Rescue Me: Roxi Six-time escapee, Roxi, the Husky

Roxi

THE HUSKY FINDS HER FUREVER FAMILY

By Carie Broecker

This wasn’t her first time at the shelter. In January of this year, Roxi, a five-year-old Husky, was picked up as a stray. She was microchipped, so the shelter staff was able to track her record. The was the sixth time she had been picked up for “running at large.” The five previous times she was returned to her guardian. But this time was different, no one came for Roxi.

Being that she was an older dog (anyone over the age of two or three has a harder time getting adopted from a shelter) and she was vision impaired, the shelter reached out to Peace of Mind Dog Rescue (POMDR) to take Roxi into their program.

POMDR had the perfect foster home for Roxi. Foster dad, Sandy Ettinger, has been fostering dogs for 18 years. He is most inclined to foster older, abused, stressed out, or medically challenged dogs. Huskies, in particular, call out to him because of their sense of endless joy and adventure, as well as their resilience and sense of can-do. (Even when you don't want them to!)

Sandy has also been a volunteer with NorSled Husky Rescue since 2006. His niche, besides fostering when he can, is providing transportation for Huskies (known as the “freedom ride”) from shelters to rescue groups. Sandy has transported 130 Huskies, giving them a second chance at a loving home.

Luckily, Sandy had a foster opening at his house so he brought Roxi home. Sandy fostered Roxi for three months and said she was a joyful handful. He spoke with a number of potential adopters. They were all well intended but none of them understood Huskies until Katie and Duff Fitzgerald came along.

Katie says that when the pandemic hit and her family was home all the time, they started looking for a second dog as a friend for their Labrador mix, Kohl. And they also wanted to give an adult dog a second chance.

When they saw Roxi on the POMDR website, they almost skipped over her because Huskies have a reputation for

“Sandy said, “The dogs have to go with whoever's holding the leash–they usually don't vote. With me, they do. Roxi made it clear that she really liked them and their home.

being a difficult breed, but Roxi’s bio said she was laid back. Katie spoke with Sandy, and Roxi’s temperament actually sounded like a good fit for the family.

Sandy thought the Fitzgeralds, their two children, Claire and Duncan, and Kohl, were a perfect match for Roxi. He thought they could give her as good or better a home than he could. That is the deal he makes with all his fosters.

The Fitzgeralds live in a forested area with a huge fenced play yard for Roxi to get the exercise she needs, and Kohl is a fine dog companion for her to romp with. The Fitzgeralds also went the extra distance by building a roller-topped, Husky-proof fence to keep her safe.

But most of all, Roxi chose them!

Sandy says, “The dogs have to go with whoever's holding the leash—they usually don't vote. With me, they do. Roxi made it clear that she really liked them and their home and

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Invites you and your four-leggers to visit Carmel. Pets are welcome throughout the hotel, in the cozy living room or in the charming courtyard for lunch or evening appetizers.

surrounding area. On the second visit to their home, she couldn't wait to see them and play with Kohl. She was home.”

The thing Katie loves most about Roxi is her gentle nature. She is a dainty lady in contrast to their loveable but goofy, slobbering Labrador. Roxi and Kohl are best of friends now and Roxi is a permanent member of the family!

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