Husky rescue opens in Sycamore

SYCAMORE – An animal shelter dedicated to the needs of huskies is now open and ready to serve.

Raven's Husky Haven and Rescue, 27779 Five Points Road, northwest of Sycamore, just received its letter of occupancy from DeKalb County and license from the Illinois Department of Agriculture, shelter President Kelly Lambert said.

"We think DeKalb County is a great place for huskies because it's the mascot of [Northern Illinois University]," said Lambert, a graduate of the university's law school.

Raven's Husky Haven and Rescue will host an open house from 1 to 5 p.m. Feb. 10.

Unlike other animal shelters, Husky Haven is tailored to the needs of huskies.

They are high-energy dogs that need space for exercise. This large, open space would be lost in a traditional rescue environment, Lambert said.

"We want them to spend time with the trainer who lives at the site, training them and giving them plenty of exercise, so they're more sustainable," Lambert said.

The center was named for Lambert's first husky, which she adopted from a shelter in Indiana in 2008.

A lawyer by trade, Lambert said running an animal adoption center was going to be different, but she said a lot of huskies out there need help.

Lisa Monge, the center's manager and on-site trainer, said she will be able to have the dogs run drills designed for huskies. Once they have burned off some energy, the dogs are easier to train, she said.

"We love the training aspect, because it's so nice to adopt because they know the basics," Monge said. "It's a nice thing for the potential adopters."

Despite the large facility – Monge estimated the play yard is half an acre – Lambert said the shelter will only take 12 huskies at a time, and that the center's hours are by appointment only.

"We're not trying to do a major undertaking," Lambert said.

"We're trying to keep it small so it keeps with our concept of training them, and have a good adoption rate so they're sustainable. We will spend time monitoring how that dog is."

Beth Drake, the executive director of TAILS Humane Society, 2250 Barber Greene Road in DeKalb, said the shelter will direct some people who come in with huskies to Husky Haven.

"We're happy to have a well-thought-out husky rescue in the area," Drake said.

Like Lambert and Monge, Drake said some huskies can be difficult for first-time dog owners to handle.

"They can be," Drake said. "Not all huskies are that way."

To schedule an appointment with Raven's Husky Haven and Rescue, call 815-508-8007 or email info@ravenshuskyhavenandrescue.org.

For more information, visit ravenshuskyhavenandrescue.org.