During a recent Coast to Coast class,
instructor Melanie Rose-Zagwyn discussed with the Day Enrichment
Program (DEP) class the AKC (American Kennel Club) category of
“working dogs” with particular reference to Siberian Huskies.
“Traveling” to Alaska, the participants viewed a brief documentary on
the training of sled dogs and the Iditarod. Participants then learned
first-hand, what one type of sled dog looks like when they met Kyra,
Melanie’s Siberian Husky. Kyra, being of grey wolf coloration,
stirred many questions about how dogs are related to their wild
cousins. Participants were surprised and amazed to hear how Kyra’s
lifestyle and pack habits are so similar to those of the wolf and
coyote.
During the The Living Center (TLC) art class,
Kyra’s visit was not only educational, but therapeutic as well. Kyra
filled everyone’s senses with sound and texture. Most folks REALLY
enjoyed Kyra’s luxuriously long and thick fur. On occasion, Kyra would
“sing” out her joy (huskies do not bark, they howl) and show her sweet
nature by licking hands; the luckiest people received nose and face
licks too!!
