It was a new beginning today for Fawkes, Innuk, Luna, Mouse, Nagini, Sniper and Wiggy. 

As the slushy snow fell, the Victoria Humane Society van pulled into their new property - soon to become their new care and adoption centre. 

Six dogs were in the van, though 7 retired today. 
Wiggy's foster met the team in Nanaimo and Fawkes, Innuk, Luna, Mouse, Nagini and Sniper continued their trip down to Victoria.

It was a new set up this time. As each new set of arrivals comes into care, the team assesses and wonders how things can be done to both reduce the stress on the dogs while expediting the process so they can get to their foster homes after what is often a very long travel day. 
I brought a paper backdrop in the hopes of getting some portraits but that wasn't to be. There was too much going on. 
That's ok - I'll try again next time.

This was the first time doing sleddie intake at the new property. Not only is there more room there, when the weather is better, the dogs will be able to spend some more time in the fenced area. 
But today, all the dogs, aside from Sniper, wanted outside to do some business, but wanted back inside just as quick. 
It makes one wonder how they feel about not having the opportunity to be inside in their other life?

Fawkes - so sweet and enthusiastic (and soft!), has growths under his eyes that will be looked at by a vet
Innuk - gentle and loved getting in close for loves and rubbing his head on you (will be getting neutered)
Luna - super sweet, only liked the real meaty treats
Mouse - timid, though loved treats
Nagini - very sweet, loved cuddles
Sniper - so sweet, loves to show up between your legs and get scritches (he's quite itchy), has a mark on his nose that will be looked at by a vet

It's been almost 24 hours since their arrival and all are settling in to their foster homes comfortably. Some have claimed cozy spots, some are figuring things out. Some have met their foster siblings (both dog and cat) and some have eaten all the food in sight! *ahem Innouk*

So while the 1000 mile Iditarod race is currently taking place and I am exposed to updates and images of this inherently cruel race, I am so grateful that these 7 dogs will now be able to have a life of opportunity and choice, adventure and consistent care. 
And though they may not have been forced to run that race, their lives have been spent as working sled dogs.
But yesterday that all changed and they'll now be afforded the same animal protection law coverage as the dogs we share our homes with.

Welcome to retirement Fawkes, Innuk, Luna, Mouse, Nagini, Sniper and Wiggy!

As always, big thanks to Jillian and Deb for transporting the precious cargo and spending all day travelling by land and sea. To Cathryn and Sander for their organization at home base (and for adopting sweet Clyde!) 
To the Victoria Humane Society who always says yes to sleddies and who will now be ensuring all these sweet dogs get wellness exams and any necessary veterinary treatment needed.
And of course to the foster families who open their homes and hearts to helping these dogs start new lives. 

xo
wendy

The first group of sleddies in 2026 have come into care!

Welcome Dobby, Honey, Norbert, Norco and Yang!
I say this every time, but it's worth repeating... each group is different. 
And this group? There wasn't a shy one in the bunch. They were curious, took treats, leaned in for snuggles, and though perhaps a bit unsure of what was going on, they were one of the most chill groups I've met in a while. 

They have all gone to amazing foster homes (for one foster, this is her 12th sleddie foster!) where they will have time to decompress and learn about their new life. 
These sweeties will also get a check up at the vet and sweet Yang will also get spayed. 

Thanks to Deb and Jill for once again transporting this precious cargo. These transports are long days for them, which include a ferry there and back, so I'm so grateful they enjoy road trips!

Thank you to the helpers, Cathryn and Heather and Kim for helping hold dogs, weigh them and make sure they are all fitted with their collars, harnesses, GPS trackers and leashes. 

And huge thanks to the Victoria Humane Society who will ensure these incredibly deserving dogs will get the medical care they need and loving homes, when the time comes. 

Thanks for checking in!
​Wendy
​

There was rain, there was sun
And soggy smiles for miles

A sleddie sleigh-bration not only as a festive gathering, but to also celebrate the birthdays of two super special people - Jill and Deb!

22 sleddies and their human and dog friends came to the new Victoria Humane Society property to run, sniff and show off their festive looks. 
Scarves, bandanas, ties and a trio A Christmas Story sweaters!
Some went for walks around the property, some did major zoomies and others just hung out, being their super cool sleddie selves.

The group photo even had a surprise visitor when Homer zoooooomed on through. 

Our current fosters -- Gouda, Jones, Kenora, Ruby, Zuma -- came out and stole some hearts. It's so fantastic to see how far they've come just in the last couple of weeks since their arrival. Kenora was always ready for a photo op, Gouda just wanted to run around, Ruby played it cool and visited various people for some gentle loves, Jones hung with his foster family and took in all the smells, and Zuma did his first sit for a treat.

Thanks to the dedicated humans for coming out - for bringing treats and for just being the amazing humans you are!

Sleddie roll call:  Argus, Beanie, Blue, Clyde, Gadget, Gouda, Homer, Jones, Keelah, Kenora, Mary Kate, Oman, Patsy, Penny, Pluto, Roo, Ruby, Shine, Smokie, Titan, Zouave, Zuma
Sleddie buddies: Juno, Cessna, Willow, Marley and another Juno!
--> names can be found captioned on the photos

Hope you all have a safe and special holiday season!

Thanks for stopping by!
Wendy

p.s. printable versions of images from this reunion can be ordered for $10 each, with the money raised going back to help sustain this project and fund future sleddie-related advocacy. Please contact me for to order!

It may have taken 9 years, but it happened!

Super Sleddie Reunion #8 happened on September 27, 2025 and it was a sight to behold.

27 sleddies gathered to run, play, steal snacks, swim, get muddy, explore, sniff, make new friends and even nap. 
You may think it would be noisy with over 30 dogs in all, in attendance, but it's not. The dogs have found new routines that are more than just being "on" or "off" for work. They've found a middle ground that allows them to make their own choices on their own time. To choose friends. To have some license when it comes to their daily lives.

The reunion took place at Victoria Humane Society’s new property - the site of what will be an incredible animal care and adoption centre - located in a magical forested area, just outside of Victoria. 

Since the first gathering in November 2013 to this latest almost 12 years later, I’ve had the honour to meet and photograph 278 former sled dogs who’ve had the opportunity to leave working life behind and live life as beloved family members. 

Aside from sweet Smokie who’s 15 (maybe 16?), the dogs at this gathering is a new generation of sleddies. The inspiration for this project - the survivors of the Whistler sled dog massacre - have all passed away, but their names and faces live on in some pretty cherished memories from those who knew them, along with photographs and stories on this site. And some of those original families have continued to adopt sleddies!
The majority of this crew have come from the Whistler area, but some are from the Yukon and beyond. 

To the new friends visiting this page/post, you will see many photos below. I haven’t picked out just the single portraits because I share as many photos as I can as this project is not just about the ‘pretty pictures or posed portraits - it’s about sharing the realness - the fun, the messy, the eyes closed, the turned away faces. 

There is a magic that comes along with sharing your home with a sleddie, a camaraderie between the human and the dog as you both learn about each other. The comfort that can be found in new routines. The time for the dogs to learn that life is not just about being “on” and “off” for work because there are now opportunities for mid-range adventures, hikes, or afternoon naps with their bestie.

But as it can be when bringing any new dog into your home, some assimilate very easily and some need a little more time. Time to learn about their new roles in a home. Time to trust.
But this group has stepped up.

These days I generally only get to see the dogs upon arrival, so it’s super special to see how those sweet, yet fearful dogs, have learned to relax and bond with their family. 

As long as there are sled dog operations, the Victoria Humane Society will need foster and adoptive homes, so if you’re interested, please contact them.

Sleddie roll call: Bagheera (adoptable!), Baloo, Biggie, Blue, Clyde, Dawson, Elton, Gadget, Heart, Idéfix, June, Keelah (formerly Akeela), Lady Arthur (adoptable!) (formerly Arthur), Louie, Louise, Oman, Patsy, Peach, Penny, Pepper (adoptable!), Raksha (adoptable!), Shine (formerly Shining), Smokie, Star, Titan, Toledo, Zuzu

As it's taken me over a month to actually get to sharing this post (life sometimes takes over), some super cool news has come in! At the reunion there were 4 adoptable sleddies (Bagheera, Lady Arthur, Pepper and Raksha), and I'm happy to say Bagheer, Raksha and Pepper have all been adopted! Our sweet Lady Arthur is, however, still awaiting her forever home.  I ask you to just take a look at the photos of this sweet girl near the end of this post -- most of the dogs had gone home, but Lady Arthur continued to request loves and attention in her very gentle way from any human close by. This girl is a 100% a gem. So sensitive and sweet. Whoever adopts her is going to be very lucky. 

Some other friends came too — whether they were sleddie siblings, honourary sleddies or “fake” sleddies… they all had a blast! Flurry, Murphy, Rachel, Wesley, Zoe

Thank you so much to the organizers (Jill + Deb) and all the fosters, adopters and supporters of this incredibly special group of sweet dogs!
Names and captions are included for all photos (fingers crossed I got them all correct!) - just click on the photo to view captions!

~wendy
​xo

p.s. printable versions of images from this reunion can be ordered for $10 each, with the money raised going back to help sustain this project and fund future sleddie-related advocacy. Please contact me for to order!

Sunday was the day of some super sweet summer sleddie arrivals. Amidst a jumble of "things that can go sideways, did", and a record-breaking day of summer heat, 5 sleddies were lovingly transported into care. 

Welcome Arthur, Bagheera, Heart, Pepper and Raksha!

Life as a sled dog is quite predictable - so it's no surprise that when new sleddies arrive into care they can be very concerned. Even the most relaxed sleddie can be having some tremors and/or stress panting upon arrival. 
But one of the most beautiful things is to see photos of them that same evening in their foster homes. This group was no exception. 
And I even got to see it with my own eyes as I had to drop off some medication to one of the fosters who lives close to me just before 9pm. When I peeked around the corner, there was Bagheera flat out on his side, lying in front of the open screen door. After his arrival home, he had some outside time and then came inside and lay down by the door, where he continued to snooze in the cool evening air.
Ahhh... 

The intake also brought a couple other surprises -- a 'pirate' by the name of Arthur (a female), who had recent surgery to remove her left eye. Having shared 12 years of my life with a 'pirate' dog, I hold an extra soft spot for these sweeties and Arthur was no exception.

And then a tall, gangly youngster arrived... it was Yukon! 
Yukon was one of Willy's puppies who arrived from the Yukon late at night in February 2023 (https://www.iwasasleddog.com/blog/14-new-arrivals-14-new-friends) . His family is fostering one of the new sleddies -- it's so amazing to see adopters continue to help with fostering. 

It's not quite been 48 hours since they arrived, but I wanted to share what I noticed as well as some updates from their foster homes:
Bagheera - gave me the most adorable head tilts for me! He's been enjoying his yard and napping.
Arthur - (now known as Lady Arthur) the cutest sleddie pirate, with a penchant for very close snuggles when she's nervous! She has spent lots of time napping and is now learning how to go down stairs (going up is fine, down is a bit of a learning curve, which may have something to do with depth perception missing an eye)... what a champ!
Pepper - she reminded me of a spry old lady -- and so loving. She apparently didn't move off the sofa for the first 24 hours -- which is totally normal. It's been a lot of change in a short time.
Heart (now nicknamed Hermes) - the blue-eyed heart melter and a bit of a 'bulldog' in a sleddie costume, also quite goofy... (see him appear under Jill's armpit), he has had some issues chewing his tail (which are being monitored). On Sunday he attended the VHS bottle drive and has been taking dirt naps in the shady yard with the other family dog.
Raksha - a very snuggly girl when she's nervous, also a serious sunbather.

Below I share the photos of the arrival and intake. From jumping out of the van to vaccination to heading home with their foster... there are many images because I feel that helps communicate where each dog may be at, what they may be feeling... those brief moments of relax amidst the unknown... 

Also included is a photo of Bagheera with his eyes closed. If you know me, you know how much I love and embrace photos of dogs with their eyes closed. 
Sigh.

For the intake photos, please see my previous post: https://www.iwasasleddog.com/blog/august-23-2025

Thank you so much for stopping by, 
Wendy

p.s. our crew has a reunion coming up in September, so if you have a sleddie and would like to join, please get in touch!

WELCOME TO RETIREMENT Arthur, Bagheera, Heart, Pepper, Raksha!

These 5 SUPER sweet and very loving sleddies made their way into the care of Victoria Humane Society after a long and hot travel day yesterday from the Whistler area. 

With the help of loving foster homes, these gentle (and very snuggly) pups will have time to decompress, have a wellness exam with the vet and allow time for the foster to get to know them so that they will be set up for success for their adoptive homes.

Ranging in age from about 3 (Heart), to 8-9 (all the others), Bagheera and Pepper will be getting neutered/spayed and there will likely be a dental or two.

Thanks to Jill and Deb for navigating a very long (and hot) travel day with such precious cargo, Heather for helping with intake, Karen for helping to clear the van for the next VHS intake and to the devoted and caring sleddie foster homes - one who is on their 7th or 8th sleddie foster!

There will be more sleddies coming into care, so if you’re interested in fostering, please contact VHS.

These 5 now mean I have officially photographed 278 former sled dogs. Each one has been an individual, with their own needs, likes and dislikes. I would urge you to read through my website to learn more about what can be like for former sled dogs, because they are adoptable (they don’t all have boundless energy and need long runs) and they all deserve to be treated like the individuals they are.

If you would like to help donate to their care, please contact VHS. 

thanks for visiting, 
​wendy

This post is in remembrance of the Whistler sled dogs who were killed over the course of two days, April 21 and 23, 2010.

It's because of this atrocity that this project was born, 14 years ago. After the massacre, "experts" were weighing in on what would happen to the surviving dogs. So many said sled dogs could never live in a home, never be "pets". They weren't built for domestic life. It was getting tiring hearing the same old lines and I knew from my years being around so many shelter dogs who had come from such a diverse range of unfit situations (from outright abuse and getting shot to being surrendered because a hair cut cost too much) that it would be up to the dogs. They just needed the chance.

So when survivors of Whistler started to arrive at the shelter it was pretty obvious that these dogs were going to prove those "experts"  wrong. 

They were lovely, friendly, social with other dogs and followed us around. And when they got adopted, they were so loved. 
It's because of some of these adopting families that I got to know the dogs more - going out on walks and adventures and hearing how life was going for them.
For some, the road to settling in was harder. But the same can be said for any dog being adopted into a new home. Again, they just needed the chance.

Our community began to grow so we planned reunions, where 50+ former Whistler sled dogs came together to sniff and romp and just hang out. 
It was magical.

Today, most, if not all, of the original Whistler survivors have now passed away, but there has been a steady stream of former sled dogs from Whistler and beyond who've need of a soft place to land. And the community here has been ready to step up to help. 

But as long as there are sled dog operations, shelters and rescues will be called on to help with re-homing these special dogs.
So more help is always needed.

Today, I light a candle for those who lost their lives.
And to the 269 former sled dogs I've met and photographed over the last 14 years, thank you for being such beautiful, honest ambassadors.

Abby, Ace, Adora, Angel, Apex, Arctic, Argus, Arwen, Ash, Ashley, Aussie, Baloo (BigBoy), Bamboo, Barca, Batman, Beamie, Bear, Bella, Berta, Betty, Big, Biggie, Birch, Black, Blizzard, Blue, Blue's puppies 1, 2 +3, Boo, Bowser, Bran, Bruno, Bubba, Buzz, Cain, Calli, Cally, Camino, Candy, Cane, Cap, Casey, Catty, Cello, Centurion, Charlie ('14), Charlie ('17), Chase, Cherry, ChiChi, Chief, Chocolate, Cleo, Clyde, Cocoa, Cola, Colby, Comet, Copper, Coyote, Cruz, Cuddles, Cutie, Daffy, Daisy, Dave, Digger, Eagle, Echo ('18), Echo ('22), Elton, Elwen, Eskobar, Eva, Farmer, Felix, Fiddle, Flash, Ford, Frankie, Gadget, Galute, Ginny, Gino, Goldie, Goofy, Goose, Gracie, Gretzky, Grey, Griffindor, Hailey, Heineken, Herman, Homer, Honda, Hooters, Hopper, Ice ('13), Ice ('21), Idéfix, Igloo, Inky, Jack ('17), Jack ('22), Jakala, Jasper, Jeff, Jet, Jo, Johnny, Jon Snow, June(bug), Kawasaki, Kayla, Kayou, Keeva, Keni, Kepler, Kerri, Kilo, Kirby, Kirika, Kismet, Kit, Knik, Lady, Lefty, Lion, Loki, Loretta, Louie ('15), Louie ('22), Louise, Lucky, Lucy, Luna, Luna ('17), Lunar, Magic, Manny, Mars, Mary Kate, Meso, Midge, Mila, Millie, Misty, Moon, Moose, Mossy, Muffin, Murphy, Muselix, Myers, Nike, Nina, Niv, Noodles, Nooner, Nordique, Oak, Oilers, Olaf, Ollie, Oman, Oscar, Otter, Owl, Pancake, Patsy, Peach, Penny ('16), Penny ('24), Pez, Pharaoh, Picasso, Ping, Piper, Pique, Pluto, Poppy, Porsche, Pumpkin, Question, Raven, Red, Reggie, River, Robbie, Rocket ('13), Rocket ('23), Rocky, Rolo, Rondy, Roo, Samwell, Santana, Sapporo, Sassy, Saturn, Sausage, Schwartz, Serabe, Shanti, Shazaam, Shining, Shrek, Siku, Silly, Sinatra, Sitka, Sky, Smokey, Snail, Snickers, Snow, Sonny, Sparkle, Sparky, Spinner, Splash, Star, Stella, Stevie, Storm, Stuart, Summer ('13), Summer ('15), Sun, Sweetie, ​Tag, Teddy, Tig, Tiger, TJ, Toledo, Touché, Trixie, Troy, Trudy, Tuba, Tucker, Twister, Typhoon, Vinnie, Vixen, Wasp, Watsit, Weasley, Whiney, Whistle, Whistler, Whitman, Wiggles, Willow, Willy, Willy's puppies 1, 2 + 3, Yale, Yamaha, Yang, Ying, Zazou, Zeus, Ziggy, Zouave

To put faces to these important names: https://www.iwasasleddog.com/i-was-a-sled-dog-part-two.html

I would also like to take this chance to offer my condolences to the families of Bruno and Sparky. I just learned today that they both recently passed away. May they find each other and their friends and continue to run free. 

xo 
wendy

A big warm welcome to Adora, Elton, Jakala and Touché!

It's that time of year. When the sled dog operations end, and homes for former sled dogs are needed. Without the snow to pull the tourists around in, what does a sled dog do the rest of the year? Money earned through the winter, often has to last the whole year and has to cover a lot of expenses. 
This year is no different. 

So on Sunday, April 6, the Victoria Humane Society welcomed 4 new sleddies into care. 

It was a true group effort -- correspondence with the kennel, a ferry ride to Vancouver, drive to the meeting place, and the drive and ferry trip back. While at the shelter, food and supplies had been prepped for the fosters. Medicines were prepped. Mats were laid down to cover the slippery floors on the way to the scale. 
And when the truck arrived, and the back hatch opened, we were all so happy to see Elton and Touché's little faces peeking out of their kennels. Adora was in the kennel behind them and Jakala had been riding in the backseat of the truck cab.

The team unloaded the crates, then harnesses and GPS collars were fitted, leashes attached and then it was time to get weighed.
As the dogs walked the hall to the scale, they all got to peer into the window and see little Jitterbug, a sweet kitty who's awaiting her forever home, watching the action.

While the dogs were getting fitted and weighed, the fosters were all getting a refresher on fostering a sleddie and learning a bit more about their charges. 
Elton - the youngest of the group is about 3 years old. He did get some travel sickness, but was hungry again once he arrived at the shelter, super friendly and sweet
Adora - about 7 years old, very food motivated!, not a fan of other female dogs, but loved the attention of the volunteers at intake
Jakala - about 9 years old, apparently this girl is quite confident, but at the shelter, she seemed pretty stressed (not uncommon at intake), she's also food motivated (always helpful with the transition)
Touché - also about 8-9 years old, this guy has come to Whistler by way of Alaska last fall and has a racing history and competed in the Iditarod, however... he is a true couch master and that is his safe place. At intake, he wanted to be in the quiet corners and even took refuge in the washroom at one point. I can only imagine what it was like for him to be on display at the Iditarod with all the people and dogs and noise and action pre-race.... At intake it was observed he may have some sight issues, which the fosters are going to keep an eye on.

After one final photo op, the dogs were on their way to their foster homes, where they will be loved and cared for. And if nothing urgent comes up in the interim, in a few weeks they will go for a wellness exam with the vet. Should any diagnostics or surgeries be needed, they'll be scheduled and then paid for by Victoria Humane Society. 

As I write this, it's the next morning and all of the dogs have been settling in quite well. They've found soft spots to have big sleeps in, some have been eating, drinking and doing business outside, some have upset tummies (not uncommon from the travel/change/stress). 
There's a lot of new for these sweethearts, but there are some wonderfully, dedicated people who are there to help guide them into this new life.

And as we approach the 15th anniversary of the post-Olympic Whistler sled dog massacre, I am grateful that these dogs had the chance to come into the care of a rescue. 

Thank you to Jill and Deb for all your set up and being sleddie chauffeurs! To Janet, Cathryn and Sander for your muscles unloading crates, fitting collars, harnesses and giving love to such special, deserving dogs.

If you're interested in adopting one of these amazing souls, please contact www.victoriahumanesociety.com

xo
wendy

After almost 10 years of a stable home, love, care, fun, respect and dignity.
Of making new friends - humans, dogs and even feline friends.
Cuddles, on his own terms.

Of running when he wanted, though it was more like a prance.
And curling up into a little sleddie donut.

Of taking short naps and long sleeps on his favourite spot on the couch.
The same spot where he left this world, to find his sister Portia and go adventure with his friends on the other side. 

Rest in peace and love sweet Jasper.

Jasper's beginnings are a bit hazy, as are many of the sleddies in this project. What is known is that the call was put out to find a foster for him in July 2015. He had been working in Whistler, but had bronchial issues that were likely brought on by the dust and hay at the sled dog operation in the summer. His name was Raima then and he was about 4 and originally from Montana.
He arrived into foster with Jillian in August of 2015 and in October 2015, the papers were signed and Raima's life as a beloved family member could begin.
Oh... and he got a new name, that fit him perfectly.

I will miss seeing Jasper's puppy prance and happy face as he zoomed around on walkies over the years, stopping in occasionally to get a treat. And I'm ever grateful to have been there at his end... where he left this world with his favourite human by his side, his auntie D, a special stuffy from a bestie and a belly full of chicken, cheezies and whip cream with rainbow sprinkles.

Thank you Victoria Humane Society and the team who got him into care. 
Thank you Jillian for providing Jasper with such a rich and beautiful life, and when the time came, a gentle, heartfelt farewell.


To see more of Jasper's adventures over the last decade, please type click on his name (on the list on the right).​

The updates are few and far between these days, I know.

It doesn't mean our sleddie community is any less committed, it's just that we just don't get together quite as much. 
One group I do see more than others though is Deb's crew, currently made up of Apex (into care 2014), Mary Kate + Roo (into care in 2017) and Homer (into care 2024).

Back on Oct 26 I went to visit them. Apex wasn't feeling well so I showed up with some cheese slices for the dogs and a shoulder for Deb.

A few days later, Apex passed away. 
And though I shared a memorial post and my last photos of sweet Apex, it seems I had forgotten to share the photos of the rest of the crew from that visit.
So here are some silly dogs trying to catch cheese while Deb and I sat on her front steps and talked.

And the last photo I ever took of Apex. 

Thanks for visiting,
w