Nomo, The Siberian Husky
When Lydia and her partner Jacky were quarantining and working from home, they wanted an additional family member that would lighten up the energy of their home. They wanted a husky because — as Lydia puts it — they just are so friendly and adorable. Nomo, their husky puppy just over a year old, brought them so much joy during those quiet days and beyond.
Dog Whisperer: Tell us about Nomo!
Lydia: Nomo is a very friendly and vocal boy who loves humans and friends, and gets along well with our cat Leo. They’re actually best friends. Nomo, like many huskies, is warm and energetic. He sheds A LOT, though, because huskies have beautiful double coats so it’s like they’re always wearing layers (they shed heavily twice a year usually).
DW: From where did you meet and bring home Nomo?
L: We actually first met Nomo at a Petco parking lot in San Diego. We found Nomo on Craigslist after countless failed applications to shelters because we were living at an apartment, at the time. We also needed a dog that would be friendly to our cat. We’ve had Nomo now for almost a year and couldn’t be happier!
DW: What is your relationship with your pup like?
L: Nomo loves to be around us all the time. He is usually in the same room we are in when we’re working and loves resting under Jacky’s desk. We wrestle a lot together because Nomo loves his pull toys and he also loves running in circles in our backyard when we throw his ball (he doesn’t know how to play fetch yet!). We’d say we have a pretty nice relationship and there are rarely arguments with Nomo because he is generally a good boy!
“Nomo loves to be around us all the time. He is usually in the same room we are in when we’re working and loves resting under Jacky’s desk.”
Nomo, Jacky and Lydia.
DW: What are Nomo’s favorite activities?
L: Nomo loves to look through our living room window with Leo and whine at our neighbor’s outdoor cat who doesn’t seem to care much about them (ha). He also loves to go on road trips with us and put his head out through the window to let the air splash on his face. So far he’s been to Lake Arrowhead and Joshua Tree with us. We recently introduced him to dog parks after taking some time getting him socialized with a trainer, and we are so happy to say he has grown so much in terms of socialization. The dog park is one of his favorite places now!
“He also loves to go on road trips with us and put his head out through the window to let the air splash on his face. So far, he’s been to Lake Arrowhead and Joshua Tree with us.”
Nomo and Leo being mischievous.
DW: What are Nom'o’s favorite foods and snacks?
L: Nomo loves his bacon treat from the pet store and also loves broccoli, rice and — on special occasions — steak! Though to be honest, Nomo is very food-motivated and loves all kinds of food!
DW: Does Nomo have any best friends?
L: Nomo’s number one best friend is Leo the cat, though he is constantly making friends at the dog park and is actually going to our friend’s dog Tofu’s birthday party this weekend. He is very excited! At the party, he will also catch up with Kana, an older husky that he’s hung out with several times already!
DW: What are some fun facts about Nomo?
L: Nomo grew up with a cat before we had him so he gets along very well with Leo, which is special because huskies can sometimes view smaller animals as prey. It’s so nice to see them hanging out. Another fun fact is that Nomo loves to tilt his head when we howl at him. At first, he acts like he’s confused and then he will howl with us.
DW: In what ways has Nomo grown since you got him?
L: Nomo has grown so much and we are so proud of him! Since Nomo is naturally a very high energy and eager dog, we’ve been taking it slow with letting him go to dog parks because we were afraid he might offend other dogs. However, after taking him to doggie school he has improved so much and is now a social butterfly when he goes to the park! We were so happy and proud to see him running around at the park and hanging out with other dogs.
