Rocky

Posted January 4, 2008

I drove Rocky to Ontario (since I didn't want to fly him - I didn't want his ears to hurt - and besides I heard they don't treat animals too well).

He was fairly upset when he began to see all the boxes being packed - perhaps he had been abandoned in this way before, who knows. Anyway, we drove to Ontario 4 _ days in my Echo Hatchback. He was sooooooooooooo good on the trip. I would stop every few hours and we would have a stretch and a little run. I couldn't find any pet friendly hotels along the way, so at night we would cuddle up together for the night in the car. I think it was great for us both as it seemed to bond us even closer.

When we arrived, although, he was clingy at first, he seemed to de-stress quickly after he realized I wasn't going to leave him. He goes crazy over the squirrels in the neighbourhood when we're out on our walks, so I really have to be aware so I can handle him. He also has a big yard now to play ball in (although I'm sure he misses his friends at the YK dog park).

He has settled in nicely and been re-acquainted with my mom who lives with us and cares for him while I'm at Snap Lake. He was quite protective of her (not aggressive), almost right away, which was quite interesting. Although he still barks a lot at other dogs, squirrels and birds, he rarely barks when someone comes to the door.

It still boggles my mind how anyone would want to abandon such a wonderful dog -It doesn't appear like there was abuse involved, so perhaps they just felt they had no choice. We have a great vet here (one whom I have used in the past) and Rocky really likes her too.

Many thanks to all of you for your thoughtful and kind care while Rocky was at the vet and when boarding.

Have a Merry Christmas, Deborah

Sparty

This little guy - originally named Bertie - was found in Fort Providence in March 2007, and really needed to find a new home. Susan Christie found him wandering around town by himself - and not everyone was being nice to him. He was literally kicked out of a building after trying to get in to get warm.

Thanksfully Susan contacted us and we drove half way to Providence to pick him up while Peter, a public works man drove him the other half way. He settled in to my truck like he was menat to be there.

We thought he was a samoyed mix - but looking at the photos of him now he certainly has changed! He's more of a border collie cross than samoyed.

Because of his good looks he quickly found a great home with a young couple who had tried to contact me while I was down at the Caribou Carnival grounds. They heard me on CJCD and ran down to the site to find me. After an interview with them I decided that they were the people for him and now he lives the high life here in Yellowknife. He's even travelling with them to Thunder Bay this Summer to go to their wedding. Janet Pacey.

Lucky

I have adopted two dogs and two cats from SPCAs and shelters and I love them all and they are all co-habiting with me and getting along just fine.

Oscar is an Australian Shepherd who was found in a ditch in WA state with a broken leg. Olive and Lennie are brother and sister cats who were five when I adopted them. They had been thrown outside when their owner had a baby and thought they might smother the new baby. They are the most loving pair with great personalities.

And then there’s Lucky - she is a husky/shepherd cross who was surrendered to the Yellowknife SPCA by her family at the age of nine. I walked her as part of the dog-walking program for several months almost every day. I was not allowed to have a dog in my apartment but I said if she was still there, I'd take her with me when my job was finished and I left Yellowknife.

So on January 31, with my car piled high and with the two cats already in the car in cages, I made a last stop at the SPCA before I drove south, and gathered Lucky up with the blessing of the staff. Lucky had to sit in the front seat all the way to Edmonton, but she welcomed the chance to see what was coming along. She watched every truck and car go by and was fascinated. We stopped often and she loved to run, but didn't want to miss going in the car when it was time to get back in.

It took us 2.5 days to drive to Edmonton where we spent two weeks then drove the rest of the way back to BC. Lucky has learned to get along with Oscar, and loves to chase the cats if she can make them run. She is settling in and enjoying life.

We are a happy family and I am grateful to all of you who care for the animals and help find them new homes. Thank you from all of the animals you care for and especially from my four who are learning to get along.

I had joined the dog-walking program because it helped to get me exercise and out of the office after work. So it was a win-win situation, and for Joseph too. When Joseph was able to go home at Christmas, he wrote me a card that says "thank you for bringing me dog walking."

THANK YOU!

Update on Lucky

Hi, I participated in your dog-walking program while I was working a term for Aurora College in Yellowknife last year and eventually adopted 'Lucky' a female husky cross, on Jan. 31 - the day I drove away from Yellowknife.

I just wanted to tell you that she is doing very well, and we are happily living in Edmonton , AB. You told me that at 9 years old her chances of being adopted were slim. It has taken her some time to adjust, but she is settling in finally and seems happy. I have another shelter dog who is about 8 (Australian Shepherd male) and two cats also from a shelter who are also about 8. All are adjusting and seem happy.

After being in Edmonton for a few weeks, we drove over to my old house near Vancouver and packed that up and sold it, and then we moved in June to our new 1920's house in Edmonton near where my daughter and grandchildren are. I fenced the back yard for the dogs so they have the freedom to run and we go for walks three times a day. Its good for them and for me. I also built them a double dog house insulated and sheltered in a corner of the back yard where they stay outside all day and come in at night.

I am attaching a photo of Lucky. Thank you for all your caring and patience with these animals who need your help to find new good homes. I appreciate having Lucky and I know she is glad you saved her.

Thank you again.