Meet Mishka

Mishka's complete history is unknown, but she was neglected. She was so dysfunctional that the first family who adopted her from the Atlanta Humane Society returned her.

But then Northeast Cobb resident Monica Andrews entered her life.

Q. Do you know Mishka's history? How did she end up at the Humane Society?

A. The Humane Society told me she was wandering the streets for a few weeks before anyone could catch her and bring her in. She was then adopted by a family who returned her after a month; they wouldn't say exactly why. When I got her home, I understood. She was quite a handful. She was crazy! Her first bath revealed that she in fact was not tan and gray but white and gray ... and HATED water! She was out of control. She was very protective of food. She snapped at anyone and would not let anyone touch her paws.

Q. What were the biggest challenges for you both in her training?

A. About a week after I brought her home, I realized I needed professional help. I called Tom at Bark Busters and within a few hours had a new understanding of what Mishka was thinking. He trained me more than her! Once I understood what she was thinking, we could begin setting the rules for acceptable behavior. She is very much a creature of habit. We have rules and routines that keep her safe and happy. It's been almost five years, and she will occasionally push her luck to see what she can get away with, but she has become a wonderful companion and co-worker. She is the official greeter at One to One Health Centers. She greets everyone with enthusiasm and the hope that they will know where her cookie jar is. She can be very convincing that she is starved for food and affection. It is just an act. It is tough to say no to those big, blue eyes pleading for a belly rub or a treat. I love when I hear compliments about what a good dog she is because she has come a LONG way.

Q. What are her greatest achievements? Such as overcoming a fear of people, or overcoming the urge to destroy pillows.

A. Her greatest accomplishment is simple. Just last week she learned to give you her paw. She went from snapping at anyone for going near her paws to trusting us enough to "hand" it over for a shake. She has a host of other tricks that she will be glad to show you in exchange for a treat.

Q. What advice would you give anyone looking to adopt from a humane society?  

A. Any animal from the pound needs love, attention and exercise. Make sure you do your research and choose a breed that will fit in with your lifestyle. You must be willing to spend time and energy to make sure the needs of your new addition are met. Socializing a dog to be around people and other animals when they are young is very important. Mishka is a Siberian husky. Huskies have a lot of energy and a lot of hair. When she doesn't get enough exercise is when she starts to push her luck. Lucky for both of us, she gets to go for lots of walks and runs. She also has many toys at home and at the gym to entertain herself. She loves to play. She will play with her toys by herself, but she really likes when you throw them for a game of catch.

Are you a Northeast Cobb resident who adopted a rescued pet? I'd love to feature your story and pictures. Please contact me at julia.harris@gmail.com