bruno + rio

On a beautiful fall day, a couple senior sleddies had a visit.
Word has it Rio (red harness on the left) + Bruno had been keeping company within an "old man's club" of sorts. The club was made up of dogs no longer working, who were waiting for adoption and official retirement. 
Rio had left the "club" back in August 2021 when he came into care with Toledo. The seniors were leaving so Bruno, who's a very fearful fella, pretty much just stayed put in his kennel -- only going out when he had to.
Of course, this is second-hand information, but it seems very plausible given what I've seen of the 'after' stories over the years.  
When Bruno arrived back in October, he quickly found a spot under a desk to escape to. He came out with a bit of gentle coaxing and took part in the goings-on and seemed interested in what was happening, but this was all so far out of his normal, that you could see he once again needed the safety of his den. At his foster home, that's his spot... in his kennel, his den, his safe spot.

Since Bruno arrived, he and Rio have had a couple other mini meet ups and they do their thing - Rio being more interested in human attention and affection, and Bruno watching it all happen.
But for all Bruno's fears, I do want to note that when I arrived at Bruno's foster, there was a moment when I was sitting down and Rio came to get sniff and get some rubs and treats and Bruno inched his way close enough to get a good sniff of the treat... and me. He's trying to trust us humans who only want to help, but his past includes time at a kennel where a number of the most fearful sleddies I've met have worked at. Apex, Lunar, Willow, Flash... to name a few.

I made a little video of the visit in the hopes that someone may see these two senior sleddies and want to adopt them into their home as beloved family members. To dispel the myth that as former sled dogs, they'll pull too much, or have too much energy. And to also show some tiny glimpses into their personalities that still images may not show. Rio and Bruno are not bonded, but seem to appreciate the company of other dogs who are just as gentle, patient and understanding as the humans who are helping them along.

Bruno + Rio are adoptable through the Victoria Humane Society.

Thanks for stopping by.
xo