After a whirl wind trip from the heart of Vancouver Island to the airport on the mainland, we've arrived back in Port Alberni with Stanley.  He's now officially a Respect-A-Bull boy and a Canadian! 

Thanks to Michelle's handy GPS, Dave and gang were able to navigate through the mayhem of the mainland to find the little cargo office at the airport where we would meet Stanley.  We met up with Bonnie, a wonderful, vibrant woman from Camp Cocker.  She and her husband are giving, funny and full of life.  Bonnie helped us through the ins and outs of customs and "cargo" pickup.  We were all so relieved to see Stanley's kennel unloaded...but we weren't able to open it up until after the customs paperwork was stamped and in order. 

Stanley was a patient boy, he was hand fed some treats through the grate of the kennel.  Finally, we were given the go ahead to take him out!  He came out tail and bum wagging in true pit bull style!  It was a very emotional moment for all, a mixture of joy, relief and hope to see this guy out of the shelter and out of the vet clinic.  We've all followed him so closely over the last few weeks that it was like meeting an old friend.

With no time to spare, we said a fond farewell to Bonnie, fired up the GPS and headed back to the ferry terminal.  Stanley was a very good boy on his first BC Ferries trip!  He slept the whole way, cuddled between 2 of us in the back of the car under a blanket.  He settled down for a much needed nap while we spent the trip marvelling in what a great dog he is.

It was nearing midnight when we pulled in the driveway, Stanley was fast asleep in the car, but he still needed to meet his new dog friends.  Daisy and Olive the pit bulls and Bez the Boston Terrier were all excited to meet him and Stanley showed off his stellar social dog skills.  When Aethan, the 5 year old, woke up from all of the excitement, we were very pleased to learn that Stanley is not only good with kids, he LOVES kids!  He greeted Aethan with the biggest tail wags yet as if they were old friends. 

Soon after, everyone climbed into bed for a much needed sleep.  Stanley slept quietly the whole night...his first sleep in a warm house for as long as anyone knows. 

I'm happy to report that Stanley is curled up at my feet as I write this.  He's warm and fed and although it's only 10 a.m, he's had a full morning of the best of what living with a family brings.  Unlike where he has come from, there is no shortage of pats and hugs, treats and cuddles. 

Thank you to everyone who has pulled together to get Stanley this far.  He's got a long way to go but if we keep at it, he'll be 100% in no time.  He's safe now.  He is in our foster home, and he will be adopted out once he heals fully, but he truly is everyone's dog.  This is what is capable when we pull together, break down kennel walls and borders and truly believe that it is possible to do good in this world.  Even if it is for just one dog.