His personality has only further developed since Shima and Max’s first day together.
“He likes to talk. He’s very, very vocal…he knows his walk schedule and he’s very keen on keeping it. He’ll tell me if we’re past due.”
However, on that first day, Max was rather reserved. Shima recalled Max was quiet and extremely observant on their first drive home. Swapping from one window to another, it was as if Max was studying his new surroundings.
Max’s story is one of success. But, sadly, this isn’t always the case. It’s something that Shima is all too aware of. She says that his story, and his companionship, have driven her to become an advocate for both huskies and rescuing stray animals.
In the U.S. (and overseas) there are many misconceptions about huskies. At their core, huskies are working dogs. They require a large commitment, both physically through exercise and through time investment. Some who adopt these beautiful dogs are not prepared for the demand that can come with owning a husky. In recent years, shelters across the U.S. have seen bumps in huskies being abandoned or surrendered to shelters.
In a 2019 interview, Randee McQueen, Treasurer of the Bay Area Siberian Husky Club, spoke to the American Kennel Club about the influx of interest in the breed. McQueen cited the success of shows like Game of Thrones, as the show features wolves with some slight similarities to the huskies. McQueen stated that shelters she worked with would intake huskies featuring names of characters from the show. Another shelter she was familiar with reported a 20% increase in huskies being abandoned.
Responsible animal guardianship requires a full commitment. It is a commitment that the animal is owed. When we domesticated dogs 30,000 years ago (or longer) we made them a promise to provide them shelter, food, and care. Shima and Max are a glowing example of what proper animal guardianship should exemplify. Houston PetSet is grateful to have been a small piece of the puzzle.
To keep up to date with Max the H-Town Husky, follow him on Instagram.