A case of work following me home

"CB" (jrcb) 11/07/2020 at 21:18 • Filed to: Nothing is husky proof

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Since everyone seems to be saying goodbyes as we don’t know who’ll make the next jump to where, I figured I’d share a story about how I ended up with the hellhusky known as Sammy.

It was the end of last December and my coworker and I were responding to an incident on our local reserve. As we’re standing outside, this lovely and sweet husky comes limping up to me. For those who have never been to a First Nations reserve in Saskatchewan, there are dogs everywhere. Some owned, some not, but generally they just kind of roam.

Anyway, this husky had a snare line around her left paw and was limping pretty badly. She came right up to me, but when I went to look at her paw, she took off. A local homeowner came by, and I asked if it was hers. She said no (funny how dogs aren’t owned the moment some semblance of responsibility shows up), said the dog had been like that for three days, and asked if we’d kill it . I obviously said no, as I had other things to tend to, and really, I wasn’t going to kill this dog . But she stayed in the back of my mind after that.

A week later, I was back at that homeowner’s residence, and lo and behold, the husky was outside, still snared, her paw swelled pretty badly . I knocked on the door, watched some people take off from the living room to the back of the house, and was left hanging.

I made some phone calls to a local vet, Animal Protection in Saskatoon, and my boss, and while I waited, gave some spare dog food to her, which she wolfed down. T he Animal Protection officer said they’d clear the animal being seized as a welfare concern and set up an emergency surgery for the line. So I walked over, picked up the dog ( who let out a small whimper) and took her back to my truck.

She rode around with me for the afternoon, just kind of hanging out, until I was cleared to drive to the nearest vet (an hour away). My boss and I got talking about a name for the dog, and much in the vein of Perry, we agreed on Sam Steele.

Off we went to the vet, who gladly took her in, and found out that she was Samantha. I took my photos and went back home.

We never found out who her owners were. They never fil ed a complaint of a missing animal (probably because they knew they’d be criminally charged for neglecting an animal ).

But she stayed in the back of my mind. A month and a half later, I saw she was up for adoption at a shelter, and was going by Myah . A few weeks passed, no one took her. A few more, still nothing.

So in early March I went to go see her. And she was so lovely and playful. The bio said she was quiet, though she immediately howled at me. Maybe she remembered me. I don’t know.

A week after that, and wondering if I was making a mistake after the last mess with my ex and a dog, I picked her up and renamed her Sammy.

Nearly eight months , several hundreds of dollars in damages, many lost potatoes, numerous walks, hikes and trips since, it wasn’t a mistake.

Thanks for reading.

bob and john > CB 11/07/2020 at 21:21

6

i’m glad to see you happy again man. Been a minute and you deserve it. 

VincentMalamute-Kim > CB 11/07/2020 at 21:22

1

You’re a good person.  I’m happy you persisted in doing the right thing.

CB > bob and john 11/07/2020 at 21:22

0

Thanks! It comes and goes in waves, but all things considered, I have it pretty good.

CB > VincentMalamute-Kim 11/07/2020 at 21:24

0

Thanks, me too. I have unfortunately become too stubborn, and have a dog who’s the same way.

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > CB 11/07/2020 at 21:24

2

That is quite a story. Sammy is a good dog and she deserves you. Or the other way around. Not sure. Hope to see you make the transition.

Just Jeepin' > CB 11/07/2020 at 21:26

3

Thanks for sharing (and obv s for rescuing): that’s a fantastic story.

I did have to crawl under a city bus once to rescue a GSD who’d been struck, but it probably sounds more exciting than it was. He ended up with me for many years.

VincentMalamute-Kim > CB 11/07/2020 at 21:28

6

Stubborn is in the breed description for Huskies and Malamutes. That’s why I love them. You have to learn to work with and around that.

And it’s always ‘like owner, like dog’.

This was one of my previous, Lance, my “Special Needs” Malamute on the right. He had a rough life before I got him too.  H is looks remind me of Sammy.

CB > Just Jeepin' 11/07/2020 at 21:28

3

That sounds like a sad but good dog story. Rescues are the best.

CB > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 11/07/2020 at 21:28

0

Thank you, and I’ll definitely make the transfer to whatever’s next.

EngineerWithTools > CB 11/07/2020 at 21:29

4

Mr. CB, I can say with confidence that you are the type of person your dog thinks your are. May we all be so.

Thanks for the story. I wish you both many years companionship.

CB > VincentMalamute-Kim 11/07/2020 at 21:29

2

Yup, I’ve been working hard to get her a bit less disastrous when home alone. Although I had to buy a fridge lock since she loves pork and ate my bacon and pork chops after getting the fridge open.

CB > EngineerWithTools 11/07/2020 at 21:32

0

Thank you!

She probably thinks I’m an asshole who feeds her and gives her a couch. She’s right.

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > CB 11/07/2020 at 21:32

1

Good. I’ve enjoyed your writing here. I’ll definitely be sticking around. Have a beautiful view from earlier today

Corm maze had been reduced in difficulty by a recent tropical storm. 

Cash Rewards > CB 11/07/2020 at 21:33

1

This is really good. Glad it's for the best.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > CB 11/07/2020 at 21:39

3

You are a good man, man.  Never forget that

VincentMalamute-Kim > CB 11/07/2020 at 21:40

1

oh my! I’ve had experience with an incredibly smart Malamute - got into fridges, cabinets, doors, anything. Intelligence in a dog is an extreme PITA.

My current, Rin, is dumb but so sweet and so easy to own with none of the annoying northern breed characteristics.

CB > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 11/07/2020 at 21:41

0

Thank you, I try.

sn4cktimes > CB 11/07/2020 at 21:45

1

Good choice. Huskies can be high maintenance, but damn they are loving animals.

Nom De Plume > CB 11/07/2020 at 21:48

1

Nearly eight months, several hundreds of dollars in damages

LOL, you can’t pick a single itemization on the bill.

Add those lines up and get back to us with a still laughably low figure we might begin to work with.

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > CB 11/07/2020 at 21:50

0

Hey, free puppy 

CB > Nom De Plume 11/07/2020 at 21:53

1

It’s got to be over $100 in food waste by now.

$2 50 for the crates she broke .

A hole in the wall which has so far cost me $15 to try to fix myself but may be more later.

A bunch of window screens and door trim.

Lots in bleach and paper towel for accidents.

And I bought the Alltrack to fit her (honestly, Sammy was one of the main reasons I sold the Fiesta).

So not that bad yet. But the years off my life in stress have to amount to something.

CB > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 11/07/2020 at 21:53

1

She was not free, after all the fees at the shelter. But absolutely money well spent.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > CB 11/07/2020 at 21:57

0

I’m glad she got a second chance. Huskies can be challenging but they are very good doggos.

CB > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 11/07/2020 at 21:58

3

Her moral alignment is dubious, but I love her anyway.

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > CB 11/07/2020 at 22:05

2

This is a wonderful story...thank you so much for giving her a loving new home, despite her being a beautiful monster :)

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > CB 11/07/2020 at 22:11

3

There’s no such thing as a free puppy 

boredalways > CB 11/07/2020 at 22:11

6

Why the fuck did I read this when I know I was going to cry tears of joy at the end?!

CB > boredalways 11/07/2020 at 22:13

1

The same reason why people watch origin story movies.

Nom De Plume > CB 11/07/2020 at 22:19

0

That’s almost believable as a justification during a good moment.  :)

Here I thought you picked her up in the middle of nowhere and brought her directly home.  Life saved, trouble adjusting begins.

CB > Nom De Plume 11/07/2020 at 22:21

5

Nope, I had a chance to let her go.

All my coworkers knew that wasn’t happening.

onlytwowheels > CB 11/07/2020 at 22:25

1

Good story, thanks for sharing.

Jewish Stig > CB 11/07/2020 at 22:28

2

I’m not crying, you are...

Amazing story, thanks for sharing

You sir are officially invited to dinner, on me, or at least a beer.

If you are ever in Seattle area.

Nom De Plume > CB 11/07/2020 at 22:29

1

I understand.  Man’s best friend.

phenotyp > CB 11/07/2020 at 22:30

4

Goddamn best.

I’m gonna miss the shenanigan updates.

All the best to both of you. 

CB > Jewish Stig 11/07/2020 at 22:32

5

Hopefully I can make a PNW Oppo 2.0 meet some day!

It’s a story I’ve been reluctant to share but I think serves as a reminder that rescue dogs are good dogs.

CB > phenotyp 11/07/2020 at 22:33

4

Hopefully Oppo 2.0 has plenty of room for husky photos!

Jewish Stig > CB 11/07/2020 at 22:38

1

My sister, has 2 rescues, they are amazing dogs, even though they have thier “issues”.

I love how they each have thier own personality, shaped by thier lives, they are so unique, almost human.

Its hard work, one of her dogs has some mental issues that i can only describe as some forn of PTSD.

And yet, after all that, thier love is unconditional.

Dogs are amazing.

phenotyp > CB 11/07/2020 at 22:39

2

It better. Monday I have to give my favorite dog ever back to his rightful family, and I’m gonna be lost.

CB > Jewish Stig 11/07/2020 at 22:41

1

Our first rescue was an absolute joy, but he had issues with things like cameras, belts, anything held while facing him, really.

My mum’s second rescue hated men and was racist. She’s gotten better, but it still comes back at night.

An animal has personality, it’s never going to be a blank slate. But I’m happy about that.

CB > phenotyp 11/07/2020 at 22:42

0

Awww I’m sorry to hear that.

But that means there’s room for a new friend.

DipodomysDeserti > VincentMalamute-Kim 11/07/2020 at 23:55

1

I have a border collie pit mix like this. He grew up with a cat, so he knows how to jump onto table and counters. I’ve come home to him sprawled out on my kitchen table.

VincentMalamute-Kim > DipodomysDeserti 11/08/2020 at 00:03

1

cute! You just learn to keep your tables clear.  Or he’ll do it for you.

ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com > CB 11/08/2020 at 00:31

0

This is good Oppo, and thanks for filling in the rest of Sammy’s story. I figured it was along those lines, but it is great to know the details.

I know you're on the discord, but are you planning on any of the other post-Oppo, Oppo hangouts?

Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo > CB 11/08/2020 at 03:26

1

Ok I’ve had a few to drink so forgive me if this story doesn’t make sense...

FUNNY ENOUGH I have a similar, but much less tragic, story about how I got Dog A. I was on a job out of town a the largest helium plant in the US. On my first day there I got to the visitors area, a big glass waiting room, and waited for my escort. While I was waiting, two dogs, a large white husky looking dog and a small chiwawa approach and try to get my attention.

Now... don’t get me wrong I’ve wanted a dog for a while and the husky looking dog was exactly what I was looking for, but I wasn’t in a place in my life where I could care for one. So, like a good boy, I ignored these obvious strays and literally turned my back and looked out towards the fenced in plant. So, of course, they squeeze under the fence so that they could get back in my eyeline. It was... odd.

The next three days proceeded without a sighting of either dog...

Until the very last day I was there. I was standing in a transformer yard and suddenly I get hit from behind. When I turn around, there is a dog showing all of its teeth at me, obviously having just jumped on me.

Having owned a Border Collie before I immediately recognized a nervous smile. Doggo wanted some love and TAG, I was it.

I finished my data collection with the dog following me pretty much all day. I lost track of it eventually until I was about to head out and started to talk to my customer POC. Turns out they’d trapped the dog in the shop and fed it some food, but were unable to trap its chiwawa friend.

Ok cool!

And the sheriff was on its way to collect them.

Heh. Ok.

Long story short (too late), I spent the next four hours trying to get ahold of the chiwawa and failed, utterly. In the interim the sheriff tried to load the other dog into his car and the dog FREAKED out...

...and ran to me.

The sheriff asked me if I’d help load the dog into the car and...

No. Fuck it. Load it* into the work truck.

And that is how I ended up with Dog A.

Ten years later, he is my very best boy and I love him dearly.

*I only call him “it” because at the time I assumed he was female based on mannerisms and build.  It was... shockingly late in our relationship I realized he was, in fact, not.

Beefchips > CB 11/08/2020 at 04:24

0

Aww luv u sammy! T hanks for sharing. Where’s the new sammy-post bolthole? drivetribe?

CB > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo 11/08/2020 at 08:33

0

That’s a great story.

CB > ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com 11/08/2020 at 08:37

0

I am, but I’m waiting for the dust to settle a little bit once we have one direction instead of the ten we have now.

CB > Beefchips 11/08/2020 at 08:38

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Likely, but we’ll see.