Husky Haven of Florida Inc.

10/27/2025

💔 A Heartbreaking Reality 💔

A week ago, we shared several Huskies on our page who needed fosters. Every time we do this, we hope and pray that someone will say “Yes, I can help.” Sometimes we get offers for temporary fosters, and while we are deeply thankful for that, it’s still incredibly hard. It means we’re constantly scrambling to find the next safe place, juggling schedules, and trying to keep these dogs out of danger. What we truly need are people willing to foster until they find their forever homes.

This time, no one stepped up.

Some of the dogs we posted were adopted from the shelter, but not all stories have happy endings.

The photo you see here is of a bonded pair, two beautiful Huskies we desperately wanted to help. We just couldn’t find a foster. The shelter ended up adopting them out to people who didn’t have Husky experience. Just a few days later, both escaped. The male was hit and killed. The female refused to leave his side. 💔 Someone found them, contacted the shelter, and she was taken back, only to be returned again to the same adopter. We don’t know what her future looks like now, but one thing we do know is that her partner didn’t have to die.

And let’s be honest, this tragedy started long before the shelter or rescue ever got involved. These two were surrendered by their owners, and that’s where the heartbreak began. People often give up their dogs when life gets inconvenient, when it becomes “too hard,” or when they didn’t research what it truly means to own a Husky. These dogs didn’t fail their humans, their humans failed them. The shelter didn’t put them in danger, and neither did the rescue community trying to save them. This loss is a direct result of irresponsibility and abandonment, and sadly, the dogs are always the ones who pay the ultimate price.

Please understand, this is not to blame anyone.
We have some of the most amazing volunteers, and we know everyone gives so much of themselves. But this is our reality. We can only do so much, and we are exhausted, emotionally, physically, and mentally. We stretch ourselves thin trying to save as many as we can, but without fosters, our hands are tied.

And honestly, we do so much to make fostering as easy as possible.

We provide everything, vet care, preventatives, collars, leashes, crates, food, absolutely everything these dogs need. We have an incredibly organized team ready to support you every step of the way. All we need are fosters willing to open their homes and hearts.

This post comes from a place of heartbreak and love. From frustration that we couldn’t do more. And from deep sadness for a life lost that didn’t have to be.

If you’ve ever thought about fostering, please now is the time. These dogs don’t know they’re on borrowed time. They just know they want to live, to love, and to be safe.

If you can open your home, even just to one… you could be the reason another tragedy doesn’t happen. 🐾💔

10/25/2025

We had such a wonderful time at today’s Franklin’s Friends event! Thank you to everyone who stopped by to say hello!

Lulu (the adorable Bumblebee 🐝), Jasmine (our elegant Dracula 🦇), and Mina (the mischievous little devil 😈) had a blast showing off their costumes. All three are available for adoption on our website!

10/25/2025

🎃🐾 Today’s the day!

Join us at Franklin’s Friends 12th Annual HOWL-O-WEEN Dog Walk-a-Thon and Canine Costume Contest happening this morning from 9 AM to noon at Cranes Roost Park in Uptown Altamonte!

👻 Don’t forget to stop by the Husky Haven of Florida booth to meet some of our adorable adoptable Huskies, grab some goodies, and say hi to our team! 💙

It’s going to be a pawsome morning filled with dogs in costumes, music, food trucks, and fun for the whole family — all to support a great cause with Franklin’s Friends! 🐶✨

📍 See you soon at Cranes Roost Park!

10/24/2025

Do YOU know how to mentally satisfy Huskies? If not, learn more than you ever thought paws-ible by reading this week’s BLOG article by Nomi Berger.

Read the blog 👇
https://www.huskyhavenfl.org/hhofl-blog/2025/10/24/training-games-to-mentally-tire-out-your-husky

A physically and mentally satisfied Husky is a happy and well-balanced Husky!

Enter training games -- providing your Husky with a “cerebral workout” worth its weight in canine gold. Consider then, the six suggestions listed below.

1. Hide and seek: Have your dog “sit” and “stay” while you hide in an easy spot inside your home. Either call his name or use a pre-arranged “release” word to start the hunt. As the game gets more advanced, use more challenging hiding places and/or leave out some treats instead of you as his reward. Hide and seek requires your Husky to focus, to use his brain to figure out directions, and to control his impulse to rush forward blindly.

2. Interactive puzzle toys: Utilize your Husky’s problem-solving skills with puzzle feeders and treat-dispensing toys such as Kongs, snuffle mats, and treat balls. Begin simply, reward each of his successful retrievals and then increase their complexity, rotating the toys on a regular basis to keep the novelty alive. Not only will this sharpen his focus while he’s working for food, it will slow down any gulping habits he has when he eats, promoting better digestive health.

3. Scent recognition challenges: Choose a unique scent – from an essential oil like lavender or a tasty treat to a small piece of your clothing -- show it to your Husky and let him sniff it. Then hide it somewhere in the room and encourage him to “search” and “find it,” rewarding him generously with treats and praise whenever he does. Over time, vary the hiding places, add distractors or even use multiple scents.

4. Trick training and obedience refinement: Together, they engage multiple areas of your Husky’s brain. Rather than rote learning, add various new commands or “chain tricks” for added complexity. Patiently teach him such tricks as “spin,” “weave between legs” and “high-five.” Combine commands: “sit” then “paw” then “lie down” without breaks in between. Vary the locations of your sessions, thereby challenging him to focus even more intently.

5. The shell game: All you need are two plastic cups and you’re ready to sharpen your Husky’s problem-solving skills, such as memory, attention and patience. Place a treat under one cup and ensure that he’s watching closely. Shuffle the cups and encourage him to choose the correct one. Celebrate each success with a tasty reward and copious praise. Step up the game by adding a third cup to the mix or by hiding a treat under multiple cups.

6. Tug with command control: Use a sturdy tug toy and let the game begin! Periodically, instruct your Husky to “drop it” or “wait” before letting him grab the toy again. This exercise – mixing focus and fun, fun and focus -- challenges his impulse control and teaches him a valuable lesson in obedience, i.e., exhibiting calm behavior despite the excitement of the moment.

As with any training plan, consistency is key. If you provide your Husky with 10 to 15 minutes of focused mental exercises every day or at least several times a week, his brain will not only adapt better, he’ll crave these sessions. Pay attention to signs of boredom or confusion on his part, ensuring that he always feels challenged not defeated. Rotate his puzzle toys, try out new tricks and/or create fresh scent challenges to keep the experience stimulating and exciting.

Remember, though, training games that tire out your Husky mentally work best in concert with physical activity. Huskies typically need at least 1 to 2 hours of exercise daily -- running, hiking and/or structured playtime. For the best results, burn off his raw energy first, followed by a mentally challenging training game to calm and relax him.

Do YOU know how to mentally satisfy Huskies? If not, learn more than you ever thought paws-ible by reading this week’s BLOG article by Nomi Berger.

10/24/2025

Hi, I’m Mina! 💖 I’m a 3 year old German Shepherd-Husky mix with the softest, prettiest coat you’ll ever pet — seriously, everyone says so! But what really makes me special isn’t just my looks… it’s my big, happy heart. I absolutely love meeting new people and dogs. If I see someone walking by, my tail starts wagging like crazy and I can’t wait to say hi. I’ve played with big dogs, little dogs, and everything in between — I love them all!

I’m also a total sweetheart. I give gentle kisses, wag my tail nonstop, and just love being around my people. I do fine with kids too, though when we’re out in public, I usually don’t pay much attention to them — I’m too busy checking out all the dogs!

I’m a smart girl and very well-behaved at home. I’m potty trained (I even know the potty command!) and will go to the door when I need to go out. I’m also crate trained — just say “crate” and I’ll go right in. I’ve gotten used to condo life and elevators don’t bother me one bit. Stairs? Easy!

I know lots of tricks — sit, shake, down, paw, wait, kiss, and I’m learning speak! I like to keep my brain busy, so a mix of playtime, walks, and a little training makes me one happy pup. I’m pretty good on the leash too, but I might pull or hop a bit when I get excited to meet new friends (I can’t help it — I’m just so happy!).

I do great at doggie daycare and would love to have a furry

sibling to play with, though I could also be happy as your one and only if you keep me busy and loved.

I’m spayed, microchipped, and up-to-date on all my vaccines — all ready to start my next adventure. If you’re looking for a loving, playful, and endlessly loyal best friend, I think we’d be perfect together. 💕

Adopt me at https://www.huskyhavenfl.org/mina

10/24/2025

👻 It’s spooky season! Get in the spirit and join Franklin’s Friends for their Twelfth Annual HOWL-O-WEEN Dog Walk-a-Thon and Canine Costume Contest on October 25, 2025, from 9 AM to noon at Cranes Roost Park at Uptown Altamonte!

There will be a dog walk, canine costume contest, adoptable dogs, pet-friendly vendors, music, food trucks, and so much more! 🎃 All proceeds benefit Franklin’s Friends.

🐾 Be sure to stop by the Husky Haven of Florida booth to meet some of our adorable adoptable Huskies! We’d love to see you there and share some husky hugs! 🤍

Over 500 animal lovers are expected to attend for a morning full of fun for the whole family — with prizes for top fundraisers and best costumes!

👉 To learn more, register for the event, or create a fundraising pack for the Walk-a-Thon, visit: TinyUrl.com/HOWL2025

10/23/2025

Hey there! I’m Casper—the friendly (and fluffy) ghost! 👻 Well, not really a ghost, but with my white fur and baby blue eyes, I definitely look the part. I’m a 1-year-old Siberian Husky who’s equal parts goofy, affectionate, and playful. I love making my humans laugh—whether it’s with my silly zoomies, my dramatic sighs, or the way I flop down right on top of you for snuggles.

I’m crate trained (as long as I have my trusty Kong to keep me busy), and I walk nicely on a leash—though I can’t promise I won’t try to chase a squirrel or two. 🐿️ I adore playing with other big dogs and would love a furry friend to romp around with. I’m still learning to keep my excitement in check and sometimes get a little mouthy, but hey, I’m a young Husky—it’s part of my charm!

At the end of the day, I just want to be your loyal sidekick, your cuddle buddy, and the reason you smile every day. If you’re looking for a loving goofball with energy to spare and endless affection to give, I’m your guy! 💙

Adopt me at https://www.huskyhavenfl.org/casper

10/23/2025

🐾 A Huge Thank You to the University of South Florida Muma College of Business
Honors Program! 🐾

We are so grateful to the amazing students from the University of South Florida Muma College of Business Honors Program for collecting donations to support Husky Haven of Florida! 💚

A special shoutout as well to the incredible USF St. Petersburg campus students, who gathered items and raised funds to help cover medical expenses for our rescue dogs. Your kindness and generosity make a real difference in the lives of our Huskies in need. 🐶💙

Thank you for being part of our mission and for showing what compassion in action truly looks like! 🌟

10/22/2025

Hi, I’m Marley—a 2-year-old sweetheart with a silly streak and a big heart. I live for playtime, especially with other dogs, and I’ve been told I’m a total goofball. At home, I’m housebroken, quiet, and well-behaved (though I might follow you around a little too closely because I just love being near my people).

I’m not especially high-energy indoors, but give me a squeaky toy and I’m in heaven! Don’t worry—I only chew what’s mine. Despite my size, I’m more of a welcome mat than a guard dog. The outside world doesn’t bother me much—I’m all about love and cuddles.

On the leash, I walk very nicely, but I do love greeting other dogs and anyone who gives me a smile. I never show fear or aggression, and honestly, I get attention everywhere I go because I’m just that friendly. I’m good with kids, though I sometimes get so excited that I’ll “boop” noses with mine—oops!

Now, here’s where I need a little extra help: being left alone is tough for me. I’ll nap in my crate if the door is open, but if you close it, I panic. Left alone, I may try to chew my way to freedom. That means I need a family with patience, or someone who can be home with me most of the time. A yard with a good fence would also be amazing since I’m a talented jumper and my recall skills aren’t the best yet.

I really am the best dog—I just need the right person who understands me. The truth is, I’m the kind of dog you can take anywhere, which works out perfectly, because you might have to!

So… what do you say? Want to make me your adventure buddy and forever shadow?

Adopt me at https://www.huskyhavenfl.org/marley-1

10/22/2025

🐾 Thinking About Surrendering Your Pet? 🐾

We understand that life can get busy, and sometimes it feels like there just isn’t enough time to care for a furry family member. But surrendering a pet, especially a Husky, who thrives on love, attention, and exercise, can have serious emotional and physical consequences. Your Husky is not just a pet, they’re a family member.

Some of the negative impacts of surrendering a pet include:

⚠️Emotional stress for your Husky: Sudden separation from their home and family can cause anxiety, depression, and behavioral issues.

⚠️Fear and confusion: Pets may become scared or mistrustful of humans after being surrendered.

⚠️Health risks: Stress can lead to illness, loss of appetite, and weakened immune s8ystems.

⚠️Loss of social bonds: Huskies form strong attachments and may grieve the absence of their owners or other pets.

⚠️Potential for long-term shelter stay: Shelters can be overwhelming environments, and many pets may wait months for adoption.

⚠️Possible euthanasia risk: Sadly, some pets may not find a new home and could face euthanasia.

⚠️Guilt and regret for the owner: Many people experience lasting emotional pain after surrendering a beloved pet.

⚠️If you’re struggling, please reach out to us first! We may be able to offer resources, advice, and offer solutions to help keep your Husky in a loving home.

Remember, surrendering a pet is not the only option, and asking for help shows that you truly care. 💙

10/21/2025

Hi there! I’m Autumn, a tiny black Husky-Lab mix with the biggest heart and the cutest personality (or so everyone says!). I might be small, but I have tons of love to give—especially to little kids, who are my favorite play buddies! I’m all about cuddles, wagging tails, and making people smile. Life’s an adventure, and I’m ready to share it with my forever family! 🐾💖

10/21/2025

🚨 Desperate Plea for Fosters 🚨

We need your help, now more than ever. Our rescue is overflowing with dogs who need a safe place to land, and we simply can’t do it without our amazing community.

Please, open your heart and home to a Husky in need. We provide everything, vet care, food, leashes, crates, all you give is the most important thing of all… love.

Fostering truly saves lives. Every time you say “yes,” you’re giving a dog a chance to heal, to trust again, to feel loved — maybe for the very first time.

The truth is, if we do not have fosters, we cannot save them. 💔

Click on the pictures of these beautiful souls below and let us know if you can foster. Even a short-term foster makes a world of difference.

We may be the rescue… but you, our village, are the reason these dogs get their second chance. 🐾

https://www.huskyhavenfl.org/foster