Huskies on the BU Beach

Siberian Husky | photo taken by Michelle Cheng
Siberian Husky | Photograph by Michelle Cheng.

When talking about snow dogs, one may often picture the movie Balto or Snow Dogs with Cuba Gooding Jr., or the dogs used in the Iditarod.  But how about the picture of snow dogs at Boston University?

This past Saturday, the Pre-Vet and Animal Lovers Society (PALS) brought the Boston Snow Dogs to the BU Beach (talk about a nice de-stresser during midterms). Three members from the Boston Snow Dogs came to speak to students about the Siberian Husky breed, and a little more than ten huskies, with coat colors from pepper gray, to black and white, to completely snow white, were brought in.

With around 200 members, the Boston Snow Dogs is a group in the New England area who focuses on the care and nurture of northern breed dogs in urban environments–-hence Boston, Mass. This group of dog lovers hosts meet-ups throughout New England to hike, mush, and to simply hang out. The Boston Snow Dogs also helps new owners adjust to their Siberian Huskies. Although this breed of dog may seem intimidating with its primitive features and overall big size, they really are just fuzzy, warm, and lovable creatures.

So how exactly are these high energy dogs able to live in an urban city? More easily than what one may think, they are able to simply adapt to their surroundings. When people think of snow dogs, they often picture the dogs pulling a sled across snow. However, mushing, the term for this activity, can also refer to anything being pulled by dogs across a flat land; this is specifically known as urban mushing.

For instance, in season with no snow, the Boston Snow Dogs uses scooters and bikes as alternatives to sleds. As long as the dogs are given the opportunity to be out in the open, a city or a suburban setting does not constrict these huskies. “They instinctually know when a harness is put on them…and [then] they will take off,” said Jack, a member of the Boston Snow Dogs. Storrow Drive is a popular spot for urban mushing if one wants to catch some of the action.

Urban mushing | photo taken by Michelle Cheng
Urban mushing | Photograph by Michelle Cheng.

During the meet-up, a demonstration was held in which the owner on his bike was being pulled by his three huskies. Kristin, one of the speakers from the Boston Snow Dogs, said with motherly concerns, “One dog can pull my son on a scooter. Two dogs pulls my son really fast. Three dogs – you can imagine…which is why I never allow three.” However, being such lovable creatures, Kristin had to have one for each member of her family.

Although these snow dogs are widely known for mushing and sled racing in colder places, they are able to adjust anywhere and can make great family pets.

However, “they would not make good watch dogs,” claimed an observer, as the dogs vigorously moved their tails back and forth waiting for students to play with them.

More dogs! | photo taken by Michelle Cheng
More dogs! | Photograph by Michelle Cheng.

 

For more information on the Boston Snow Dogs click here and to see the dogs in action click here.

About Michelle Cheng

Michelle Cheng (COM '17) is the Managing Editor of The Quad. She writes about higher education, digital culture and lifestyle. She has previously interned at Forbes, New York Family and Upworthy. Reach her at mbcheng@buquad.com

View all posts by Michelle Cheng →

0 Comments on “Huskies on the BU Beach”

  1. Nice story & photographs Michelle Cheng. Thanks for capturing me from a distance while mushing, but then again I always look better when fronted by my three boys Rebyonka, Leetza’ and Glaza. The dogs in the other photos are Jake in the first photo & my Glaza with Jack & Cheryl’s Mya in the last photo. 🙂

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