Silver’s Story:

Rescued Feb 2014 Adopted Dec 2014
I received a call in February 2014 from a lady saying there is a man who has two young Sibes he is no longer interested in keeping. Both these dogs were permanently on chains and so it was imperative we arrange a rescue as soon as possible. Whilst in the process of doing this however, we received word that the dogs managed to break free and escape from the yard. Several days later we were able to eventually retrieve the male but sadly, to this day, never found the female.

And so began Silver’s journey with Husky Rescue. I was away at the time Silver was found and I arranged with good friends and mutual husky lovers to pick him up and foster him for me. He spent a number of weeks with them but then circumstances changed and they were no longer able to foster him for me, one of the reasons being that he had started fighting with the other males. I then placed him in boarding due to my concern that he would upset the delicate balance of my pack of 30 odd huskies that live in the same space together.

A couple of very long months passed before a possible home came up. I was not directly involved with the screening of this potential home, it was arranged by the people of the facility where he was housed. One week after he was placed, I did a follow up visit and immediately upon arrival, I had my reservations about the success of this home. The people were lovely but the environment was all wrong. Farm with palisade fencing and free range live stock and poultry was for me, an accident waiting to happen.

Sure enough a week later I received a call from the new owners saying Silver had escaped from their farm and killed 25 chickens on the neighbor’s farm. They are no longer able to give him a home. So back to the boarding facility he went.

I visited him regularly to take him out for walks. As each day went by it was becoming more and more difficult to get him back inside the kennel and his anguished howls as I walked away shattered my heart and soul. I was becoming desperate to find this boy a good home, but there was just nothing in sight. I then made the decision to try and integrate him at home.

So early one Saturday morning I loaded Ruby, one of the huskies in our care, into the car, and we left our farm in Cato Ridge and drove through to PMB to re-home her. After introductions went well and contract was signed, I rushed off to fetch Silver. Rushed back down to Cato Ridge, dropped him off and picked up another husky, Apollo, and took him to his new home. After the introductions and contract were done and dusted, I finally headed home. Re-homing Ruby and Apollo freed up some space for Silver to come home.

In the meantime my mom and Shannon, a husky volunteer, decided to integrate Silver into the main husky pack, and by the time I got home he was well settled in, thank goodness because, by then I was also dead on my feet.

The weeks went by and we had a few hairy moments and a couple of drops of blood spilt between Silver and our other big boys, but fortunately nothing unmanageable. But it sure kept us on our toes. And then finally, a breakthrough at last and a message on Face Book, which lead to an email, and Silver finally being adopted.

After an extremely long day on the 31 of December 2014 I finally received a message from Sandra and Nick saying Silver had arrived safely in his new home in Cape Town via a long wait and plane flight. The days that followed were filled with regular messages and photos from Sandra with updates on Silver.

Well, if there was ever a match made in heaven it certainly was with Silver, Sandra and Nick. The pictures speak a thousand words but here is also message from Sandra in her own words:

“Hi Charnell, I can’t even begin to tell you how much love we have for Silver. And him for us! He is so bonded to me it’s incredible. I can’t move a meter without him being right by my side. He has this uncanny ability to convert his dinner to rocket fuel. The task is normally done around 5 am then he takes off like a loopy. He loves to jump into bed with us and cuddle. It’s just too cute. He nestles into me and nibbles gently on my hand. I JUST LOVE IT!! He is like my own real life little bear. I take him for a walk every morning alternating between the park and the beach, swimming and jumping over waves. I’ve joined three leads together to give him more space and save me from having to swim each time too. Silver often looks back at me and smiles with thanks. It makes my heart burst. I want to borrow a Go Pro video camera so I can get a video for you. Normally after his walks he is out for the count, fast asleep most of the day. In the afternoons he always comes to tell me to play. He LOVES his toys. He’s even learnt how to collect them off the shelf and entertain himself. He is such a darling boy. Hope you and the babies are well. Xxx”

Silver waited 18 months to find his happy story…. 9 months on a chain and then another 9 months in foster care and boarding facilities. It was a long wait my boy, but it was worth it.

PS: Just when you thought his story was finished…. I received a whatsapp message from Sandra late in March… “Hi Charnell. I hope you are well. I have some bitter sweet news I want to share with you before you see it on Face book. We adopted a friend for Silver from the Swartland SPCA. I had hoped to get another of your babies but when I saw the post about her on FB I felt I just had to help her. She was so helpless and desperate. She’s a silver grey husky girl. Was picked up as a stray so they have no history for me. We took Silver to meet her last week and it went well. I could not have been prouder of my boy this morning when we brought Agora home. He welcomed her in with a wagging tail. He is patient and gentle with her and even happy to share his bed and treats. I think he is happy to have someone to play with. He is such an angel child. I will take some pics and share with you. Much love xxx”

Well done my boy…. I am proud of you…

Sandra & Nick’s side of the story

I first saw Silver on a Facebook post from KZN Husky Rescue. Something about him caught my attention. At the time we were living in Brazil and there was no possible way we could adopt him.

A few months later he appeared again on FB and Nick and I were heading home to South Africa with our two huskies. I said to Nick, that when we return to SA , if he was still up for adoption, I would like to take him. There was just something about him, which made me keep thinking about him day and night.

Sadly, our two remaining huskies passed away, within weeks of each other, during our last eight weeks in Brazil. We were devastated – we arrived back to SA, without any ‘children’ or a home of our own.

Then one day Silver again appeared on FB again. I contacted Charnell immediately and explained that we were living in temporary rented housing until the renovations to our own home were complete. If she could keep Silver for me for another 3 months I would love to have him. The house that we were renting had no fence around it and there was no way I could have taken him at that time. Happily, Charnell agreed.

Nick then happened to be heading to KZN to visit family and an arrangement was made that he could go and see Silver in person. Nick knew at once that this was definitely the dog for us. We wanted a baby that was cuddly and at the same time fun and full of energy for life. One who could be calm and the next minute be bouncing off the wall.

Eventually after what seemed like an eternity, the house was done and it was time to make plans to fly Silver to Cape Town. The day arrived and I think both Charnell and I felt sick waiting for him to get to his new home. It seemed like ages before he was delivered to our house. When he got out of the van and into our yard, he ran around like a mad thing. It seemed that he remembered Nick as he would keep going to him. Eventually he relaxed and we were able to cuddle him and welcome him to his new family.

Every morning he jumps onto our bed with us and want cuddles. Generally, this means laying his impressive 34 Kg body (he’s a big dog) on top of me, and snuggling into my neck. He just loves to be held and stroked and kissed. Nick and I agree that is the best part of our day and if for some reason we don’t get our cuddles, all three of us have a terrible day.

Silver was the dream dog. He never did anything naughty – never dug holes, never ate plants or furniture, never messed inside. He walked like an angel on the lead – no tugging my arm off. We went for walks every day, around the neighbourhood or down to the beach. But I could see he was lonely. He would not want to go home if we hadn’t passed another dog on route. He always wanted to play with any other dog regardless of their size. So, after 3 months of being the spoiled, only child, the time had come where he now needed a friend.

My neighbour showed me a post on Facebook for a female husky at the SPCA up the West Coast. She looked so much like Silver, it felt destined. I immediately made contact with them. The kennel manager suggested we bring Silver along to meet her. The following day we headed off to Darling SPCA to meet Silvers new sister.

He was very friendly and happy to meet her. Sadly, she had just gone into heat and was a bit snappy. She seemed to be a sweet girl though very tiny and skin and bones. It was decided – we were going to take her. The next day, the home inspection was completed and the paper work done. We had to wait for her to be spayed and all her inoculations to be done before we could take her home

When Agora Agora (meaning now in Portuguese – as in her life begins now) finally arrived at her new home, Silver was overjoyed to finally have a sister to play with. He weighed twice what she did and it took no time at all for them to be playing all kinds of husky games and for him to be knocking her over with his brute force and doing his special bunny hops. He does this gorgeous bunny hop when he is happy – its the cutest thing to watch. The initial introduction was great – it was love at first sight for all of us.

By the second day things had started to change. Agora was very snarly and snappy with Silver. She would not allow him to come near me. I couldn’t cuddle him. She’s growl whenever he entered a room and she refused to play. It seemed to get worse as the days progressed. My poor little angel could hardly get to his mother without her snarling and biting him. By the 4th day I was at my wits end. Silver looked so miserable, I was unhappy, Nick was stressed. I have never contemplated returning a rescue dog in my life before, but this was now beginning to look like a possibility.

I decided to do a little research about integrating dogs. All my other integrations had been so easy. I had never experienced this before. Some of the things that I learnt in my research were that perhaps the problem was not with the dogs, but rather with me. This was food for thought. What was I doing that was perhaps upsetting the balance? After much thought about my actions, I suddenly realised that yes, it was me! I was trying to hold Silver in a place of dominance (top dog) as he was my initial baby, the bigger, male dog. To support this behaviour, I would pet him first, acknowledge him first, allow him inside first, feed him first etc. In actual fact, Silver is not a dominant dog at all. He is the most non-confrontational, submissive dog I have ever met. As soon as I changed my actions and began feeding Agora first and acknowledging her first things began to change and once again the house was filled with love.

Silver and Agora are the 5th and 6th huskies Nick and I have had the privileged of loving. Never before have any of our other dogs adored each other like these two do. They will lie with their limbs resting on one another. Agora shadows Silver’s every move. They are never apart. Even if one lags behind on a walk the other one will stop and wait. They are constantly kissing and sniffing each other. It is just the most beautiful thing to watch.

Since Agora’s arrival our little angel Silver has certainly learnt some naughty tricks. Together, they can almost pull me over when we go for our walks (their combined weight being more than mine). Digging holes is definitely way more enjoyable when shared with friends. And plants are a tasty in between meal snack. Does it matter? Would I change it? Not for a second. These two little creatures (together) are the love of our lives and bring a joy I could never describe.

My advise: If you are thinking of adopting – do it. Know what you are getting – the good and the bad and be prepared for challenges. The rewards are out of this world!

Sandra and Nick Hansen

Casanova

01/03/2007 – 18/03/2015

Apollo

01/03/2013

Koda

01/03/2008

Spider – Sparky

01/05/2009

Barbie Grace

01/05/2009

Kayla

Kayla’s Story:

Rescued May 2014 – Adopted Jun 2014

My journey with Kayla, Charnell and HRKZN.

My cousin suggested I “like” the HRKZN facebook page. I did… Not long after that 3 adults and 3 puppies were surrendered to HRKZN. I happened to see the post and mentioned I would be interested in adopting a puppy. All my life I have wanted a Husky, preferably brown with blue eyes. For no other reason than that they are beautiful.

I got a reply saying I must email Charnell, and a home check would be done with follow up visits, etc. I sent the email and waited, but in the mean time started googling everything I could about Siberian Huskies. Oh my word, was I in for a surprise. Since leaving home I have had, and always will have German Shepherds, a breed wanting to please, wanting to be your shadow, wanting to get trained. Oh my, were my eyes opened about Huskies. I came across an article on training Sibes. I read that one has the first 12 weeks to form the foundation of the dog you wish to have. Huskies can be trained – give them a reason. They don’t come when called!! They run gates and everything “bad” known to those who own huskies.

Oh I didn’t mention Charnell contacted me, I filled in the application forms, read the extensive info that was sent…. and then a home check was arranged. I was really nervous because Charnell hadn’t said anything that indicated I had passed for the adoption. I have an electric fence around my house and that apparently is child’s play for a husky to break through if they pick up a scent, or see something they want on the other side. So I had almost accepted that the adoption was a no-deal. Charnell made the long trek up to Nottingham Road on the Saturday before father’s day. Needless to say, what should probably have been an hour long visit, turned into an afternoon with cups of tea and plates of biscuits and cake, and so much to talk about.

Then Charnell said “when I bring her to you” …… I had to stop her and ask “sorry, are you going to let me adopt her?” Then the day arrived when my chocolate, blue eyed girl was finally coming home. Obviously it was love at first sight for me. Charnell was crying because Kayla had become such a part of her and her folks’ life, and is such a special little soul. Charnell was in a happy/sad place at that moment.

And so my journey with my adopted child began.

I started “Sit” and “down” training. These were relatively easy. I then went one step further and started on the “retrieve” command. You see, my boss was kind enough to let me take her with to work for the first 3 months, until she could hold her own with my 3 big dogs. In the quiet times I taught her to “fetch”…. Yes she fetches – and loves it! Although I do think it’s the tug-o-war when she brings the article back that she loves more than the fetching, but that’s ok, I’m always game. The fact that she happily fetches is the biggest plus.
Kayla automatically formed the most phenomenal relationship with my big Shepherd – 54kgs big, the moment she met him. Let me tell you it has been my saving grace – when she set off through the gate like a scalded cat running like a bat out of hell to who knows where!!!! I send Brutus…. I just say “go fetch” he catches up to her quite quickly, then I recall him and she follows. A friendship that really saves a lot of stress on my part.

So yes, the husky trait is alive and well as far as running the gate, oh, and digging. In the garden, in the water bowl in the kitchen – so it looks like a pond on the kitchen floor when she is done. Fortunately for me, about 2 weeks after she arrived she decided to take on the electric fence. She was hit really hard, and being Sibe she felt the need to check the other 3 sides, just in case there was a way out. Eina! is all I can say. Because of this she will NOT go through fences now. This property is very well fenced and I have watched her when she is on her sprint to nowhere – fences are no longer an option to go through….

It’s nearly a year since the little families arrived at HRKZN, and coming up to a year that Kayla has been part of my life and family. It has been the most amazing journey; I love her independence (sort of), her different way of showing affection. She isn’t a cuddle bunny but will come and put her head on my arm or lap while I’m watching TV. She has decided to sleep on the bed with me at night, right against me, her way of showing affection… I love the way she sulks when reprimanded. I will call her or try to pat her but she walks away and looks at me over her shoulder as if to say “Why? I’m busy now” and trots off in the opposite direction.

Yip, thats Husky….

Charnell, it has been a privilege getting to know you. The tireless work you do saving and rescuing these unique, misunderstood dogs, is amazing.

People, do your homework before taking on a Siberian Husky. Yes they are beautiful, but they run; they shed; they have selective hearing; they need loads of exercise. They are working dogs, and if they are not stimulated, they will look for stimulation in places you probably don’t want them to.

My Kayla brought light into my very dark life. She is entertaining; chatty; beautiful and adored.

Thank You HRKZN. Thank you Charnell.

Tracy Roberts

Poopsie – Poppy

01/05/2011

Mischief

Sebine – Lady

Bella Black

01/08/2012

Diego

01/11/2010

Sid

01/11/2010 – 12/09/2020

Anouk

01/12/2013

Anouk’s Story:

It’s anyone’s guess what happened to Anouk but after a few moments of thought I think we can accurately assume he had been abandoned by his previous owners. Anouk’s fate was about to change though when someone became aware of his presence sent out a call for help which landed up on Face book and galvanized concerned citizens into a rescue mission.

Anouk was a stray, a very thin and emaciated stray, who would hang around a specific home that had been empty for a while. The new owners moved in and eventually became aware of his constant presence. They made the call that resulted in Anouk’s rescue. Celeste Manfron from Animal Angels in Durban drove out to Phoenix to pick Anouk up and take him through to the vet for a checkup and neuter.

A few short days later he found himself on his way to Husky Rescue KZN in Cato Ridge because we were all fairly certain that he was a wolf dog. As much as I had seen his first photo that was posted on Face book it was still quite a shock to see how thin this poor boy was in reality. He was slowly introduced into the smaller of the two packs at husky rescue and to the pleasant relief of all present the integration went well.

The days that followed consisted of getting Anouk settled into the daily routine at Husky Rescue and feeding him three times a day to build him up and get him back to his ideal weight. The vet estimated that Anouk was in fact still a pup of about 12 to 14 months of age. Anouk settled in well and the change in him in just two short weeks was remarkable. The photos speak for themselves.

Anouk joined us just before Christmas in 2014 and he did not have to wait long for his ‘fureva’ home. Anouk was adopted by Nivedna and Shellan Mothilal and he has settled in beautifully with his new family and friend – Guenhywvar – and it was at this point that we realized Anouk was not a wolf dog but in fact a Swiss Shepherd.

A message from Nivedna, his new mom, posted on our Husky Rescue KZN Face book page 26 March 2015… “Dear Charnell Ruth and the entire team at Husky Rescue KZN thank you very much for giving us a new addition to our family. Anouk is the happiest little fellow around, we love him dearly, he is the perfect companion to his big sister Guenhywvar (who was initially his boss) but loves him to bits now. You guys are doing such a selfless act, we really respect and appreciate that, we promise that no matter what happens in life – Anouk will always be well kept, well treated and be just as important as Guenhywvar. Once again thank you so much for all that you are doing and for our precious ball of fur.”

Sienna

01/12/2008

Mya

01/12/2012

Jet

01/02/2011 – 01/05/2018

Roxy

01/02/2012

Blaze Red

01/03/2013

Mya

Blue Midnight

01/09/2008

Brae Runnig

01/09/2007

Zarah

01/07/2013 – 01/09/2015

Beauty

01/12/2011

Beauty’s Story:

It’s was December and the festive mood was definitely growing with each day as we moved towards holidays and Christmas. I had a gap between seeing patients so I took a moment to breathe. Then my phone rang…. I picked it up and hesitated for a moment to answer… do I want to take this call from an unknown number…. Could it be yet another dog in distress…. I hope not…..

“Charnell speaking hello?” “Yes. Good day, is that Husky Rescue?” ……. Damn….. why did I take this call….. “Yes it is. How can I help you?” “I am hoping you can. I live in Durban and rescued a stray husky from the street. She is not in a good condition and I am afraid to take her to the SPCA in case they simply put her down. I can’t keep her as I live in a complex. She seems very sweet but may have been in an accident because there are sores on her side….”

And with each word spoken ̧ my heart dropped another notch…. Another husky in an already over full rescue home and even more money – that I don’t have – for more vet bills ….. how do I say no ??? I hesitated and the lady on the other side of the phone noticed it….

“I am willing to pay for her bills if you will please just take her in and take care of her. Please consider it?” Now I could definitely not refuse!!

So arrangements were made to get yet another orphan to our Husky Rescue home in Cato Ridge. Little did we know the mountain that we would have to climb with this little girl.

First things first – we named her Beauty, that which we wanted her to aspire to, and become. After her initial visit to the vet we determined that the sores are not wounds but in fact a secondary infection as a result of demodectic mange. And so Beauty was put onto a strong course of antibiotics and a 6 week course of treatment consisting of dips and injections to deal with the mange. Never in my wildest dreams though, could I have foreseen what Beauty would have to endure on her way to becoming better. What we saw when she arrived was only the tip of the iceberg.

As the days ensued her entire little body erupted into a massive sore. She lost all her hair, she was constantly bleeding from the horrendous and malodorous secondary skin infection she had to endure as a result of the mange. It was virtually impossible to handle her as she was in so much pain. Picking her up or putting a lead on her were tasks that we take for granted – but caused Beauty great distress. It looked as though Beauty would never heal, and within the first month, I thought we may have to let go and put this poor girl out of her misery. But I decided to persevere.

6 weeks of mange and antibiotic treatment and finally the painful infection started clearing up and her hair started growing back. In all this time she did not mix with the other dogs or go outside. She had retreated into her own little world and did not want to know anything but her bed in our bathroom. We were so pleased to see the first thin layer of fur growing back and slowly cover her naked little body. As her fur grew, so too did her confidence and desire to mingle and begin to play with the other dogs. Finally we could relax and start enjoying Beauty. In all this time, Beauty’s rescuer kept in close contact with us and whenever Beauty needed any medical care she would willingly assist with the financial side. Beauty’s progress continued, and all who had been to visit and saw her condition were as pleased as we were that she was on the mend.

Just as we thought the battle had been won we noticed a couple of little scabs on her head. I certainly did not pay much attention to them as they did not seem like anything to worry about. And before I could wipe my eyes out the mange and secondary skin infection flared up again. I was horrified and very confused. We had done everything by the book and completed all the treatment protocols and yet here we were back to square one.

Sarcoptic mange is the infectious mange you will typically see on township dogs for instance. It is generally not as bad as demodectic mange and certainly much easier to treat. Demodectic mange on the other hand, results directly from a dysfunctional immune system and is much more difficult to treat.

After seeking a second opinion we realized that we should have continued monthly treatments for a longer period of time following the initial weekly treatment regime of 6 weeks. So back onto mange and antibiotic treatment following the same cycle again. Once again she erupted into a giant walking, smelly, bleeding sore, while losing all her hair. And of course, she retreated back into her little world again. Once again we stood before the unpleasant decision of having her put out of her misery……

We had her on numerous supplements during this time to assist her recovery process. We had assistance from not only her rescuer, but also from Farrah and Arlene Maharajh from Feeding the Furballs NPO. These 2 precious ladies organized donations of special food to help with the skin problem. They also brought Beauty a sheepskin bed and blanket to make her life a little more comfortable. Finally Beauty came around into remission once more.

In the mean time she was unsterilized and had already been through two seasons in the year she had been in our care. Four months after her full recovery, I booked her in and had her spayed. Within the next month she started showing signs of yet another relapse but we whisked her off to the vet so fast she did not even know she was in the car!! There was no ways I was walking this road for a third time. Fortunately we were able to nip it in the bud and she recovered quickly and well. Many lessons were learnt from Beauty during this very painful journey with her. Today Beauty is full of the joys of life and brags with a gorgeous thick fur coat and is waiting patiently for her forever home. One thing is for sure, Beauty would never have survived fending for herself while having to endure all that she had come through.

We are happy to share her happy ever after with you with her adoption in December 2015 by an awesome family. She enjoys jumping on the trampoline, car rides and beach runs. She has truly blossomed in the Beauty we envisaged her to be.

Blaze

01/04/2010

Balto

01/03/2008

Blaze – Bella

01/12/2009

Candy

01/12/2009

Frosty – Blue

01/03/2010

Lady

01/04/2010

Leah

01/04/2010

Mia

01/04/2008

Sid

01/04/2009

Misty

01/05/2009

Miya

01/05/2011

Mandy Pheonix

01/09/2010

Nanook

01/02/2009 – 01/07/2016

Rocky

01/03/2011

Sparky – Savanah 1

01/03/2010

Saskia

01/02/2008

Zorro

01/06/2000 – 01/12/2012

Kia

01/12/2006 – 01/07/2018

Max

01/12/2008 – 05/05/2019

Shadow

01/12/2011 – 01/10/2016

Catie

01/06/2012 – 01/09/2014

Luka

– 23/01/2023

Twilight

12/03/2012

Misty

01/01/2010 – 01/03/2017

Meisiekind – Missy

01/01/2006

Jack

01/01/2010

Tiny-

01/01/2011

Savanah 2

01/01/2014

Zhara

Tyson

Mischa

01/03/2018

Max

Max’s Story:

Rescued Feb 2015 Adopted March 2015

The last thing on Candice’s mind as she was taking her foster furchild, Tyson, for an early evening walk a few days after Christmas, was finding a corpes lying in the veldt on her route…. Tyson, rescued by PACT after being abandoned by his owners became aware of something and determinedly brought his discovery to Candice’s attention. Candice decided to err on the side of caution and take Tyson back home first for the sake of his safety and call in the help of Neeri, the other lady who runs Phoenix Animal Care and Treatment (PACT), sadly an area rife with animal neglect, abandonment and abuse.

The two ladies returned to the scene of Tyson’s discovery to find this…..

They were quite convinced that the little body lying there had left this earth, but on closer inspection discovered that somehow he was still breathing. They were able to carefully pick him up and rush him to the only emergency after hours vet in the area. The vet on duty gave this little mite one look, poked him with her pen and said one word…. Euthanaze!!!

Neeri and Candice were both upset and argued with the vet to at least give the dog a chance. Monday morning he was transferred to their regular vet in Umhlanga, and Dr Landsberg and staff from the Ridge Vet, being the amazing welfarists that they are, did not hesitate to start taking care of his primary needs. And he found his name…Max….

Max is a little guy of medium build, was grossly malnourished, full of mange and the resultant secondary shin infections and he had two fractures to his jaw. Blood work also revealed a severe anemic state from erlichiosis, a chronic insidious type of tick bite fever.

And so his long arduous journey to recovery began with appropriate meals, medicated baths and antibiotics to bring him back to health. In the meantime they had put out an urgent call for help for the financial implications of Max’s treatment on Facebook. Husky Rescue SA (HRSA) was tagged and they agreed to accept responsibility and take Max on. R3000 was raised initially for Max and the balance was covered by HRSA whilst Husky Rescue KZN became involved in coordinating and overseeing Max’s treatment. Two weeks later Max had gained just over a kg in weight and we transferred him to Kloof Village Vet under the watchful eye of Dr Craig Mostert and his excellent team of doctors and nurses.

Another two weeks of continuous care and eventually his blood work revealed that he was strong enough to undergo anesthetic to wire the two jaw fractures and snip and chip at the same time. The operation was a success and Max was well on his way to recovery. The wires were to stay in place for a month allowing the jaw to heal.

He received many visitors during this time and it was wonderful to watch his little personality unfold and develop under the hands of those that poured love and attention on him. From the day I met him, the expression on his face spoke volumes in terms of the suffering he endured but his gratitude was also evident in the little tail wag which was constant, a tail wag that grew into a blurr of happiness with each day as he grew stronger and came to the realization that he was now safe and loved.

Finally the day came that he was fit for discharge, so off to join the howling hounds of Husky Rescue KZN we went where he would be fostered until a home was found. We hardly arrived when an email and a couple of whatsapp messages came through and we were on our way two days later to do a home check in Durban.

The home check was successful, albeit Max’s interaction with the four family cats was dubious to say the least. But his new family were keen to give it a try. Two weeks later, I think it is safe to say, Max has settled, is no longer chasing the cats but in fact,has aligned himself with Starsky – and together they terrorize poor George, the big ‘little’boydog of the house. As the days have gone by Max’s personality has evolved into a naughty mischievous gregarious little fellow who is actually still a pup at heart…. dubbing him with a new name….Maximus Hilarious!!!!

Max, incidentally,means ‘greatest’ and was most certainly an appropriate name for the lead character of a great rescue story. We all know the famous Gladiator’s name was Maximus, and that he was sold into a life of deprivation and slavery, as with all gladiators. For them the only thing
that made their life worthy was to die with honor. I believe Max had curled up into a little ball that day and had given up on life, just wanting to die….

But someone found him, saw his worth and gave him another chance to live a life of honor, to be a hero…. An inspiration to all of us… proof that we all deserve a second chance and that when given that second chance, to make it count!!!

Many people were instrumental in aiding Max on his road to recovery, and making his story one to remember…. You know who you are…. To all the heroes, especially Tyson, Candice and Neeri, that helped Max the Gladiator… we salute you!!!

Shadow

Shadow’s Story:

Shadow was rescued from the streets of Springfield with a snare around his back leg. It was clear that he had been a stray for some time as he was in a poor condition. The damage from the snare was extensive and deep, leaving a significant amount of bone exposed.

Shadow’s rehabilitation was going to require more than a quick fix and a couple of dressings. His rescuer came to the realisation that this was going to be a lengthy and expensive journey for Shadow and as a result Shadow found himself in the care of Husky Rescue KZN. And so began our very long journey with a frustrated and aggressive Alaskan Malamute.

Twice weekly visits to the vet for dressing changes under sedation resulted in the bills adding up rather quickly. At one point it looked as if Shadow’s wound was not making progress and the possibility of amputating became a consideration.

We decided to persevere however, and at the same time our wish for all our huskies, also came true for Shadow as he found his forever home in spite of his serious injury. After 4 months of bi-weekly dressings with the vets, Shadow was finally able to tolerate dressing changes without sedation. And so we continued his wound care at home. One day he decided enough was enough and pulled his dressing off repeatedly until we decided to leave it. At this point 70% of the wound had healed well.

Finally, a wonderful early Christmas present was given to Shadow and his family when his wound had completely healed! Shadow has transformed into a beautiful boy with a loving and very playful nature and is now in a home with not just one but two sexy husky gals to keep him company.

Husky

01/04/2005 – 12/05/2015

Tokara-Callie

01/04/2014

Sheriff

01/05/2009 – 08/12/2015

Siby – Libby

01/05/2007

Shield

01/07/2013

Syzo – Shilo

01/07/2014

Mason

Samson – Max

Roxy 2

01/01/2015

Skye 3

Charlie

01/09/2011

Bella

01/09/2012

Ryan

01/10/2009

Mylie

01/11/2012

Sky Boy 2

01/11/2009 – 01/03/2019

Star

01/11/2011 – 22/07/2022

Big Red

01/11/2009

Max-

01/12/2014 – 08/07/2016

Luke

01/12/2013

Lucy

01/12/2014

Angel

01/08/2007 – 01/11/2016

Ben

01/01/2009

Beeno

01/01/2005 – 01/12/2016

Fudgie

01/01/2001 – 01/01/2014

Mischa

01/01/2005 – 01/05/2012

Cody

01/09/2007

Casey – Candy

01/11/2001

Vansky – Cesar

01/01/2011

Diesel Silver – Timba

01/01/2010

Galina – Kiera

11/12/2010

Isis

01/06/2009

Jasper

01/06/2010

Joshua

01/03/2009

Kierra

01/06/2009

Akira

01/12/2009

Nala

11/08/2011

Ruby

01/04/2009

Sky 1

01/11/2010

Snow

01/12/2003

Shadow (Red)

11/05/2005

Sasha

01/01/2007

Sasha Red

01/09/2009 – 25/03/2020

Rocky-Sky-Max

01/08/2002

Vanilla

01/08/2011

Ariel

01/08/2011

Shandy White

01/08/2011

Zoe

01/04/2009 – 01/05/2011

Sabre

01/04/2009 – 01/05/2011

Spirit

01/07/2004 – 01/09/2011

Diego

01/07/2007 – 01/09/2011

Xena

01/02/2009 – 01/10/2012

Goldie

01/12/2009 – 01/10/2012

Beau

01/06/2008 – 01/10/2012

Max

01/09/2008 – 01/01/2014

Lulu

01/12/2001 – 01/01/2014

Maiah

01/08/2003 – 01/01/2014

Duchess

01/11/2006 – 01/08/2014

Diezel Black

01/02/2007

MiaKoda

01/07/2009 – 05/02/2021

Rayne

01/03/2009

Mushka

01/03/2006

Thor

01/04/2009 – 14/05/2019

Tracy

01/09/2009

Boston

01/09/2009 – 01/02/2019

Ash

01/06/2008

Bruiser

01/08/2005

Chad

01/02/2003

Casey Grey

01/04/2005 – 01/12/2016

Diezil Red

01/02/2006 – 01/07/2018

Ira

01/01/2009

Ice

01/03/2000

Kayla

01/05/2008

Kishka

01/12/2005 – 01/07/2016

Lexus

01/07/2007

Levi

01/07/2008 – 01/01/2016

Max

01/04/2006

Natasha

01/12/2008

Nemo

01/12/2010

Nicky-Ange

01/03/2007

Panda

01/12/2009

Kei-Ruby

01/03/2008

Samara

01/06/2009

Shakita

01/06/2009

Storm

01/03/2001

Stormy

01/02/2007 – 01/04/2018

Shanzie

01/12/2007

Sabre

01/04/2008

Zoe

01/10/2003

Crysis – Caleb

01/09/2009 – 01/03/2010

Gracie

01/07/2005 – 01/12/2010

Jasmine

01/01/2004 – 01/09/2011

Tiger

01/02/2002 – 01/09/2011

Sasha

01/01/2001 – 01/12/2011

Cleo

01/11/2008 – 01/09/2012

Zeus

01/06/2009 – 01/01/2012

Winook

01/11/2006 – 01/01/2015

Enya

01/06/2008 – 25/02/2022

Slayer

01/08/2007 – 02/09/2018

Slayer’s Story:

There are many dogs that you love and then there are soulmates. I said goodbye to one of my soulmates on Sunday. I’d like to pay tribute to an amazing dog.

Slaya came to us shortly after my first husky soulmate passed away, and I always felt in my heart that part of Reuben had come back to me in Slaya. Slaya was regal as much as he was playful. And a chatterbox of note. He was initially put into our runs when he arrived and was also the first dog to break out with the express mission to move into the house – which he did. He broke new ground with me when we established the first official Sled-dog club for KZN.

He took us to Colesburg in 2011 where KZN was represented for the first time as a club in a national sled dog event. He led the first four dog carting team from KZN with style. We never taught Slaya any of the normal sledding commands. He just listened to us. Slaya pull over – and he pulled over. Slaya wait – and he waited while my mom jumped off the cart to do what she needed to do. Slaya off you go – and off he went leading his team. It was a big year for us. He took us to Fouriesberg, the next year’s sleddog National and led a 6 dog team in style again. He was our pack leader, our peacemaker, he supervised all the introductions when a newbie was integrated into a 50 odd dog pack. He charmed our visitors and he was a real water baby too.

Slaya my boy, we used to moan at you when you started talking because we weren’t preparing your breakfast fast enough – I would give anything to hear your voice again. You have left a gigantic hole my boy. Fly high – you earned your Silver wings and Golden Harness. You are by Callie’s side now – our two leaders – our mentors. We miss you today and always.

I forgot to mention that as I climbed into my car to go home after we had sent Slaya quietly on his way John Legend’s song began to play:

Here we are, under the stars
Here we are, under the stars
Heaven is not so far
Heaven is not so far
Heaven is not so far
Under the stars…

And I knew Slaya was close by still. ???

Shadow Black

01/08/2007 – 14/05/2019

Mia

01/05/2010 – 15/01/2021

Jordy

01/05/2010 – 23/04/2021

Kiara

01/01/2008 – 28/02/2020

Callie

01/11/2006 – 01/12/2016

Clyde – Czar

01/10/2007

Jesse

01/09/2008 – 25/02/2022

Mack

01/08/2008

Misha

01/12/2008 – 01/01/2016

Spirit

01/12/2006

Sham

01/10/2004

Sasha

01/07/2009

Trixie

01/01/2007

Buster

01/12/2004 – 01/12/2009

Sassy

01/04/2009 – 01/01/2010

Shyloh

01/12/2007 – 01/06/2011

Lexi

01/01/2008 – 01/10/2012

Snowball

01/01/2004 – 01/12/2012

Coco 1

02/01/2005 – 01/07/2013

Duke

01/10/2009 – 01/01/2018

Winston

01/10/2009 – 28/03/2022

Charlie

01/12/2017

Charlie’s Story:

Charlie is just a love bug with those deep drown in them chocolate brown eyes. He is lively energetic and playful but loves to cuddle as well. He is an indoor dog and needs to be with company.

Bea

01/12/2016

Bea’s Story:

Bea is the most amazing you husky girl with a stunning gentle personality. She is active needing exercise and friends to play with. She is an indoor dog.

Lexi 2 (Pup)

01/09/2018

Lexi 2 (Pup)’s Story:

Found as a stray in Phoenix. The family that rescued her were not able to locate owners in spite of advertsing widely. They could not keep her and handed her over to HRKZN. She is a very sweet natured outgoing little pup.

Max (Billy)

01/01/2017

Max (Billy)’s Story:

Billy was found as a stray. But was very sick and the people who found him could not afford to treat him and handed him over to HRKZN.

Ragnar (Rocky)

01/07/2017 – 21/04/2021

Ragnar (Rocky)’s Story:

Rockey and Riley are a young bonded pair that need to be homed together. They are only dogs so unsure how they would react to other dogs but are well socialized with people and children.

Ragari (Riley)

01/07/2017

Ragari (Riley)’s Story:

Riley and Rockey are a young bonded pair that need to be homed together. They are only dogs so unsure how they would react to other dogs but are well socialized with people and children.

Duke

01/01/2012

Duke’s Story:

Duke  and Nisi are a bonded pair that need new homes because their owners are relocating. The are both very sweet natured and well socialized with people and other pets, but not cats. They are indoor dogs.

Nisi

01/01/2012 – 01/06/2021

Nisi’s Story:

Nisi and Duke are a bonded pair that need new homes because their owners are relocating. The are both very sweet natured and well socialised with people and other pets, but not cats. They are indoor dogs.

TEST

02/01/2014

TEST’s Story:

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Sabre Black

31/03/2011 – 27/08/2022

Gabby

31/03/2011 – 16/09/2022

Alaska

07/04/2014

Shadow Grey

01/01/2016

Lew

01/01/2016

Jess

01/01/2016 – 27/04/2019

Storm White

01/01/2009

Mischka

01/01/2013

Faith

01/07/2018

Angel 2

01/01/2017

Elliot

01/09/2018

Dakota

01/01/2016

Blue

01/07/2015

Storm (AKA Biggie)

01/07/2013

Poppy

04/04/2019

Angel 3

01/01/2018

Kyra (Beyonce)

01/12/2018

Luna 1 (Gypsy)

01/03/2019

Storm (Roxy 3)

15/12/2018

Pepi

01/06/2019

Tia

01/06/2019

Drake

05/02/2016

Cinnamon

01/01/2017

Suzie

04/04/2019

Chloe 1

01/01/2017

Lexi 3

18/04/2017

Levi 3

18/04/2017

Luna 2

17/09/2019

Hunter

29/06/2016

Togo (Baloo)

01/07/2019

Duke 3

01/02/2020

BellaRoo

31/08/2016

Skye Red (Bonded to Storm Red)

26/06/2019

Storm Red (Bonded to Skye)

26/06/2019

Willow (Shadow)

06/04/2019

Fern (Storm)

06/04/2019

Dexter

18/04/2014

Merlin

21/09/2020

Callie 2

21/09/2020

Chase

01/05/2020

Shayla (Leisha)

21/11/2019

Holly (Honey)

10/12/2012

Ranger

01/10/2020

Rocky (Brock)

01/01/2020

Perdy

24/12/2008 – 13/08/2021

Luna 3

09/01/2012 – 28/10/2021

Nushka

09/01/2019

Mika (Skye)

02/02/2019

Blaze (Blizzard)

23/01/2020

Chloe 2

17/02/2012

Arya

08/02/2021

Toffee

08/02/2021

Cody

09/02/2015 – 10/10/2021

Shadow Black 2

23/10/2007 – 06/08/2021

Gruff

21/04/2018

Roxy 4

01/12/2019

Rollo

01/11/2020

Alpha

22/06/2019

Coco 2

11/07/2019

Maxine

03/06/2021

Shai Rogue

05/07/2018

Neptune

04/08/2021

Snowy

13/08/2020

Ozzy – Kabir

02/11/2020

Savanah 3

31/08/2017

Sky 6

03/09/2016

Chiara Tammy

28/05/2021

Bailey

01/08/2020 – 21/10/2021

Coco 3 (with Charlie)

21/09/2020

Charlie 2 (with Coco3)

21/09/2020

Hutch

13/10/2013

Lexi 4 (Bonded 2 Sasha 5)

20/08/2018

Sasha 5 (Bonded to Lexi 4)

20/08/2018

Charli

23/12/2020

Aniu-Sushi

15/11/2019

Thunder (Bonded to Marsha)

01/12/2017

Marsha (Bonded to Thunder)

01/12/2016

Hutch 2 (Bonded to Willow)

01/12/2016

Willow 2 (Bonded to Hutch 2)

01/12/2016

Loki

01/12/2018

"“Grieve not, nor speak of me with tears, but laugh and talk of me as if I were beside you..I loved you so- ’twas Heaven here with you.” – Isla Paschal Richardson"