My name is Atka!

Atka was a stray that was camping out at a farm in the New Waverly area where he was not a welcomed guest.  He is a beautiful, majestic husky or malamute.  Long story short he was shot in the foot/legs by the farm owner.  Operation Pets Alive helped him after he was injured.  He was under under veterinary care to for several weeks to see if his leg was going to be able to heal. Though the buckshot remains embedded, primarily in his left back foot, he is doing wonderfully and has no limitations.  Atka means guardian in Inuit.  He has a mind of his own and is capable of figuring things out.  He doesn't necessarily need (or sometime even want) your human help.  He needs his own space while he's eating his food or bones.  He has been gentle taking treats and can sit, shake hands and is learning to lie down.  He understands "wait" and is working on "leave it".  He will go "to place" with a treat.  He needs a lot of work on recall particularly when distracted.  He's housetrained.  Atka likes to be brushed and have attention in general when he's in the mood.  He frequently lies down in the frog position and has been caught chasing his tail - so kind-of goofy at times.  He likes toys but tires of them fairly quickly.  Like most huskies, he is curious and needs consistent excercise... we walk 3 miles every day.  He pretty much operates on his own terms and you will have to gain his trust and respect to foster a strong bond. He is great on a leash but is a very strong boy and shows too keen an interest in squirrels or, particularly, FedEx, UPS or Amazon trucks.  He has been dog-friendly at several local dog parks. He's never taken a walk without getting compliments - he's quite the looker... but there's much more you will need to understand about this companion.  He needs an even-tempered, patient but firm leader to be his best self.