Unfairly Labeled a Bite Risk, Samoyed Husky Mix Struggles To Get Adopted—Could You Give Him a Second Chance?
Snow—a male Samoyed x Siberian Husky mix—is a dog with a bite history, but don’t judge him too harshly before you know the whole story.
Snow was purchased off Craigslist from his owner who was moving and couldn’t keep the dog. The very same day Snow was brought to his new owner’s home, the new owner called the police to request that they remove Snow because he was “going crazy” and biting him. The responding officer happened to be a Husky Education and Rescue Team (HEART) volunteer and recognized that Snow wasn’t aggressive, he was stressed, and he managed to calm Snow down, leash him, and ask him to lie down without incident.
Snow was removed from his new home and brought to Animal Control—as per protocol—where staff spoke with both the original and new owners. According to his original owner, Snow had lived harmoniously with young children and was never aggressive but could be mouthy. Sadly, Snow’s new owner wasn’t prepared to deal with a stressed-out dog, particularly not a working breed and this led to escalated behavior.
Snow’s new owner was unharmed and required no medical attention after the “bite” but Snow is now stuck with a bite record. Snow was quarantined at Animal Control to evaluate for bite risk, and could only be handled by staff, not volunteers. The Husky Education and Rescue Team became involved thanks to their connection with the responding officer, and shelter staff spoke with Animal Control, fearing Snow could be euthanized because of his past.
A Network of Volunteers Works Quickly To Save Snow
“The shelter staff listened to our Volunteer’s initial observations, and quickly became invested in his well-being, too,” says staff from HEART. “After his quarantine, the shelter evaluated him and determined he was only able to leave with a rescue partner. That means he’s not able to be adopted by the general public due to his bite label.”
Acting quickly, HEART contacted their insurance to explain the special circumstances surrounding Snow’s bite record, since their policy does not typically allow them to take in bite cases. Thankfully, they were given the go-ahead, and Snow was taken from the shelter into HEART’s care where he can be adopted by a member of the general public.
Now, Snow needs a home, and HEART is dedicated to finding the perfect person who can understand his need for exercise and mental stimulation.
Get To Know Snow the Siberian Husky x Samoyed Mix
Snow is a one-year-old male Siberian Husky x Samoyed mix, also called a Samsky. Because of his complicated history, Snow needs an experienced owner who can dedicate plenty of time to this young boy. “Snow is a young, energetic dog who needs lots of exercise and stimulation. If an outlet is not provided, it’s natural he could become frustrated,” says HEART’s description of Snow.
A large and strong dog, Snow will need someone up to the task of managing him on a leash, during play, at the vet, etc. Snow loves people, and gets along well with other dogs—in fact, Snow prefers a home with other dogs since he learns well by example and enjoys following a group dynamic. Snow is affectionate and cuddly, and loves to sleep in bed with his humans or snuggle up on the couch, but he’s no couch potato. Snow is high-energy and pulls on leash. Like many Husky mixes he needs a fenced-in yard and occasionally likes to vocalize to share his feelings with the world.
Snow is good with kids but would do best in a home with kids over the age of 12 since he is a large dog with lots of physical power. HEART also says that Snow’s future owner should have experience with working breeds.
Snow is currently with a foster family in Maryland and can be transported to neighboring states, or is available to anyone willing to come to Maryland for him. You can apply to adopt Snow online through Husky Education and Rescue Team.
What is a Samsky?
A Samsky (or a Samusky) is a mixed-breed dog with Siberian Husky and Samoyed parentage. Samskies typically stand 20–24 inches tall and weigh between 35–60 pounds. Samkies are often accidental crosses of working dogs, but some are intentionally bred. Relatively uncommon, Samskies are often very high-energy and require experienced and patient ownership.
What Happens Legally When a Dog Is Labeled a Bite Risk?
Laws regarding dogs with bite history vary from state to state, but having your dog reported for a bite is never positive. Some states/cities/municipalities require dogs with a bite history to wear a muzzle in public or may impose additional liability on owners of dogs with a bite history. States with a “one bite rule” only hold dog owners liable for bites if they are being negligent or have knowledge that could predict the likelihood of an attack (like bite history). “Strict liability” states hold dog owners liable regardless of the owner’s behavior or the dog’s bite history.
Learn more about dog bite laws in your region in this state-by-state guide published by Forbes.
Read This Next
