It's been a week and a day since Idéfix + Shining arrived into care and both are doing really well.

Idéfix is in foster home a couple blocks from me and since Shining is hanging there for a few days while her foster family is out camping (an activity that might've been a bit too much, too soon for her), I took the opportunity to visit!

When we picked up the dogs from the airport August 7, it became clear right away that Idéfix was a velcro dog and needed support from humans, and that hasn't changed. 
Although Shining (now called Shi) came to sniff me out and then hang out with me for pets and to lick my arms, it took Idéfix about 20-30 mins to settle enough to smell me, like not just sniff me, but smell me... and I think doing that may have triggered a memory from our time together last week, because once he crossed that threshhold, he wanted all the pets and attention... just like Shi. And he still does the thing when he licks you that he bonks his teeth on you too... full contact style.
​
The visit also provided a chance for me to get a good look at Shi's right eye -- it's like the sky and forest in one -- half white/blue and half dark. Beautiful.
Idéfix's eyes are both beautifully blue. It's likely his vision is limited though -- we noticed a few things upon intake and now that he's in a foster home, they've seen some clues too, including him bumping into things that are obvious.

One thing I've learned about sleddies over the years is that there are a fair number who don't understand personal space. There is no 'asking' to be on your lap, they just slowly make their move and then they're up, blocking your view. When they want your attention, they lean into you in case you didn't know they were there. When you're low to the ground with a camera in your hand (ahem), they don't care that you're trying for a photo op... they want both of your hands giving them scritches on their back end while they bend around to lick your face. And when one moves in for attention, others likely will too! So when these two both requested my attention at once, I did my best to accommodate - one hand on both dogs while camera in the other!

We're having some pretty warm days here in Victoria this last week, so even though our visit was in the morning, it was already getting pretty toasty so we kept it short(ish). Depending on the dog, it can take hours, days or weeks for them to feel comfortable enough for a neighbourhood walk. So while Shi seems game to explore slowly and cautiously, (she's got her leashes on as she was seen trying to stick her nose through a spot in the fence), Idéfix prefers to stay in the yard, and that's ok. In time he'll have the opportunity to venture out and sniff his new surroundings, meet the dogs in the neighbourhood and perhaps some new human friends too.
​
Here are some photos and video from yesterday's visit. We hope to do it again soon!

Welcome ​Idéfix + Shining!

These two super sleddies arrived into care on August 7 and it's taken me a bit to put their story together. I originally tagged along on the pick up with camera in hand, but ended up using my phone for video mostly. So... I've created a 3-minute video from about 3 hours on Monday.

​Idéfix is the beautiful blue-eyed male. No, you're not seeing things... he's got somewhat crossed eyes and/or a lazy eye. Also he's got a spotted coat, a bit heeler-ish, but more than likely German Short-haired pointer as they're often part of the sled dog mixes. He's a young 9.
Shining is the beauty with two different coloured eyes. She's a bit floofier than ​Idéfix and was a bit slower to open up. When she did though, she loved getting some loves. Shining is 8!

Both dogs had travelled on a morning flight from Whitehorse, YT to us in Victoria, BC. I'm really amazed each time new dogs arrive after flights. I can only imagine what they may be wondering. Their started their day as usual, but it took a left turn somewhere and they've landed in a whole new place. The sounds, sights... and SMELLS. It's all new. It's all different.

It's been a few days now since they arrived and their foster homes have noted that they have both finally did their business (outside!) and are eating a bit. This is a big win as it often takes days for new arrivals to feel safe enough to do seemingly normal things like eat and do their business. Mostly they sleep or pace... or sleep and pace. 

I've learned ​Idéfix is being fostered close by so I'm looking forward to popping over for a visit. Upon arrival he was a velcro dog. He gave licks - the kind where you can feel his teeth pressing on your face because he's really getting in there (see video). And though they were mostly stress-related 'kisses', instead of shutting down, he was looking to me... an unknown human, for some sort of comfort. Back at the shelter for intake, he gave kisses to Deb while getting weighed.

Their decompression will take time, but the support is in place for these two to learn about a whole new life and maybe even dip their toes in the ocean.

Welcome to your official retirement Idéfix + Shining!!
xo

p.s. Idéfix and Shining are the 250th and 251st sleddies I've photographed for this project! A milestone for sure.