Tuesday, June 29, 2010

The Making of a House Dog

In the world of sled dogs, sometimes you find that one special dog.



With a special name...


Broccoli

When he first came to us this spring, we knew immediately that he was special...
As if his soul had a hint of those dogs that had come before him.



Satchmo


Scooby



And Hootch...our sweet big lug of a bear.

 All three have been our house dogs and protectors over the last 10 years.

Hootch regrettably passed on a couple summers ago, from an osteosarcoma that was hard fought.

Satch, who was nearly 18, passed away this spring, with no regrets, having lived a life fit for a Queen, which included being hand fed by Lance Mackey - mushing legend.

Photo by Pat Brighton

Scooby, who was Russ' very first rescue, followed shortly thereafter, unable to continue due to a failing body.

That left Zip...to carry the task of house dog and working dog.

The pain of loss lingers on, however we must move forward.


Seeing Broccoli and sensing his heart and soul, we knew we must make him into a house dog.



So the task began...we removed him from the dog yard and began testing his prey drive, necessary due to the husky blood that was coursing through his veins.

Then began the training with chickens, cows, horses, pigs, sheep, goats,
and...free-ranging rabbits.

Will Broccoli (aka Bubba) pass the test?


Stay tuned for Part 2 of

Broccoli Becomes the GG...Guard Dog and Greeter.







2 comments:

Connie said...

Dogs are such wonderful friends and helpers. May your training days go well and may you end up with a wonderful GG.

D.K. Wall said...

You go, Broccoli. We want to see you graduate to full house honors!