Discover the Magic of Rescue: How Uki and Mihku Found Their Forever Home

There's something truly magical about opening your home and heart to a rescue animal, and my journey with Uki and Mihku is a testament to that transformative experience. Rescuing these two beautiful Huskies from 8 Below Husky Rescue was the beginning of a heartwarming adventure filled with trust-building, playful antics, and an ever-growing bond. As we navigated the early challenges and celebrated the joyous milestones, I learned invaluable lessons about loyalty, compassion, and the powerful connection that forms between humans and their furry companions.

Join me as I share the heartfelt story of how these wonderful dogs found their forever home and changed my life in ways I never imagined. 🐾 #RescueMagic #ForeverHome #HuskyLove #8belowhuskyrescue

The Journey Begins - Meeting Uki and Mihku

Uki

Such a happy girl with a huge zest for life

After losing my beloved huskamute, Ebony, I wanted my remaining dog, Nanuq, to have a companion at home. Since Nanuq is particular about other dogs, I knew I had to proceed with caution.

I chose to rescue because I believed I could provide a dog with a wonderful new life. Initially, I decided to foster, allowing me to ensure that the new addition would be a good fit for our family, and if not, to offer them a loving home until the perfect match came along.

I reached out to the incredible team at 8 Below Husky Rescue, who showcase a remarkable level of knowledge and passion for all the dogs they care for, both past and present. Their dedication is truly inspiring.

For both fostering and adopting, there is a home check and a discussion with the team about your situation to ensure you are matched with the right pups.

With Uki, I received a last-minute call for emergency fostering. At the time, I was living in Hertfordshire, and this was the day before the lockdown for Covid! The following day, I hopped in my car and drove to Leeds to meet her.

Upon arrival, I was greeted by the wonderful Jade, the founder of 8 Below Husky Rescue. We had to adhere to Covid protocols, so our hello was brief before I met a bouncy, excited little lady then known as Martha.

She eagerly jumped into my car, and I secured her for our journey home, marking the start of our adventure. The drive was long, and Uki was all over the place, trying to wiggle into the front seat. Even in those first moments, I sensed this might turn into a failed foster...but first, we had to pass one crucial test: The Nanuq test.

Mihku

Little Mihku is proving to be a little firecracker

After much contemplation, I decided to add a third dog to our family. I explored various breeds, and as a dog boarder, I observed many types, but I kept returning to huskies. Their independent spirit and the need to earn their trust and respect resonate with me. I appreciate that they don’t require constant supervision, which is part of why I adore them—they are true free spirits. While I considered larger breeds, my petite stature led me to decide on a smaller dog. Ultimately, I chose a pomsky, though Klee Kai was also on my radar, despite their rarity in the UK.

For months, I monitored various rescues and made inquiries, but living in Scotland made it challenging since many were in Wales or southern England, often requiring multiple visits. Then, Mihku's (formerly known as Freddy) adorable face appeared in a Facebook post. He was the one, and better yet, he was being rehomed by 8 Below Husky Rescue. I promptly messaged Jade.

After completing an application form and sending videos of my new home (having relocated to Scotland, I needed to provide updates since my previous home check), I received the call I was hoping for. He was mine! Now, I faced the next challenge: how to get him from Leeds.

While 8 Below Husky Rescue collaborates with some transporters, none were available at the time. Fortunately, fate intervened when a friend informed me that another rescue had someone collecting a dog from the same area. I reached out to them, and they kindly agreed to assist with the pickup.

Jade was fantastic; she immediately coordinated with them for the collection, even though this wasn’t standard practice. A few days later, Mihku arrived and seamlessly integrated into our pack.

Throughout both processes, 8 Below Husky Rescue was exceptional. Jade's dedication is apparent, and despite the team's busy schedules, they are always available to provide guidance and support, whether you're a first-time husky owner or an experienced one. They genuinely care for every dog that comes through their doors and strive for the best for them. I would not hesitate to rescue from them again.

Overcoming Initial Challenges

Bringing Uki and Mihku home was just the beginning of our journey together. The first few. weeks were filled with both joyous moments and unexpected hurdles.

With Uki she hid, first in the crate that I had set up for her and then under tables etc, I had to wait for her to come to me. while Mihku appeared very confident. Regardless of confidence or anxiety, I always like to give new additions space to settle. and I always remember the 3, 3 , 3 rule.

Uki isnt the most active but when she does run she goes for it!

Uki

Uki had clearly never seen the world, been on a lead or even walked. We had to totally start from scratch with her. She would dive into the road, pull, try to run from fear, everything. This training took time, lots of treats, short regular walks and allowing her to sniff and explore the world at her own pace. Even bringing her through the door back into the house needed a trail of treats. Once in the house she was much better, but the relationship between herself and Nanuq was wrought. Nanuq did not take to another dog in the house well. them space when needed.

I actually spoke with behaviourists for advice who told me to give her back! I wouldn’t give up on her or him so easily. 8 Below Husky Rescue were very supportive and understanding, so I did some research, I split my house in 2, for 5 days until both were laying either side of the gate together, et voila they were great together.

5 years later, Uki still pulls like a tank, but we have an understanding that she is perfect in every other way, so I accept this is always going to be her, she has a lust for life and when we go walking she lights up. She is the gentlest soul and everybody adores her. With everything she went through she has grown into the most balanced, relaxed and happy girl any owner could wish for.

Mihku

Mihku is our newest addition and only joined us in October 2024

Mihku has just fitted in from day 1 and has become the side kick for my male husky Tokala, they are like 2 peas in a pod and do everything together, however it has not all been plain sailing.

He marked...everywhere, he would sneak off and mark up walls and furniture, thinking it would get easier once neutered, I was wrong. To resolve this Mihku has had to wear nappies in the house so that I can still give him the freedom. He is now nappy free, but occasionally back tracks so need them for a few days just to remind him not to go pee pee in the house. Once we had overcome that hurdle (mostly) he then started to poop in the house, only in the evenings, we now have a strict rule that the minute he finishes eating he goes out for toilet - only him. Our final issue was probably the hardest to overcome. Amongst friends we called it Mihku's Sleep Deprivation Torture. - he would allow me to fall asleep for 2 hours and they wake me up by running around the bedroom barking for his life. Now, I know, don’t' let him sleep in the bedroom...we tried this... He just screamed in his crate all night instead and I really mean all night! With patience and lots of 'No's' I think we have almost overcome this.

Out walking - I don’t think he was really made to walk, Mihku is great until another dog comes along, which swiftly turns him into a whirling dervish barking barking and flying everywhere - he is great with other dogs, but there is clearly some fear when on lead. This is going to be our biggest challenge, big dogs are easy, you have a sizeable dog to work with. A 10kg dog flying around is like a kite caught in a tornado and Mihku has the great skill of landing on top of your feet whilst you are walking which on more than one occasion has made me take a tumble. There are no quick fixes for this, it will take time, building confidence and focus with him, we have time.

With any new dog coming into the home there will be adjustments and challenges, whether that is a rescue or a puppy. We just need to make sure we give them all the time, patience and training to succeed and with a rescue the creativity and willingness to change methods and behaviours to work with the dog in front of you. Help them shine in their own way and pick your battles, some can wait for another day.

Building Trust and Bonding - What to keep in mind when training

Consistent, positive reinforcement was key in training Uki and Mihku. We started with basic commands like 'sit' and 'stay', always rewarding their efforts with treats and praise.

For Uki's fear and shyness, we used desensitization techniques, gradually exposing her to new stimuli in a controlled manner. Letting her choose when to socialise and when she wants space.

I always incorporate plenty of mental stimulation through puzzle toys and scent work, which helped channel their energy positively. Regular exercise, including daily walks and play sessions, is crucial in managing their high energy levels. Most importantly, we learned to read their body language, respecting their boundaries and building trust at their pace.

Never forget the 3,3,3 rule. The 3-3-3 rule is a guideline for helping a new dog adjust to their new home. It suggests that it takes a dog three days to decompress, three weeks to learn a routine, and three months to feel at home.

Celebrating Small Victories

Every step forward in Uki and Mihku's journey was a cause for celebration. The first time Uki voluntarily approached for a pat, we were overjoyed. When Mihku finally felt comfortable enough to play with toys, it was a milestone.

Celebrate everything, you may not think it is much but for them it is huge!

The Joy of a Forever Home - Daily Life and Adventures

MIhku has certainly made himself comfortable

Life with Uki and Mihku is filled with excitement and new experiences. Our days start with a play in our fields, where their Husky instincts shine as they eagerly explore every scent and sound.

Weekends often involve longer walks, allowing them to embrace their love for the outdoors.

At home, they've become masters of mischief, often getting zoomies which leads to a rearrangement of the sofa cushions or jumping into the mud puddle that is out of bounds in our fields.

Their playful antics never fail to bring laughter into my home. We've discovered their individual quirks too - Uki still loves her space but when we are honoured with her presence at cuddle time, she gives the best of them! Mihku who insists on sleeping as close to you as possible but doesn’t actually want to be cuddled and Tokala my non rescue boy who just wants everyone to come outside and play...all the time.

Lifelong Lessons and Gratitude

Adopting Uki and Mihku has taught me invaluable lessons about patience, unconditional love, and the resilience of the canine spirit. Their journey from cautious rescues to confident, happy dogs has been a testament to the power of a loving home.

They've shown me the importance of living in the moment and finding joy in simple pleasures. Their unwavering loyalty and affection have deepened my understanding of the human-animal bond. I'm grateful for the trust they've placed in me and the happiness they bring to my life every day.

The experience has also opened my eyes to the importance of animal rescue and the difference we can make by opening our hearts and homes to those in need.  Uki and Mihku aren’t just pets, they’re family, and I am thankful for the privilege of being their forever home.