Age: 10 years old
Breed: Husky mix
Energy Level: Low to medium
Size: Large, approx 60lbs.
Dogs. Yes, please! I find comfort in having other dogs around – low energy females are best!
Kids. Dog savvy, please!
Cats: No cats or other small animals other than dogs.
Medical: Mild arthritis in his hips and knees. Underwent successful entropion surgery.
Special needs: Currently on supplements (green lipped mussels). Would do best with another dog around.
Nasa is a recently retired sled dog now looking for his permanent retirement home! He’s an easy going kind of dog and is described as laid back by his foster. He loves to carry things around the house, whether it be his toys, his food bowl, etc. He takes great pride in putting things where he thinks they belong (aka in his crate for safe keeping)! Thankfully, he doesn’t chew or destroy anything. His crate is definitely his safe space, and he frequently hangs or or naps in there on his own.
Car rides are always interesting with Nasa, as he can be a bit stressed. But once he recognizes he’s going somewhere fun, he likes to sing songs, often completely out of tune – he sounds more like a mix between Chewbacca and a howling husky.
He is very food motivated and loves to politely look at his human eating, hoping that some will fall for him to catch. He loves to be in the kitchen when food is being prepared and considers himself an excellent taste tester. Carrots are his favourite!
Nasa is fully crate trained & will choose to hang our in there on his own. He is also non-destructive when left uncrated and alone. While he’s still a bit nervous, he is always happy to see his foster and will greet him with tail wags, but does not jump or bark. He seems more comfortable around women than men.
Nasa is great with other respectful dogs, little or small. But females are best! As with most huskies, he does have a high prey drive and may take you for a ride if a squirrel runs by in front of him. Because of this prey drive, cats or small animals are not recommended at home. Nasa has lived with a 7 year old human and was great with her!
Nasa is not a terrible puller on leash, but he still loves to walk ahead of his people – typical sled dog fashion! His leash skills have greatly improved from when he first came into care, and he is currently walking on a harness. Don’t let his age fool you, he loves his walks, although as a result of his mild arthritis, supplements are recommended. Nasa will also take himself for an adventure if he gets loose so no off leash time for this guy unless in a fully secured area. For this reason, a GPS tracker is recommended.
Nasa is still working on his housetraining skills. He does give some clues as to when he needs to go outside, but his biggest issues is some stress poops when he is somewhere new.
When Nasa first arrived in care, he showed some resource guarding (crate or favorite laying spot in the living room). Although this has gone away, it could happen again in a new home, with another new dog. Nasa’s adopter will need to continue working on helping come out of his shell, helping him get used to new surroundings, and will need to understand that this old boy may always be a bit nervous by nature.
Nasa would thrive in a household with a female present. He’d love it if his humans are home more often (e.g. teleworking or retired) but also live a decently active lifestyle. Despite his age, he still loves to be outside, go for walks, hikes, etc. He can live with another calm, well behaved dog, females are preferred. Nasa needs a home where he can feel loved, receive affection but also, a home where his human can dedicate time and energy to help him build confidence as he is still shy with people sometimes and to work on his very minimal quirky habits.
Do you think you can give Nasa a great retirement home? Apply now!