June 13, 2000

Contact: Scott Bluhm
(215) 412-0270
scottb@siberescue.com

SIBERIAN HUSKY RESCUE GROUP TO BRING DOGS TO CHILDREN'S SUMMER DAY CAMP

Concord Township, Delaware County, PA, June 13, 2000 – At 10:00AM on Tuesday, June 18, a local Siberian Husky Rescue Group known as Tails of the Tundra (TOTT), which finds foster and permanent homes for Huskies that have been found or turned in to shelters, will bring a group of rescued dogs to the Summer Discovery Day Camp at Newlin Mill Park in Concord Township, PA. Some 80 children, ranging in age from 4 to 12, attend this day camp.

“Most people not familiar with the breed think all Siberian Huskies look like Balto in the movie,” says Paige Bluhm, TOTT Vice President. “This is not true. They come in an incredible array of colors and sizes. Some have blue eyes, some have amber, and some have one of each! We plan to bring a variety of dogs to the camp so the kids can see and pet them and, hopefully, learn about rescue at the same time.”

Although Bluhm and her husband, Scott, who live in Lansdale, PA, have been participating in Siberian Husky Rescue for several years, they formed TOTT only a few months ago. They plan to bring two of their dogs. Rudy is a 75-pound Red & White male (large for the breed), while Pandora is a small Black & White female.

Dave Eberhart of Phoenixville, PA will bring Dixie, one of his rescues, who is a 32-pound female. Gerry and Cindy Hess, who live in Chester County and have taken in some 20 Huskies since getting into Rescue in 1994, will be bringing two puppies. Grady and Fred are 3 months old and brothers. Grady is dilute black and white (pewter colored), while Fred is black and white. Both have brown eyes. Other TOTT members who are available will also be attending with their dogs.

“We think this will be a very educational event, as well as a lot of fun for the kids,” explains Bluhm. We plan to tell them about the origins of the Breed and educate them about dogs in general, especially those who need foster and permanent homes.”

Tails of the Tundra Siberian Husky Rescue, Inc., a nonprofit volunteer organization, was recently formed to help find loving homes for huskies in shelters in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. In many cases, group members in Pennsylvania and New Jersey rescue these dogs from the shelters and care for them in their homes until a permanent home can be found.

Six dogs are currently in foster care until they get adopted and 10 to 20 more are awaiting foster care. Tails of the Tundra has about 31 volunteers in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, but more are needed to foster dogs in their homes, assist with transport, represent the group at events or donate items including food, towels and toys.

There are many reasons why these affectionate dogs end up in shelters. Many are escape artists who are picked up on the streets and are never reunited with their owners. Many owners are not prepared for the energy these dogs have and the exercise they require. Typical huskies are highly intelligent, easily bored and apt to get into trouble if they don’t receive proper obedience training and sufficient exercise.

Just like any other breed, huskies are not for every household. Although they can be stubborn and mischievous, they are loyal and loving dogs who enjoy family members of all ages.