How I Ended Up Getting a Siberian Husky

I was never the kid who dreamed of growing up and owning a husky. In fact, I wasn't even sure I wanted a dog until my 20s and I didn't think I'd be able to get one until my late 30s or 40s. I wanted a small dog, a tiny one that can fit in a purse. So it was a huge surprise to me and everyone else in my life when I committed to a Siberian Husky.

In 2022, I was working in an office I thought I would be at for at least another 3 years. So one morning I decided to go on Pet Finder and see what puppies were available in the area. I found one that seemed like a good fit and sent an email inquiring about the adoption process. I had also searched Craigslist to see what puppies and breeders were available in the area. For context, I didn't grow up with animals and had never had a dog. I was afraid of them at one point in my childhood. Anyway, that puppy ended up being adopted by a family and I hope that he's doing well wherever he is.

When I told my friends about this at work the next day, they immediately told me that if I was going to get a dog through a breeder, then I should find one through the American Kennel Club to ensure my dog is ethically bred and health checked. They also encouraged adoption and told me that for my lifestyle and lack of experience, it would probably be best to get an adult dog if I was going the adoption route. I ultimately decided to put a hold on my dog search and thank goodness I did because I got my dream job a few weeks later and had to move back in with my pet-free family.

Almost two years later, I finally had a place of my own and that dream job was no longer my dream. I accepted a job that had a hybrid arrangement so I could work from home a few days per week. Around the time I interviewed for this job, I began researching breeds, breeders, and puppy tips for first time owners through the American Kennel Club. Given that I was new to the pet experience, I was nervous to adopt a dog because I didn't know what to expect or what kind of trauma the dog would have experienced before moving in with me. So I decided to go through a breeder. I took multiple online quizzes, thought carefully about what I wanted my dog to be like, and what kinds of activities I wanted. Everything led me to Siberian Huskies, not tiny Poodles like I thought I would want. The only thing I was reluctant about was the shedding. Part of the reason I had always wanted a poodle was because they don't shed. But I loved everything I was reading and every video I watched about huskies. So I really thought it out and realized that shedding was one sacrifice I could make if it meant everything else about the dog would be a good fit.

Huskies are known to be super energetic, big, and loud. And I work full time and would be raising this dog on my own. So I had a lot of questions and did a lot of research because I wasn't going to get a husky if I couldn't give the dog a good life. I reached out to one of the AKC breeders I found and she was so sweet and helpful. She answered all of my questions and ensured me that she's given puppies to people in my circumstances before and it's gone well. So I was more convinced that this was a good idea.

Then, on my way to work that day, I saw a random stray husky running along the freeway ramp in a construction zone. It was all alone and there wasn't a single person standing or walking around. Think what you want, but I took that as a sign. It's also crazy because that was the day I was going to give notice to my office that I would be moving on to a law firm with a hybrid schedule and a different area of law. So I got to work, gave my notice, and finalized things with the breeder to get a puppy from her. This was March 2024, he wasn't born until April, and I wouldn't be able to get him until he was 8 weeks old in June. So it felt like a long wait since I started the process over a month before he was born but that gave me plenty of time to further research what to expect when having a husky. I watched YouTube videos, TikToks, searched Reddit, and read just about any husky article I could find. It's been almost a year now since I've had him and I can honestly say the research prepared me so well and I can't imagine him being any other breed than a Siberian Husky. His personality brightens up my day and all the work that goes into training has allowed me to strengthen our bond.

I don't think this process would have worked for anyone. You need to do your research before getting a puppy, especially if you're going to be raising it without help. I did what I could to make sure it was as easy as possible on my end because I didn't have help. Get informed about the time, effort, and money that goes into raising a puppy because it is a lot. It's not easy whatsoever but it's been worth every second and every penny.