Is this cruelty or ok?

Question

I am very worried at the moment. My husband and I may be moving (need to for work advancement and security). We will be moving from Alberta, Canada to Bahrain, Middle East.

We have a one year old siberian husky that is part of our family. We have researched all we need to do to take him and are prepared to pay the large fees to do so.

The one thing that worries us the most is if he will be able to adjust to the weather difference. Right now he is used to temperatures from 36 to -36 degrees celcius throughout the summer and winter months. In Bahrain the temperature range would be 45 to 17 degrees celcius throughout the year.

We would be living in a large airconditioned house there, so that is a plus. With a large backyard, with a pool he could swim in with us.

I am wondering if it is cruelty to bring him...what would be better:

Find him a VERY loving home here (which I would regret for life...cause he is my baby)....or take him with!?

Any and all help..thankyou!

Just wanted to make a point of telling the people that think that the middle east is an alien country that it's NOT...they LOVE dogs over there...I have friends that moved there...they don't think they are unclean.

Also...thank you to all those that support me wanting to bring him! I am going to do tons of research and make sure I do everything in my power to make sure his transition is comfortable!

Answer 1

The cruelty would be in breaking up the pack when you don't have to. Dogs live to serve and live with their people. If you have the means and the way. Take him with you. I understand your concerns but you are not moving into a tent in the middle of the Tsavo dessert. You are moving into a HOME with air and etc. Jsut watch im and monitor his activity level for a while whil he acclimates.
Do the same for yourself.
Good Luck to you and Congrats!
~Tyed~
As far as the social ramifications... you sound like intellegent people and I am sure that you are not going to parade him around in front of the temple of make a specticle of yourself.
Unless you are going there to convert then the best that you can do is to be the shining example of all that we american can be. That includes being a people with enough love and intellegence to both own pets and love people.
Take the dog.

Answer 2

Being in Canada, the temperature range in the summer here hits about 40 degrees celcius once in awhile. I know quite a few people that have OUTDOOR husky's and they have found a way to combat the heat! Groomers have special tools for their razors which take out a significant amount of fur, like when a hairdresser will thin out a woman's hair. It takes off a lot of the fur that would overheat the dog and it would still look like a normal husky without shaving him.

Personally, I don't find it cruel, it will just take a little more care. I am sure there are people over there that can help you out as well with suggestions on how to keep your dog cool (as the groomers, at least, will be used to it).

Answer 3

You should bring him, as he loves you and you love him. You would be so sad and lonely without you. But what about the heat?

Well, you could get his fur trimmed (but not shaved!) before the big trip, and keep the house air conditioned all the time. Also, keep him indoors a lot, and when you go out, bring a portable water container for him to drink from. I'm pretty sure that when he gets used to the heat, he will be fine. I don't think that would be cruelty, because you're there to stay with him. But, watch out for your husky, because in the high temperatures, there is a chance of him getting heat stroke (not to worry you, its just a precaution). It would not be cruelty either way, because he would have a loving family if he stays, and would have you and plenty of precaution if he goes. Good luck on finding a solution! :)

Answer 4

Honestly, if you have air conditioning and places where he can dispel heat, he will be perfectly fine. People own dogs in Bahrain, and though it will be a climate change, I'm sure he will get used to it. I think it will be an easier adjustment than trying to rehome. If you said he would be kenneled in the back yard with limited shade and no shelter it would be a very different story. It's wonderful that you love him enough to do all it takes to bring him along. I've heard it is a long, drawn out process. I may have to do the same thing with my cats if I get stationed in Germany at some point during my Army committment. I think as long as he has his loving family, he will be just fine!
*added* just got a look at your dog's picture by the way. He is adorable! Sorry I had to add that!

Answer 5

I think that would depend on a few things - what time of the year he arrived in Bahrain (17 0r 45 degrees), and whether you are prepared to have him clipped to help him cool off. If he arrives in the cooler weather, it may give him a better chance to acclimatize, and keeping him clipped in the warmer weather would help him cool off quicker. Also keeping him inside an air conditioned home will help.
However have you checked if, having been to Bahrain, he can be imported back to Canada if you move back? It may not be possible - regulations differ depending on which direction the dog is going. If not, you could loose him - have to leave him there.

Answer 6

I don't believe its cruelty at all. The dog will adjust. You can help him adjust by making sure he is well-groomed because he will probably have a big shed as he attempts to adjust to the change in temperature. I don't see a lot different between the temperature of an airconditioned house in one place and an airconditioned house in another.

FWIW- The first Service Dog I trained moved from Minnesota to Arizona and adjusted quite well... I didn't have A/C in MN and his new home in AZ does.. so actually he was probably happier in the A/C!

Answer 7

First, you are already a great owner. You've done your research on your breed of dog, on your current home and on your new home. This already suggests to me that you and your dog will be great, no matter where you live.

I love Dalmatians, but with their short coats, long periods outside in the cold are NOT recommended - just as your dog cannot be in the heat for a long time. But in both of our cases, we can prevent that.

I recommend you take your dog. It's clear you adore him and separating him from you may be worse (for both him and you) than having him endure some hot weather at times. When he's outside, watch him carefully. Provide plenty of fresh, cool water and lots of shade whenever he's out. Limit his time outside if necessary. Let him run outside in the mornings or evenings, when it's cooler, to get exercise. Try to keep him inside in the afternoon hours during the warm months. He might also enjoy sleeping in cooler, darker rooms during those months as well.

If your house has A/C and you are able to keep it at least reasonable in the house, I think he will do well.

Good luck with your move and new home!

Answer 8

Huskies are known to be one of the most adaptable breeds of dog and can live in many environments. I have a husky (whom I love to smithereens so I know exactly how you feel) and we live in S.E. Australia where our temps. range between 40F in Winter to 110F in Summer. Our Husky has no problems with the heat. Your dog needs to have plenty of water on hand, a pool, paddling tub, buckets anything just as long as it's there. You say you will have AC, no problem. Take your beloved dog with you, if you don't you will pine for him so much. Good luck.

Answer 9

Bring him with. He will adjust to his new environment. just be sure you dont leave him out and have plenty of cool water for him. Dogs can adjust to about anything, look how far they have come from being wolves. Dont leave him behind, even if the country doesnt like or accept dogs, there are always acceptions. He is your "baby" so take him with. Also, you could shave him for a while, but be careful about sunburn.

(I have mixed thoughts about shaving, and your vets will probably tell you too)

Answer 10

If he is truly your baby and you are willing to pay the fees to take him with you, then you should.
I live in an arid area that reaches 115 Ferenhiet in summer. There are people here who have Huskies and St. Bernards. Some get their coats clipped in the summer..but be careful they can get sunburned if you do- a little baby sunblock!
Good Luck!