Today the Mister had his first gentleman date when Sir Buddy came to call. The two enjoyed time sniffing, pee-marking, chin scratches, chatting, and then Sir Buddy needed a bit of nap time - he is a senior after all! 
Dress code: neck ties were a must - either formal or informal
Food: organic yogurt and surf n' turf treats
Drink: fresh water from the garden hose, in tea cups of course

Thank you Sir Buddy and Aima for the visit... it was short, but sweet.
Until the next one!
Also...  be sure to watch Sir Buddy's attempt at nap time at the end of the photos!

[PART NINE of a series chronicling the re-homing of Whistler sled tour dogs.]

I first met Jeff in September 2013 when I was up at the Whistler Sled Dog Co. kennels. He was known as Joffre back then and he was one of the shier of the 43 dogs at the kennels at that time. (Hard to believe as he's the brother of Chichi.. yes, THE Chichi. The dog who's been nicknamed "the happiest dog in the world"... the dog who I may have to devote a whole book to because she loves to stick her nose in my camera lens). But back to Jeff... he would seem interested in things, but was always on the periphery of the group… watching the humans and other dogs. And if he wasn't interested in what was happening, he'd go and find a cool hole to lay down in to escape the 40+ degree heat that had settled in the three days I was there.

With the searing heat, it was hard to think of winter on its way, but that was our focus at the time - it was about networking and working on finding spots in shelters and foster homes. That was the priority. There's no doubt some of these pups were very good at what they did as working dogs. But their work in addition to winters spent outside along with getting older, had taken it's toll on their bodies. Having lived outside 24/7, 365 days a year, these dogs weren't housetrained, they didn't know not to take food from counters, they hadn't gone for walks on leashes, heard oven doors open, kettles whistle, been exposed to city traffic, and perhaps were most confused as to why their food and water was on the ground, and not on top of their bedroom. 

So never in my wildest dreams, could I have pictured this moment. Ten months after those days at the kennel, here I was at an indoor swimming pool in North Saanich, witnessing one of the shiest dogs I'd met, actually relax... in an indoor pool of all places. 


Philosopher George Santayana wrote "those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it" and I believe in this case it rings true. To ensure the tragedy that these dogs were witness to never happens again, we have to remember it, to whatever extent we can tolerate. But the future of each of these dogs is unwritten and their adopted families are dedicated to helping new chapters of their life stories unfold. 
 
***
Thank you Jill + Jeff: for organizing the party, Erin, Niv + Siku and Deb, Question + Daffy for letting me tag along on another adventure. And to Melanie Mosher of Black Dog White Dog for coaching and hosting Jeff's Pool Party.
I haven't captioned any of the photos this time because I don't think they need it. You will see a collection of feelings - from nervousness to relaxation and from fear to joy from both the humans and the dogs  - but ultimately I hope you will see  people helping dogs... and dogs helping people.

I wasn't sure it was a good idea. Load up two little dogs and two cameras and head downtown to be a part of the Pride Parade with the Victoria Humane Society. As part of my photo project of documenting the first year of this amazing, new rescue, I try to make it to as many events as I can… and since I knew this would have all sorts of colour, I thought I'd bring the two Cocos (my the Mister and my sister, the little Miss) and see how it went….  All the pups on hand were decked out in Pride finery... from ties to tutus - and the humans did a pretty good job of colourfying themselves as well. And aside from the fright of some popping balloons while waiting to go, these two little muffins, as well as all the dogs, did very well… some even got carried for most of it, which was fine because it made them even cuter. 

But somewhere along the way, while juggling the Mister on my shoulder and my camera I must've hit a button - still not sure which one… but it was button that switched the ever-colourful parade, monochrome, yes it was just suddenly shades of gray. But instead of trying to figure it out what the hell just happened, I decided to just got with it. I may have some of the only b+w images of a parade known for it's vibrancy and energy, but that's ok. I will embrace them and hope they still impart some of the "colour" of an amazing afternoon. 

I am so proud of this amazing organization and their commitment to helping animals. Their slogan of "Let the love begin" has taken hold, and they are now truly, letting the love continue... for all beings.

Thanks to both Marg + Melissa for getting a couple snaps of me and the pups, and to Ivana for carrying the little Miss Coco along the parade. xo
For more info on the amazing work of the Victoria Humane Society, visit their website, or "like" their facebook page!