Date posted: 11-18-03

Editors: You are encouraged to use this story in your publication. Please credit the author and DeKalb News Service as shown. And, please send two tearsheets to: Jim Killam, Department of Communication, Watson Hall, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL 60115.

1,100 words

Homes for Huskies

By Jackie Burke
DeKalb News Service

DEKALB - The stadium fills by the minute. Adrenaline rushes through Roxy's body. Today is her big day.

The scoreboard clock counts down the minutes. As the stadium becomes louder, Roxy's eyes widen with excitement.

The marching band finishes its pre-game show. Roxy looks up into her partner Pete's eyes as the cheerleaders take the field. It's finally time. The marching band begins the school fight song and Roxy and Pete take off running.

Roxy, a black-and-white Siberian Husky, is one of the many such dogs the NIU cheerleading squad uses as live mascots for every NIU home football game.

Most of the dogs come from Free Spirit Husky Siberian Rescue in Harvard, Ill. A few also have come from TAILS Humane Society of DeKalb County.

Free Spirit opened in 1999 when Karen Ferreri-Miller, a member of the Siberian Husky Club of Great Chicago, realized there were no rescues for Siberians. Because the club didn't rescue, she decided to start her own. The facility already has helped rescue 125 huskies and has placed 52 in loving homes.

Each dog has its own story. Some have been beaten, starved or have shown up to the agency crawling with parasites. At the agency, all dogs receive veterinary care such as being spayed or neutered, receiving a rabies shot and heartworm shots, and tested for various diseases. Also, each dog has a microchip surgically inserted for tracking purposes.

"The wonderful thing is the change that can be seen in them within a week," Ferreri-Miller said. "They realize how good they feel and in turn give unconditional love to all of us here at the rescue."

Free Spirit got involved with NIU when it helped NIU athletics director Cary Groth, place two 12-year-old huskies that were donated to the university. Since NIU has no place to keep the dogs, Groth contacted Free Spirit. Upon finding that the agency was full, Groth then came up with the idea of using the adoptable huskies as mascots in hopes that it would help spread the word about animal adoption.

"It is a community service project for our program and one that we are very proud to be associated with," Groth said. "There are too many pets that are stranded by irresponsible owners. It's the least we can do."

The dogs are chosen for each game by a simple process. The agents try to select a good mix of colors and sexes. In the end, though, the dogs that have been there the longest have the highest priority.

"The cheerleaders have been running the dogs for years," said Al Enlow, NIU cheerleading coach. " I was made aware of the tradition when I arrived at NIU."

Although the real NIU mascot is Victor E. Huskie, many fans prefer the live dogs to the costumed mascot. Using the dogs "adds to the pageantry of the game," Enlow said. "Fans enjoy seeing live animals on the field, whether it is huskies, buffalo, horses or goats."

"The live dogs are so much cuter," said Erica Stahl, a business major. "Our Victor E. Huskie mascot makes sense, but it just looks like a dog. It's not obvious, like the real huskies."

Before each game day, three or four dogs are escorted into Free Spirits grooming room. There, they are bathed, brushed and have their nails trimmed. Each dog then receives a red bandana with the words, "Adopt Me," printed on it.

They then are transported to NIU in vans driven by agents of Free Spirit. "They get very excited to go in the vans for a ride," Ferreri-Miller said. "You'd think they were children waiting to go on vacation."

By the end of the 40-mile trip from Harvard to DeKalb, the dogs are more energetic than ever. When they arrive at the stadium, they are introduced to their partner, who has been assigned to them by Enlow. The moment they step on the field, you can tell how excited they are just by their body language.

These dogs are used to being neglected and abused, so they love the attention. Although the cheerleading squad never gets to spend much time with the dogs, during the games they are the center of attention.

The football games are a great way of getting the public involved with the agency. "Interest in the dogs is elevated due to their presence at games," Enlow said.

Interest in one NIU fan, Mike Grimnan was elevated so much that he immediately adopted Roxy following the Aug. 28 game versus Maryland.

"He came right down from the stands, filled out the application, and is buying a new home with a fenced yard just to have the dog." Ferreri-Miller said.

The rescue staff could not be more excited for Roxy. She was picked up by DuPage County Animal Control, running down a sidewalk with her leash still attached. No one ever came to claim her. She was scheduled to receive her euthanasia shot in just days when the agency stepped in to rescue her.

"Now she has a second chance at a wonderful life with Mike," Ferreri-Miller said.

Adopting a husky is more than simply filling out the application. Free Spirit interviews families looking to adopt and requires applicants to supply references.
"The most important reference check is the veterinarian." Ferreri-Miller said. "We need to be sure that their other animals have been properly cared for."

Along with references, Free Spirit also does home visits to ensure that there is adequate living space for the dogs.

The advantages of adopting from a rescue agency are endless, Ferreri-Miller said. Previous owners often give up dogs just after they pass through their most difficult developmental period. Also, by adopting, you can eliminate the uncertainty of how a puppy will turn out.

At Free Spirit not only are you ensured veterinary care, you literally get the whole package. Including the dog delivered right to your doorstep.

Puppies up to1 year old are sold for $225. Dogs 1-7 years are $200. Dogs over 8 years are $175.

Each dog is monitored for a minimum of two weeks so that the agents can get an idea of how the dog operates. They focus on socialization, and also evaluate temperament. This way, they can be sure to match the personality of the dog with the right family.

If you're considering adopting, keep a few facts in mind. Most Siberian Huskies love people. Most dogs make excellent family dogs. They love children and seem to understand that they need to be gentle with little kids. Remember, because huskies are so outgoing and friendly, you can expect to make many new friends through your dog.

For more information on how to adopt your very own Siberian Husky, contact Free Spirit Husky Adoption Agency at (815) 245-2972.