Kiko, a 2-year-old male Siberian husky, is a big fan of Mother Nature. His owner, Debi Pool, and her daughter, Kylie, tell MNN that Kiko spends plenty of time chilling with the elements on the grounds of their Maple Plain, Minn., home, where this photo was taken during last week's snow storm. And, in case you're wondering, the icicles in the Midwest don't usually sprout up from the ground like that. The Pools actually snapped them from their gutters, hoping the odd look would grab the attention of MNN's Green Dog of the Year judging panel.

 

Huskies, normally used for sledding, epitomize the best in alternative transportation where no gas is needed to get around. That's an ecologically sound idea we can get behind. When he's not sledding or posing for photos for environmental websites, Kiko loves to practice his tricks — like dancing on his hind legs and giving visitors a high-five when they greet him. "Oh," Debi adds, "and he's a talker."

 

Well, we'd love to hear what he has to say. After all, who wouldn't want to get inside the mind of MNN's 2010 Green Dog of the Year?

 

In the meantime, we'll be joining Debi and Kylie as lifelong members of the Kiko Fan Club.