When Janet Fowers brought Elsa, a retired sled dog and Husky Hero, into her life on August 6, 2024, she wasn’t just adding another dog to her family; she was giving her other dog, Tristan, a chance to heal.

Living in Airdrie, Alberta, Janet shares her life with Tristan, a 10-year-old Husky/Akita mix she rescued in 2020 from Los Angeles. “He had been kept in a kennel, no play time, no walks, for breeding only,” Janet explains. “He is afraid of the world. He is my fur baby. It is the two of us against the world.”

Janet had a very specific reason for welcoming Elsa into their home. “My belief was that another husky could help me teach Tristan to be a normal dog and teach him that the world is not always a cruel place,” she says.

From the moment Elsa arrived, she surprised Janet with how easily she adjusted to her new life. “I thought I would have to learn how to walk on a leash,” Janet shares. “This intelligent husky hero, from day one, lets me set the pace. No training necessary. I also thought she would pull during our walks with Tristan. She paces him as well. Her assimilation into my pack has been seamless.”

The Simple Joys of Retirement

Now, Elsa spends her days enjoying the simple things that come with retirement.

“First activity I think Elsa enjoys the most is her new bed! As an older dog she loves to sleep,” Janet says. “Second is our morning walks on a country road where she has been completely enthralled with cows. She thinks they are there to play with! Third is just hanging out with Tristan. They are so sweet together.”

Helping Tristan Heal

What has meant the most to Janet is how Elsa helped Tristan escape his shell.

“Although I had no expectations about adopting Elsa for me, she has exceeded my expectations on what she could do for Tristan,” Janet explains. “He never used to do the Husky cross front paws. He now does. I know that means he is a happy dog. She has allowed him to be the dominant dog, which I believe has done wonders for his self-confidence.”

Elsa’s easygoing nature and classic husky personality have also made her a hit in the community. “When I take her for walks, everyone we meet wants to hear about her. She is just so chill and fits Tristan and I to a tee,” Janet says.

Elsa has found her forever home thanks to Snowy Owl’s Husky Hero Adoption Program. A place where she can rest, play, and help another dog heal, all while being loved for exactly who she is.