Project RePaw: Bobby - When dreams come true
The one that started it all
When I was asked if I’d like to contribute to the Re-Paw project by writing the story of one or more of my re-homed dogs, I immediately said yes! And I also immediately knew which story I wanted to tell:
The story of the most extraordinary dog I ever met. Bobby. Also known as Bobby-Long or Bobby Joli (wink).
Bobby is one of the best things that has happened in my life.
Our story together started five years ago, and I could never have imagined back then where it would take us.
When grief meets hope
April 2020. Rovaniemi, Finland. I just finished a 1000km solo expedition above the Arctic Circle. I should be overwhelmed by joy after such an extraordinary accomplishment. But I was not. I was devastated by the sudden death of one of my beloved dogs back in
Switzerland. Due to Covid, the borders closed a few weeks ago. I couldn’t fly home to tell her goodbye. I felt so powerless, empty. The pain was nearly unbearable.
A friend in Rovaniemi mentioned a kennel where she has helped as an interpreter for tourists. Maybe, it would help me to go and pet some dogs? Indeed, if it could ease the pain… So, I contacted Bearhill Husky. Because of Covid they couldn’t have any volunteers
or helpers, but they had dogs that needed a new family – if I wanted to come and see them?
My brain was in a complete fog. I was crying all the time for Nyx loss. But I went anyway.
I remember everything from that first visit at the kennel. The premises, the barking sounds, my first encounter with Valentjin and Veronika, how welcomed I felt there, and all these dogs! I had never been at a husky kennel before! That was quite an experience!
I remember being in this huge running fence with a bunch of Alaskan huskies playing around me, among which Bob and Quint, his brother. Both were to be rehomed for health issues that prevented them from working as sled dogs, and they didn’t enjoy the life in a big kennel. They both initially came from Sweden and didn’t fit in here.
I was standing there, in the middle of these dogs that all look like my gone dog, but way taller! Impressed and somehow happy. And this boy was coming back to me again and again, leaning on me. I still hear myself say to Valentijn “I take this one”. That was Bob, aka Bobby.
Half an hour later, I left the kennel with this huge black dog in the back of my pick-up truck, thinking “Oh my, Rachel, what have you done?”
Little did I know that it was the beginning of a whole new adventure – and life – for me and my family.
Bobby turned out to be an absolutely amazing dog: loyal, so kind to people and dogs, playful, extremely obedient (he never needs a leash!) – the easiest dog I ever had!
It took him some time to settle in his new life. He had a lot of fears and anxiety – he barely ate for 7 days! And I knew nothing about huskies… But from day 1 we helped each other overcome our challenges. He learnt about horses, travels, new environments, being in a house, climbing mountains etc. It took him months to dare be playful. At first, he was scared of sticks, balls, even treats! Now he loves chewing on his stuffed animals, catching balls, the comfort of his bed and being the spoilt one.
Bobby is my best friend, my running buddy, my confident. However friendly he is to everyone, he would never go with someone else – especially in a car!
A New Life for The Striders Adventures
Six months after adopting Bobby, I went back to Finland and Bearhill Husky. To adopt Quint, Bobby’s brother and work as a volunteer for a couple of months.
I ended up staying there seven months…and adopting 6 – six! – other dogs looking for new homes in these Covid times! These six ones were working sled-dogs, just not meant to be in a large kennel due to their past, trauma or temper. But they turned out to be the perfect fit for me, and my hubby, who joined the adventure! We created a small non-profit to support our work with them and help rehome others. Our life took a 180° turn that winter…
Fast forward 5 years. We now live in Sweden with our pack of 17 Alaskan huskies – 14 of them being rehomed or rescued dogs.
My wonderful Bobby is the boss. He worked again as a sled dog a few times over the past winters, whenever we needed extra power! But he’s now fully retired. He is in charge of welcoming the new comers – dogs and guests, educating the younger ones (mainly dogs although he’s good with turbulent kids too!), and following along when I go horse-riding. Besides keeping an eye on the yard, he keeps me company whenever I’m at my desk.
His brother Quint left us last October, after a short but merciless disease. Another excruciating loss. However, I am so grateful for the time he had with us and his brother. Love never dies. And we can feel the pain only to the level of the love we have for that person or animal.
Re-homed sled dogs are so grateful for the second chance we give them! They seem to truly enjoy every bit of it: the attention, the love, the walks, the treats, everything! We have taught ours so many new things and they are always so keen to learn and discover more.
I fell in love with Alaskan Huskies five years ago and adopting one changed my life for the better.
I wish the same wonderful experience to anyone adopting a former sled dog. And you can absolutely stick to just one!
— Rachel Frei Bandieri
The Striders Adventures
If you are interested in how the RePaw project started and would like to read more stories about dogs that have found new homes, you can visit the links below:
