Hugo (a Malamute), Brian Hanshaft’s 85-pound pet, enjoys giving him hugs.
When giving Brian hugs, he frequently sends Brian tumbling to the ground. Hugo’s loving owner likes to quip that teaching him to hug was a little bit of a backfire, but he adores it all the same!
Hugo learned how to offer hugs to Brian while he was just a young puppy, around 8 or 9 weeks old. At the time, the pup was just too sweet and soft! Hugo began performing these running hops whenever he hugged Brian as he grew older and bigger.
Of course, Hugo took sure to tuck his paws in every time he performed these jumps.
The Malamute has experienced medical difficulties as well. He had trouble with heights as a puppy and lost vision in his right eye. Yet, Brian and his wife were constantly by their pet’s side. Brian even climbed out of the bed using his back as a step tool.
But when Hugo began exhibiting some behavioral concerns, things got difficult. He would snarl at Brian and his wife and didn’t like to ride in the car because they usually took him to the vet for a checkup. He was subsequently given the pricey surgical recommendation after being diagnosed with a hepatic shunt.
Hugo started acting like a normal dog after the surgery, becoming more responsive and relaxed each day. However, to assist Hugo in overcoming his behavioral issues, they first needed to locate the appropriate trainer. Brian and his wife’s relationship has only grown stronger since Meredith helped them understand how to assist Hugo.
