Welcome to Canada, eh!

March 17th was a beautiful, sunny spring day -- and the day our Lebanon angels arrived. We set out for the Montreal airport with Simon Gardner from CBC joining us again this year -- he is now officially part of the Lebanon dog crew.

Jen (co-founder of Genesis), Simon, Roz (founder of Hopeful Hearts), and Tracy (co-founder of Genesis)

With no GPS, Roz managed to get us to the airport where we met up with the folks from Genesis Dog Rescue, who were also there to welcome their own pups. The plane had already landed by the time we arrived, with Mona and the BETA (Beirut for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) crew through customs. We couldn’t believe it! Last year the flight was late and we waited for what seemed like forever for them to get through customs. This year it was a breeze.

A whopping nine dogs came rolling towards us -- four dogs going to Genesis, four to Hopeful Hearts, and a ninth dog being fostered with another BETA volunteer. Hopeful Hearts was set to bring in 6 dogs but due to a miscommunication, only 4 of our dogs made the flight that day. Not to fear though, the remaining two dogs, Eddy and Murphy, will be making the trek to Canada at the end of April!

Photo courtesy of Genesis Dog Rescue

It was an amazing sight to see nine crates being wheeled down the hall, and they were definitely the stars of the show. Once we were outside, they were taken out of their crates one by one, and after their 24 hour journey, it didn’t take long before they were looking for cuddles. These sweet, loving dogs just took everything in stride despite the fatigue and confusion they must have been feeling.

Photo credit: Simon Gardner

Paperwork was transferred and goodbye cuddles and kisses were exchanged between the dogs, Mona and her crew. It’s always bittersweet for Mona, who travels from Lebanon to Canada every year, on behalf of BETA, in order to give these dogs a chance at a forever home.

Mona & Bear

Veggie was picked up at the airport by his foster mom and by 9:00 pm we were on the road again, headed back to Ottawa where the rest of our fosters warriors were anxiously awaiting the arrival of their foster monsters.

Veggie - Photo credit: Simon Gardner

When we arrived at our meeting place Bear was the first one out of the van, excited to meet these new faces. Yoda stayed in the van where he felt safe but enjoyed the cuddles and pets. It is difficult for him because of his deformities, which are as a result of literally growing up in a cage too small for him. Hera was scared at first too, but responded well to voice. Speak to her first, give her your hand for a sniff and you'll be delighted to receive hand kisses in return.

Bear - Photo credit: Simon Gardner

Yoda - Photo credit: Simon Gardner

Hera, Yoda, Bear, and Veggie are now slowly starting to adapt to their life in Ottawa.

Hera is an absolute suck who loves to cuddle and play, and spends a good portion of her evenings outside with foster mom. Yoda has already captured the hearts of many, including Global Pet Foods in the Glebe who is so generously sponsoring him. It is apparent that Bear will make a fantastic therapy dog, and she is already playing with her furry foster brothers and sisters. Veggie is doing wonderfully and fitting right in.

Hera

They are still scared and confused and will need some time and patience, but they have an amazing future ahead. When they are ready, we will find them the most wonderful families who will care for them and love them for the rest of their lives.

Sometimes we're asked why we bring in dogs from outside Canada, and the answer is very simple: we don't discriminate based on geography -- a dog in need is a dog in need. After being subjected to horrendous acts by so-called human beings, these dogs will spend their entire lives in a shelter, waiting for someone to want them. Unfortunately because of their disabilities -- disabilities caused by humans -- they have no chance at adoption in their home country because they are viewed as not good enough. If we are able to offer them a chance at a real life by helping to find them a loving home, why not? After all they've been through, it's the least we can do.

Bear & Rachel Iris - Photo credit: Simon Gardner

To read more about the amazing work BETA does, check out their website.