By Janet McAfee
This week I had the pleasure of meeting Denzel, this Siberian Husky mix dog with handsome movie star looks. Denzel is a long-term resident at our local Riverside County Shelter at a time when fewer Coachella Valley residents adopt large dogs. He joined everyone at the shelter’s Animal Commission meeting and wagged his tail happily greeting the attendees. You can meet 2-yr-old Denzel at the Coachella Valley Animal Campus located at 72-050 Pet Land Place, Thousand Palms. They are open from 10am to 4pm Monday through Saturday. Ask to meet dog ID#A1778389 in a private visiting area where Denzel will happily greet you.
Denzel has not become kennel stressed after over 100 days in the shelter. He loves other dogs and has been kenneled with several other large breed pups. During cool mornings he enjoys playtime in the large outdoor dog park with the others. He promises to bring that same joy to the lucky people who adopt him.
Siberian Huskies are magnificent dogs with striking facial masks and piercing blue or multi-colored eyes, incredibly intelligent in addition to being beautiful. It is incredulous to see so many of these wonderful animals in public shelters throughout Southern California. And it is heartbreaking to learn how many don’t make it out alive from those shelters. In 2023 and 2024, more of these beautiful Huskies are ending up in shelters through no fault of their own.
The athletic Huskies can be a challenge for first time dog owners. They should never be left alone in a back yard when their humans are away. They require a great deal of attention and mental stimulation. Being a blend, Denzel has the same high intelligence of Huskies but tends to have a calm soothing presence. Mix breeds like Denzel tend to have fewer health issues and that means fewer trips to the vet.
A wonderful organization in the high desert, Luna Siberian Husky Rescue, struggles to keep up with the current influx and are not able to take Denzel at this time when so many dogs are in need. It’s up to us to make sure this fellow goes straight to a great adoptive home.
Shanna Roberts, founder and director of Luna Siberian Huskie Rescue, shed some light on why so many Huskies end up in shelters. Shanna cites the television program, Game of Thrones, as one reason for the increase. The program’s direwolves are awesome animals that are super-loyal, read the minds of their human companions, and fiercely protect loved ones. “Thronies” purchase Huskies on impulse from breeders without understanding the special needs of this breed and the work and commitment they require. Their high-pitched bark may create issues in apartment buildings or other dwellings with thin adjoining walls.
Shana cites the proliferation of illegal backyard breeding operations as contributors to the overpopulation of Huskies. There are simply too many dogs and not enough homes. Shanna states, “These back yard breeders provide very little care for the dogs, and they sometimes send out sick dogs to anyone who pays. There is often no vet care. Animal control does not have the resources to police these illegal operations. You can adopt a beautiful Huskie now at the Coachella Valley Animal Campus shelter.” There is no reason to go a breeder and spend thousands of dollars when you can adopt a rescue dog of any age and of any breed. Search for a rescue dog near you at www.petfinder.com.
Our local county shelter, the Coachella Valley Animal Campus, has some innovative programs to help dogs. You can foster a dog for day’s outing and enjoy their grateful company. Or you can foster a dog for a longer period to see if they are a good match. For more information, visit www.rcdas.org.
Game of Thrones star, Peter Dinklage, shares this important message with his fans and with dog lovers across the country:
PLEASE, TO ALL OF GAME OF THRONES’ WONDERFUL FANS, WE UNDERSTAND THAT DUE TO THE DIREWOLVES’ HUGE POPULARITY, MANY FOLKS ARE GOING OUT AND BUYING HUSKIES. PLEASE, PLEASE, IF YOU’RE GOING TO BRING A DOG INTO YOUR FAMILY, MAKE SURE THAT YOU ARE PREPARED FOR SUCH A TREMENDOUS RESPONSIBILITY AND REMEMBER TO ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ADOPT FROM A SHELTER.
Meanwhile, a special dog is waiting. Pay a visit to Denzel and you may fall in love.
