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With midterms over, the visitors from the Northern California Sled Dog Rescue gave students time to relax and take selfies.
OAKLAND, Calif. — It was raining and cold, but Chanel didn’t mind. Her dense, double coat kept her warm and dry while students gathered around, waiting their turn to get their picture taken with a real, live husky.
A Siberian husky, specifically, Chanel has an on-brand luxurious blond coat. She visited Northeastern’s Oakland campus with two black and white huskies, Levi and Layla, who more closely resemble Paws, Northeastern’s beloved mascot.
Together they delighted students flowing in and out of Olin Library on Husky Day, which is part of Homecoming.
“I think Levi is the most puppyish of them all,” first-year Northeastern student David Palacios said, gripping tightly to the dog’s leash.
When Levi dashed off across the lawn, Palacios laughed and ran with him.
“I’m glad I can keep up!” he said.
It was clear why huskies are used as sled dogs.
Chanel, Levi and Layla are rescue dogs cared for by Northern California Sled Dog Rescue (NorSled). They’re available for adoption, to the right person. Pet dogs aren’t allowed in student residences, or one of them might have found a new home on campus.
“Huskies are my favorite dogs,” said Northeastern computer science major Natalie Lindenmeyer, who appreciated seeing the furry, blue- and brown-eyed rescues. “This is a really cool opportunity to de-stress.”
With midterms over, Husky Day gave students time to relax and take selfies with the dogs. Business administration major Julie Benitez crouched down next to Chanel, who obliged her with a picture-perfect dog smile.
“My roommate told me this morning that the dogs are going to be on campus,” Benitez said. “I thought, ‘I gotta high-tail it. Gotta see the dogs.’”
Getting to hang out with dogs on campus reminded some students of the pets they left behind. Benitez, who is from New Jersey, shared a photo of Benny, her family’s miniature Bernedoodle.
Aadit Ganesh’s two dogs are further away.
“My dogs are in India, but in a month I will be able to see them,” he said. “It’s nice to see dogs on campus. Nice to see them anywhere, actually.”
While Chanel enjoyed the attention, Levi and Layla wanted to run around. This is pretty typical for huskies, said Gail de Rita, rescue and adoption coordinator for NorSled.
“These dogs are very smart. They’re one of the most challenging breeds you could get,” de Rita said. They’re prey-driven, so they aren’t compatible with cats or other small pets, she said.
“I hope they do this more often,” Benitez said, petting the top of Chanel’s head.