more photos of Keowee

written by Kyler

The kennels were full throughout March so we had all of the dogs at home most of the month. I'd gotten accustomed to saying "No more dogs" when I got a call about a Husky on April 1.

This boy was found as a stray in Lafayette. His rescuer, Amy, has a Golden Retriever, two Chihuahuas, a cat, and two little boys. She said that Keowee got along beautifully with everyone right from the start. That impressed me. I wouldn't expect that from a Husky, especially not a young intact male Husky who has been on the street.

I met Keowee in the evening on his way home from a long car trip. I immediately noticed that he seemed alert but comfortable. We brought him into the Klondike Canine Academy fenced areas and even though the five dogs I brought were barking at him he seemed at ease and was comfortable greeting them through the fence. I first introduced him to our old girl, Grazie. Normally she'd tell off a pushy young male but he didn't even try to push her buttons. In fairly quick succession I introduced him to the rest of the pack and he just fit right in like he'd been with us a week. He wasn't afraid or submissive but he wasn't overbearing. Even Morgan couldn't find anything wrong with him. Amazing.

Amy had called because she was in a bind and needed help finding a rescue for this guy. I was thinking I could at least photograph and evaluate him and pass along the info to a couple Husky groups I know but I quickly discovered that this was an exceptional dog and decided to work with him.

Amy handed him over to me and I put him in the kennel with some food and water before leaving. He didn't seem to mind the barking dogs as we walked through the main kennel area and he went in his run without complaint. I returned that night to find him relaxed and the run clean. I took him out through the playgroup areas and he remained interested in his surroundings yet relaxed. I had no problem leashing him when we were done; he seemed ready to return.

Keowee already had a checkup and rabies vaccine while with Amy. He has now had a checkup and vaccinations at Blair Animal Clinic. The people who handled him were quite impressed with how relaxed he was during the exam.

Keowee was neutered on April 7, 2008. He has been doing well since and has attended some training classes. He gets along beautifully with other dogs and does well in class except for...well...being a Husky. (He pulls.)

In May we were contacted by Keowee's original owner! We are still working on details but if Keowee stays with us it will be especially important that he be placed locally so that his first family can visit him.

2008-07-05: Gosh! I've neglected to update this page. Keowee is just such an easy-going guy that there hasn't been much to write. He's been to some classes and he goes home with kennel staff sometimes but a couple days ago I took him to a family who visited playgroups and enjoyed him. There are three boys in the family and it sounds like they've been keeping Keowee active. His foster mom was surprised at how well Keowee fit into the family. I'm happy that he is back in a home with children.

2008-07-14: Keowee escaped from his foster home again today. He returned and I brought him back to the kennel just in time to go through the AKC Canine Good Citizen testing. We'd obviously not prepared for it but he did a great job and passed! Go Keowee!