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County animal shelter hoping someone can make 'Houdini the Husky' disappear

Jeff finds out why the loving dog has been returned to the shelter seven times.

CARLSBAD, Calif. — San Diego County's Department of Animal Services is hoping someone can make a loving husky by the name of Houdini disappear. In this Zevely Zone, I went to the Carlsbad shelter to meet the dog that has been returned seven times.

"Good boy Houdini, you are a good boy," said Donald Davis from the county's Carlsbad animal shelter.

Donald can't seem to explain why Houdini hasn't found a forever home.

"So, Houdini is a three-year-old neutered male Husky he has been adopted and returned seven times and we are trying to give him a home," said Donald.  

Credit: KFMB TV: ZEVELY ZONE

I know what you're thinking, when a dog named Houdini gets adopted seven times only to return and reappear, there must be something wrong with him.  But the first time I met him he was friendly and loving. Houdini started licking me and was very loving. 

I said, "Wow, he is so adorable. Oh my goodness, I thought that because you had escaped and that you came back seven times there was something wrong with you, but you are perfect."

Credit: KFMB TV: ZEVELY ZONE

Don’t just look at his handsome face and get mesmerized by his ice-blue eyes. That has happened too many times for him, seven times in fact – when people came in, fell in love with his looks and then returned him when they were unable to meet his needs as an active dog.

“He just needs a patient, compassionate new owner that is willing to commit to addressing his special needs,” said Kelly Campbell, Director of the Department of Animal Services. 

“We here at the County of San Diego Department of Animal Services would like to find the perfect adopter or foster family for Houdini. It would have to be a person or persons who are active, experienced with the breed, experienced with dog training and willing to be dedicated to helping Houdini become the best dog that he can be.  We truly believe he has the potential to be an amazing addition to the family, if he could only find his perfect, devoted companion.”

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So, what is his story? According to the county's news release, Houdini earned his name at DAS after the first family to take him in, returned him for his uncanny ability to escape. He’d even jump out of a second-story window taking the screen down with him. Houdini’s adventurous nature may also have given some of his previous owners the wrong impression. He had been returned several times because he seemed unable to quickly form a bond with his new owner. But to be fair to Houdini, many of his adoptions were relatively short, most of them a matter of days Having been through six previous families, it is entirely possible Houdini viewed his adoptions as a mini adventure and his “home” as the shelter.

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Donald, the supervising animal attendant who works with Houdini regularly, said he is not the same dog who jumped out of the window. Davis said he has mellowed out some since that occurred, but Houdini still has a lot of energy. Animal services officers call him an “extreme” husky, meaning he exhibits all his breed-specific traits which include being vocal, having a high energy level, having limited patience, and shedding a lot. His high energy level would be perfect for a running companion or someone with a large, fully enclosed, and very secure backyard. He understands and responds to commands and would be trainable with the right person.

Credit: KFMB TV: ZEVELY ZONE

"Houdini is a great dog the reason he is being returned is generally because he is a husky. Huskies are renowned escaped artists, and they are renown jumpers they escape they go everywhere," said Donald. 

If you have a secure home, Donald thinks the extra dog training the county paid will pay off.  

"He is no longer at the point where he is jumping out of second-story windows, he has brought himself down to a degree where he is calmer," said Donald.

In fact, DAS has a trainer who has evaluated his personality and is willing to work with whoever adopts or fosters him at no cost to the adopter through the Spirit Fund,  which helps animals with veterinary or behavioral needs.

That being said, Donald says Houdini isn't good with other dogs although when it comes to people. I didn't see a mean bone in his body. 

Houdini returned to licking and loving me, "He's a lover, he's a lover. We got to find you a home. We got to find Houdini a home!" I said.  

Due to COVID-19 precautions, DAS is offering touchless adoptions. If you would like to submit your application to be considered to adopt or foster Houdini, please click here and follow the instructions to complete and submit an adoption or foster care application. 

Houdini’s digits are Kennel 51, Tag Number 969 and Animal Identification Number A1868183.

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