Osha’s Story: From Masha to Forever

Osha’s journey began with heartbreak. Originally named Masha, she lived in a busy family home filled with children and other dogs. When tragedy struck—a house fire—the family could no longer keep her. Though loved, her needs as a young Husky weren’t fully met, and she wasn’t getting the stimulation or exercise her breed thrives on.

Enter Kirstie O’Neill, who first picked Osha up as a foster for Saints Sled Dog Rescue. “We had her less than a week before we fell in love with her and decided to keep her,” Kirstie recalls. What won her over? “She is an incredibly cuddly husky, eager to please and full of personality as well as always being up for adventure and super playful.”

Now 7.5 years old, Osha is a vibrant soul—fun to adventure with, loyal, and deeply bonded to her family. She has faced challenges like separation anxiety, but with time and patience, she has come so far. Today, she shares her life with two sisters: Alma the rescue Pug and Fury the Northern Inuit.

Anagach Woods: Where History and Wildness Meet

On the edge of Grantown-on-Spey, Anagach Woods stretches out in a tangle of ancient Scots pines, mossy trails, and carpets of heather. Originally shaped in the 18th century under General Wade, the forest today is home to red squirrels, capercaillie, and—on this evening—a Husky whose spirit felt perfectly matched to its wild energy.

The Husky Spirit in Scotland

Huskies are famed for their stamina and intelligence, bred by the Chukchi people of Siberia to pull sleds across endless snow. Osha, though rescued from very different circumstances, still carries that heritage in every step. On our session she wove through the Highland forest with her tail high, ears alert, and eyes bright—free, strong, and utterly herself.

At home, she’s full of quirks. “Osha is currently learning scentwork detection and doing great,” Kirstie told us. “She’s a really quiet husky in the house and rarely howls or shouts. She loves squishy toys and will happily play by herself or with her doggy sisters. She sleeps with her head smooshed against the wall and often with her tongue out.”