mr b + baby d visit

I heard my old friend Mr B (Bruno) was coming to town recently so of course I invited myself along for the visit! Those who know me know this is a common occurrence, though what they may not realize, is that it's not just for photo ops. I really and truly love meeting their sleddies, hearing their stories and just being around them.

The visit was arranged with Shannon and Tica, Mr B's second foster home. It's very common in our sleddie world for fosters and adopters to keep in touch and it's that community and support that helps both the dogs and their new families navigate the good times, the silly times, the hard times and the sad times.
Bruno not only left his mark on his foster family, but on me too. While in foster Shannon, Tica, Bruno and I started meeting at Fleming for weekly walks, and his legacy lives on after his adoption because Shannon, Tica and I continue to meet up weekly at Fleming, for almost two years now!

Walking Mr B back then was like walking a balloon. And it still is. 
Being in his presence creates a sense of calm... encourage deep breaths... and being in the moment. He's a man of few 'tells', but if he likes something (like shoulder massages or rubs under his chin) he'll tell you in his subtle way. It forces you to just "be" with him. 

When Mr B was adopted, his new family had two other dogs - Murphy and Goose - who have since passed away. So in keeping with the sleddie theme, his family adopted Dawson earlier this year. Dawson was just a wee pup when he came into care back in Feb 2023 with 13 other adults and pups, all the way from a commercial sledding kennel in northern Canada. It's hard to believe Baby D was so small because he's got legs for days and when he stands up, he's almost as tall as his dad who's 5'7"!
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In true Mr B fashion, he's handled a puppy in the house with patience and gentleness and in turn, even though Baby D is super silly and full of energy, he's very gentle with his big, ol' brother.

We met at our regular spot on a sunny afternoon at Fleming Beach. Tica was there for dog hellos with her friend Bruno and Shannon said her human hellos, holding his chin in her hand... as he moved in closer... and closer... to her.
​When we walked back toward the car, Bruno just fell into walking along with Shannon and Tica, like the old days in this same place.

Until we meet again Mr B.
xo