It’s getting harder to write these.
What can I say that hasn’t been said. My sadness is sadness. Sharing the lives and passing of dogs that aren’t my dogs, but for whom I’ve felt a kinship with from the moment I heard about the Whistler sled dog massacre and met my first retired sled dog. They were survivors of a tough industry. Survivors of a massacre. Survivors. Question has left her mark of goodness. Her mark of silliness. Her mark of solidity. Looking back over the last three years I sort of feel like I took her for granted when I was with the sleddie gang… she didn’t have a lot of the fears that some of the other dogs had - in fact, she loved to give kisses and snuggle up to you. If you didn’t know where she was, you could find her at the foot of the treat human. She made friends with all the foster dogs who came through her home over the last couple years and showed them all the ropes - also showing them how much they can get away with until the human steps in. After retirement she was adopted into two different homes and left both. She then found a home with my dear friend Deb and never left… until Wednesday. Question has left her mark on me. The first image is of Question coming into care in Victoria, July 23, 2013. The rest are in no particular order. *Please click HERE for 'three minutes with Question' -- Question's view of a recent retired sled dog reunion while she wore a Go-Pro! *For more retired sled dog photos, please see HERE
0 Comments
I am at a loss for words and my heart is heavy over the passing of Cola, a retired Whistler sled dog who was adopted by dear friends... here goes... Cola Remembering you that day three years ago, hiding in your igloo and barking at me if I came too close only amplifies how far you'd come since then. Your awkwardness and crossed eyes made me smile every time I saw you. Your being. Your presence. You were proof that it was possible. You will always be proof. But you had to say goodbye today. To your champions along the way, and to your humans, Heather & Chris, and adopted siblings I want to say thank you for everything they did to bring you into retirement and give you a few good years of lounging in warmth and safety on any and all manner of beds and couches. For the treats, snacks, walks, hikes, adventures and vet care they provided.And to you for allowing us all in. The community that you helped foster will continue so that sled dogs will never have to go through what you went through in the first 10 years of your life. I'm honoured and will always be thankful to have had the privilege of knowing you, sharing eightsies with you, and having you stay for sleepovers. Thank you for being so cool with the Mister and Bella. You were a survivor. Stoic until the end. Remarkable. Rest in peace and love, my friend. xo more cola:: :: More of Cola's and his retired sleddie buddy stories HERE. :: "if someone had told me..." blog post watch cola run: august 2015 Lady couldn't have been matched with a more perfect place to experience real dog-hood.
Her sled-pulling days left her with emotional and physical scars, but in time, the emotional scars faded and she was able to show who she truly was... and she was a Lady. The kind of lady who could rustle with the boys and then have tea with the queen. She made wherever she was laying, the most regal place there could possibly be - whether on a rock, a treestump, or even in the bushes. She was more special than we'll even know. And though her life may have left a hole in our hearts, it's opened our eyes to what is possible. And that you can teach an 'old dog' new tricks... changing gears to live the domestic life, inside of a home at 13 years old, was proof of that. Rest in peace and love, Lady. *************************** To see more about Lady and her retired sled dog friends, please see HERE. Being at a retired sled dog reunion is unlike anything else. There are generally anywhere from 30-50+ dogs running around, playing or just hanging out. Groups of humans just stand around and watch. Full conversations just can't happen because they continually get interrupted by something funny/cute/silly/all of the above, that one of the dogs does. And it's quiet. The only sounds you really hear are the humans. The dogs might bark once or twice in play, but they are content. They go from person to person and dog to dog getting as much or as little interaction as they want. It's a really cool feeling to be a part of and thanks to Penny, this time we had a GoPro and thanks to my friend Jenn, we got a harness, so we found some willing participants, strapped on the camera and let them go! The results are pretty fascinating and hilarious and I'm not sure if I'm going to whittle down the 30 mins of raw footage, or edit it... maybe both. Part of me thinks the footage would just be a good little video to watch if you're feeling blue... will have to let it marinate a little bit more.. Thanks go out to Murphy, Kismet, Question, Ash + Hurricane for their participation! April 24th marked the 7th reunion since we cobbled together the first one in September 2013 {see Time to Run HERE]. Back then it felt like such a feat to have gotten as many dogs together as we did. Now, to see how the group has grown (54 sleddies this time!), not just in numbers, but in support is really, well unbelievable, but not surprising. The huge hearts of all involved that have come together is pretty sweet. And though some dogs have left physically, their spirits are always in attendance at the gatherings. In addition to the sleddies who were old hats at the reunion game, having been at the first one (Ash, ChiChi, Galute, Niv, Pique + Shrek), there were even some who'd retired before they even pulled a sled. Everyone got along famously... and by the looks of the photos adopters were sharing that evening... all the dogs were WIPED OUT from their day of shenanigans. BIG>HUGE>>GINORMOUS THANKS to everyone who made the trip from both near and far! Your unending love, patience and compassion are the proof needed to show the world what is waiting for sled dogs upon retirement and that what happened in Whistler in 2010 and continues to happen to this day, does not have to happen. To the small army who organized this - from the name tags to the red ribbons for the dogs who had food sensitivities to the amazing human food. And of course to Penny and Jim for once again, opening up their home and yard to 50+ sleddies plus a few sleddie siblings! I realize that most of the people reading this will already be super sleddie supporters, but if you are new to this... if you don't know what goes on behind-the-scenes of the sled dog industry not just here in Canada, but all over the world, I urge you to do some research. I have met and photographed well over 100 retired sled dogs over the last four years - I've seen what pulling and racing has done to their bodies. What being tethered to their dog houses 24/7 does to them physically and mentally. The arthritis. The cancers. The digestive problems that have arisen out of eating rocks out of boredom. The worn down and broken teeth from chewing their wooden or plastic dog houses, from chewing their chains.. I've seen the vet bills that adopters are paying to keep their family member in as good of health as they can after years of little to no care. Since the Whistler 'cull' in 2010 a revised Sled Dog Standards of Care was enacted, but there is no reinforcement... it's still legal to leave dogs tethered 24/7 and it's still legal to shoot them. I'm not trying to be dramatic... it's the way it is... and it's wrong. We humans can do so much better. We should be doing so much better. But I will step off my soap box now and share the images from an afternoon of happiness. Of a place and time where humans are trying their best to right the wrongs these dogs have endured... and have formed this not-so-secret society of sleddies! Silly video clips to come! [And if you scroll down to the bottom of the page, you can view the group images from the past six reunions!] [hugs] ~w~ Sleddie Roll Call: Apex, Arctic, Ash, Aussie, Berta, Bubba, ChiChi, Cleo, Cola, Daisy, Eva, Farmer, Fiddle, Galute, GreyGrey, Hooters, Hurricane, Jasper, Jeff, Kirika, Kismet, Lady, Lucy, Lunar, Mars, Midge, Misty, Moon, Murphy, Niv, Pancake, Pique, Question, Reggie, River, Rocky, Sassy, Shrek, Silly, Sky, Snail, Storm, Sun, Wasp, Weasley, Willow, Ziggy. PLUS... some retired sleddies currently in foster with The Victoria Humane Society: Calli, Copper, Knik, Kusko, Rondy, Summer, Whitman... *just in case...* >>[I made up this list on my own, so if in the chaos I missed your sleddie, please let me know!] >>>To view a large selection of my retired sled dog photo project, THE SLED DOGS OF WHISTLER, please CLICK HERE! >>>A 300-page photo book, Meetings with Remarkable Dogs: the road to retirement for Whistler sled dog survivors, is in the works and I hope to have out by summer 2016! Six Sleddie Reunions!
Tomorrow marks the 6-year-anniversary of the Whistler sled dog massacre. Over 2 days - April 21 + 23, 2010 the mass killings took place and opened up a lot of eyes to an incredibly inhumane industry.
We all have a voice to help those who we believe need it... and I'm speaking up for sled dogs. This book is my voice... my labour of love... With over 350 full-colour photographs in 300 pages and encompassing the last 5 years of my life... the first draft is at the printers now. When the final copy is out, 100% of the proceeds will be donated back to helping sled dogs and their journey into retirement. Why? For their entire working lives, people have made a living off their backs - used them until they were no longer useful. They sold their images of working life for profit and gain and that's not something I can be a part of, nor want to be a part of. But if I can advocate for them through my photography and somehow help retired 'sleddies' assist other 'sleddies' into retirement, then that would be just the best. These dogs and their adopters, rescuers and supporters have inspired me in so many ways. I'm in awe of what's been accomplished by this incredibly strong, loving, compassionate group of people. The time, the sacrifice the patience.... the laughter, the tears, the drained bank accounts and the endless talk about poop... it's been quite a journey! #pullyourowndamnsled A rainy day in November - perfect for a retired sleddog reunion!
When I arrived, I went to find Lady, the queen of the castle. She was sleeping in one of her outside spots, in a little sleddie donut. When she woke up she came to say hi. More dogs arrived and more dogs arrived... 40 retired sled dogs plus 10 sleddie siblings in all had the run of not just the fully-fenced outside, but the inside too. Moose helped himself to his own food supply, Shrekkie traversed the couch and when it was time to go, Summer decided she wasn't ready and had herself an extra hour of playtime. Lots of regulars were on hand plus there were lots of new faces too - somehow I managed to keep track of them all and with a little help from my dog dorks, we made up a list of the attendees. Thanks to everyone for participating in the group photo - trust me, I know how challenging it can be to sit still so close together when there's so much fun to be had. Most dogs made the photo, but a couple of the more shy dogs might not be in it, but they're there in spirit *ahem, Apex & Willow* Thank you to Penny Stone for once again allowing this to take place in her home. I think we owe you maid service now! Until next time... xo Sleddie roll call: Apex, Betty, Berta, Bubba, Cherry, ChiChi, Cocoa, Cola, Daisy, Eagle, Farmer, Galute, Georgie, Goofy, Grey, Jeff, Kirika, Lady, Lion, Lucy, Lunar, Moon, Moose, Niv, Nordique, Pique, Question, Raima, Sassy, Shrek, Silly, Sky, Summer, Sun, Trixie, Tucker, Wasp, Weasley, Whistler, Willow And their sleddie siblings: Angel, Ben, Boomer, Cinder, Diego, Izzy, Jessie, Lucie, Ryder, Shelby, Wednesday And for more retired sled dog adventures, click HERE! I recently shared this on a private facebook page where I follow the lives of my retired sleddog buddies and their adoptive homes...
figured I'd share it here too... *** ::September 10, 2015:: On this day in 2013 I made 43 new friends. I don’t think I realized it at the time, just how much they would change not only my life, but the lives of so many others. How a community like this would be created and how many more retired sleddies would be helped because of them. Some of these new friends are no longer with us, but I will never forget them… they’ve imprinted themselves on my soul. To those who’ve welcomed these friends into their homes, given them love and comfy beds…warmth and silly toys… expensive food and paid the vet bills. Who’ve embraced the challenges and have cried tears of utter joy and complete despair. Who’ve laughed and stared in amazement. But most of all to the dogs - you’ve brought us all together and helped us as much as you’ve been helped. Loved us as only you can. And although this photo is just a small number of the new friends I’ve made over the 3+ years of following your stories, it was pivotal... and you all continue to give me goosebumps in your presence. Thank you to Sue, Kim, Jess, Ang and Penny for camping out and keeping them company during that transitional time. For playing with them in the day and keeping them safe at night, sharing with them the love they deserve, and helping them start on the next part of their adventure. Pictured (with their names at the time): Arctic, Bowser, Candy, Chocolate Cola, Daffy, Dandelion, Gretzky, Gummi Bear, Heineken, Honda, Hooters, Hurricane, Ice, Igloo, Inky, Jet, Joffre, Johnny, Kawasaki, Kayla, Kilo, Kirby, Lady, Lucky, Manny, Myers, Noodles, Nooner, Nordique, Oilers, Pancake, Pez, Rocket, Rolo, Sapporo, Sausage, Silly, Snow, Sonny Boy, Sun, Whiny, Wiggles. To view more of stories of these remarkable retired sled dogs, as well as maybe some new faces, please visit: http://www.wendynesbitt.com/the-sled-dogs-of-whistler.html With summer on its way out, we managed to get a dog dork date in. After the usual untangling of leashes with the excited pups, into the woods of Thetis Lake went 5 girls and their 11 dogs (2 of which - Hurricane & Summer - are currently in foster with the Victoria Humane Society - nudge, nudge...)
We tried a new route (with Hurricane marking the way) and played follow the leader, in this case it was Shannon. Although we weren't always sure of which path we should take, it was the perfect day for a fun adventure and the weather was amazing. There was even a stinky pond for those who liked to take a dip. Thanks to my fellow dog dorks: Heather, Saru & Cola, Shannon, ChiChi & Lola, Deb, Question, Apex, Hurricane & Summer and Erin & Niv... and my two low-riders, the Mister and Bella-boo. A couple weeks ago I posted about Daffy's Day - an informal gathering of retired sled dogs and their humans who came together to have one last romp and cuddle with dearest Daff. On July 28, Daffy passed with her human mom, Deb and sister, Question by her side. We all knew it was coming - we knew she was sick and her tumours were growing... too fast. But it's that blow. That final goodbye to a pet that no matter how prepared any of us think we are, punches us in the gut with the force of our entire emotional being. I will remember meeting her in Whistler in September 2013. She had sap on her face so she stood out to me in the sea of dogs. She was always around, but on the outer edges of the 43 retired sled dogs that were awaiting adoption. I had no idea at that time that I would get to know her and spend so much time with her. She got adopted after arriving in Victoria, but it wasn't the right fit - she ran away. The network of retired sled dog adopters in Victoria set to work and a foster home came forward... she'd go stay with Deb. I didn't know Deb very well back then, but when I watched them together on a walk in East Sooke Park, I knew in my heart it was a good match - you could just see it. Daffy must've too, because once at Deb's, despite there not being a fenced yard, she never tried to run away again. I am so thankful that she had the opportunity to spend her final chapter on such an incredible adventure in a home that understood her needs and had the patience to help Daffy trust. And Miss Daffery did such a great job paying it forward by helping other retired sled dog fosters transition to home life - namely Deb's! And her specialness was instrumental in helping find Apex - running and leaving her scent all over Sechelt in the hopes that it would keep him in the area. And it did... for 5 months. Until he was ready to be found. Apex and Daff had a very special bond so it made sense. I will never forget her sweet, dark, soulful eyes, her lovely spirit, watching her run, and sharing my pillow and sleeping bag while she snuggled up to me - spooning her while van camping in Sechelt last January. It may have just been the warmth, but I took what I could get. Thanks for the happy tails, Daff - here's to you and Deb. xo I went through oodles and oodles of photos and have put together some of my favourite photos of Daffy - from meeting her in 2013 to just a couple weeks ago. From a sleddie swim date she would have nothing to do with, to UVic romps, beach adventures, Sechelt, hanging with sleddie peeps and pooches. |
Categories
All
Archives
|