Not as happy an ending as I would have liked. I took the pack to meet Santa yesterday:

I walked him on my own first for half an hour, then brought the others out to meet him in an enclosed play area. On his own he was a very (VERY) beautiful, if a bit distracted boy. Not used to human empathy. Perfectly happy to be led and handled, but not too sure about talks and cuddles. So happy to be out of his kennel he just talked and wooed to everything! I fell in love! He's a big big boy though. Probably a Huskamute rather than a full husky, though he could be a tall rangy Husky. He has a red mask, ears and legs, but a grey/sable body and blue blue eyes. He's absolutely stunning to look at. We brought the others out to meet him one at a time, Kismet first:

He stands on his collar like a proud and noble dominant male when approached by another dog, but this random display of hormones is soon overtaken by a big gallooting puppy bound and goofy grin. He has few or no manners with other dogs and this quickly got him into trouble even with the usually patient and mischievous Kismet. But after a few minutes of walking them together, then letting them mess about off lead, they came to an arrangement. Kismet was allowed to play on kismet's terms and santa had to learn some manners, he tried his best but a new dog was just too much excitement to deal with he galumphed about in circles and oofed and woooed at her trying to get her to play, then rearing and Huskaboxing at her, but he was rude and she told him so.

Things got off to an even rockier start with Pharaoh who was already unhappy about the cold floor and stony play area, once again the big gallot bounded in and once more he was firmly told off, but this time one of the dog handlers decided to spray them with water (it did sound pretty bad, though no one was hurt). Which certainly sent santa running, but also put Pharaoh off ever meeting him again. Once a treat was added to this pair though it was clear there were grudges held and no love lost, another mouthy noisy spat ensued. Easily broken up though and with no blood drawn to either party again. He may need to be careful around dinner time and treat time though. His food focus may verge on the obsession at the moment, but probably because he is hungry, he may settle once he has regular meal times and a full belly.

Selkie was more aloof as she is wont to be, but when the Galloot tried it on with her she gave her best matronly growl and snappy bark. He backed off at first, but the longer they were together the less afraid of her he became and mostly decided she was his best bed for a playmate. Poor Selkie tried just ignoring him, but it was clear he was just going to keep boxing her and mounting her and running at her and trying everything he could until one of them snapped.

Conclusion:

Sadly I do not think my pack will be the best place for him. There is no malice in him, he needs some time to socialise with other dogs and learn to play, but then he will need a quiet house to calm down in. Here I think he would push and push at Selkie or Pharaoh until one or both of them snapped. I don't think he would mean to hurt them, but someone would probably get in the way (probably me) and there would be tears before bedtime. Kismet and he would become a pair of hooligans. Without that human bond there with him, I dont think this would be the best idea either, if given a playmate, his world will complete and he'll not learn to listen to or love a human.

I think Santa needs an only dog home until he has formed a loving bond with a human and learned some doggy manners on the field. Then he will be ready to mix in with as big a pack as you like. But give him dogs first and he will never come to humans.

I can't stress enough though... He's a great great dog, if you took this guy on now it would be like having a giant tiny puppy. He knows nothing about the world, he was fascinated and curious about everything! He will be maleable and trainable and everything you could wish for from a tiny pup, just in a plus size ... He'd be fabulous with kids over 8ish, but younger than that he'd bowl them over or bash them with those dinnerplate paws, or treat them like another toy or puppy and there could be trouble. He'll need rules and discipline and may need someone with some strength as he fills out and puts that muscle on. But he will make someone the most fabulous pet.. I wish it could be me.... But he needs those manners first and some sort of close human bond.

I am going to stay in touch with Gemma and we will find this boy just the right home. If anyone here knows of someone with one or no dogs, looking for a dog to bring on, tell them to contact Gemma and snap him up, they won't regret it! I will continue to volunteer with the rescue if Gemma will have me. It was a privilege to meet Santa and to get to know him.

Thats such a shame, he sounds like a happy dog, I would volunteer but my youngest is only 4 (and a tiny 4 at that) and if he's as boisterous as you say she would be forever getting knocked over.

Oh it is a shame Magpye, but you gave it your best shot.
What is going to happen to him now do you know, surely they cant put him to sleep?

There are a lot of people on here who may be able to help. Could you PM some of them who havent seen this thread?

We will not let him be put to sleep. If that is the only option, I will still go and get him and he can stay here for a while but work a series of gates to keep his contact witht he rest to a minimum until he settles, But it wont be perfect, so we will hold out and hope for a better option. I will not let them put this amazing boy to sleep and I know neither will Gemma. We will get him a home...

Who do you think I should PM? I'm maybe not as familiar with Dogsey members... If there is anyone you can think of, feel free to point them at this thread. Santa deserves the very best. He is a fantastic dog with tonnes of potential. Just a big puppy.

Hi have sent a couple of PMs you never knowxxxx

I would just like to say a BIG thank you to Tansy! You are a truly amazing person and hopefully together we can find Santa a new home were he can get some much needed love and attention.
Thank you again and thank you Dogsey

Gemma
x

That photo does not do this handsome boy justice! The markings under his eyes are more pronounced than they look here and that whole mask is a most handsome shade of red.

Please dogsey folk. If you know of anyone thinking of a husky, looking for a big silly playful boy. He needs a few manners, but he'll get there. He's so puppylike, you can just tell he's going to be a joy to anyone who has some time to put in to his training

Hi All,

He's such a gorgeous boy. I'd have him with me for sure, but if he can't be rehomed with children then there's no chance. I have a 4 year old - albeit a stocky and very tall 4 year old in age 8-9clothes. but he gets knocked over enough as it is with Zane so it wouldn't be fair either on my Son or the dog.

He'll bring so much happines and fun to whoever he goe to live with. I just hope his new owners realise what potential he obviously has.

Laura xx

I wish I could