November 5, 2000

Contact: Paige Bluhm
(215) 412-0270
paigeb@siberescue.com

LOCAL GIRL SCOUT TROOP TO MEET AND LEARN ABOUT SIBERIAN HUSKIES

On Thursday evening, November 16, members of Great Valley Girl Scouts Troop 425 will be treated to a visit from a Siberian Husky rescue group, who will bring their dogs with them to meet everyone. Troop co-leaders Kathy McGrath and Ann Kotz view this as a wonderful educational opportunity for their scouts. The event will be held at the Church of the Nazarene in Macungie, across from the Eyre School, at 6:30 PM. All of the scouts have signed permission slips allowing them to be filmed or photographed at Girl Scout events.

During the visit, members of the rescue group, Tails of the Tundra Siberian Husky Rescue (TOTTSHR), will speak to the girl scouts about the history of the breed, what makes them unique, and how these dogs love to pull sleds in a sport known as “mushing.” The group, a non-profit, all-volunteer organization dedicated to finding loving homes for Huskies in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware, will also cover topics such as how to safely approach a strange dog and why dogs purchased from pet stores often have serious health problems.

Of course, one of the highlights of the visit will be giving the girl scouts a chance to actually meet the dogs, several of which are being fostered until a suitable adoptive home can be found for them. This year, 30 huskies have found new homes through TOTTSHR but there are still many more in area shelters or in foster care, waiting for a new family.

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 that enjoy family members of all ages.

To learn more about huskies, TOTTSHR or our events, go to our website at www.siberescue.com or contact Paige Bluhm.