Irie the Black Russian Terrier!

Dear Marina, 
Irie is doing great!
We made it home at about 2p our time. 

Me at 5a ready to Drive!

Woke up around 5a to prepare every last detail for my trip and headed out at 615a. 

Right outside Bellingham, Wa

What a gorgeous drive to Canada. Made it over the line no problem and into your beautiful country! Had no problems getting there and in fact was there early so I had a moment to breath while i waited for her to arrive at the pick up spot.
The gentleman went to go get her for me and i could see her cage but couldn't see her. I said, "Irie. Baby girl." and then i saw her head poke up and look my way as he carried her towards me. I lugged the big girl in the 'big girl' cage to my car; and, Marina, you weren't kidding she is not a small one. 

I looked at her in the cage for a moment and she looked back at me. I don't know what I was looking for. Maybe I was looking for Marley's eyes. I opened the cage and we continued to have this silent moment of recognition as though we were saying, 'is it really you?' Then I gently pulled her out and checked to see if there was a mess for me to clean...honestly she was still very clean. Still very very clean. I wiped her down and then fed her. Then there was another silent moment, 'mama, I gotta go potty and i am not gonna go in this car." I put on her leash and helped her down. she must have really needed to go because she only walked about 10 feet before she decided sniffing might take to long to find a spot....she might as well just go. ha. 

We walked in circles in this little grassy area before we decided to head out. I was putting all the stuff in a bag when she was sitting in the back seat (her crate was in the back. I have a station wagon.) when I noticed her scaling the seat and then....there was another silent moment, "mama I can't get in my crate; the door is shut." Yes, she loves her crate. She loves it very much. I don't think any animal i have ever known has liked a crate. So i set the passenger seat reclined and set the crate up, door open, so that she could climb out and get on the seat or get on my lap if she wished. 

Well, needless to say she decided it was time for a nap and climbed in her crate to sleep the rest of the way out of Canada. I think the longest part of the trip was when I was waiting to get checked through the border into the U.S. One Hour....I looked over....Irie is sleeping. Time is ticking....I looked over.....Still sleeping. The car in front of me was searched. But I was smart, Usually I am looked at suspiciously being that I have tattoos and dreadlocks. In fact on my way back into the states from Costa Rica years ago I was searched, why? Because I had dreadlocks and I had to use the restroom. So back to my story, I was smart. I put my hair up into a bun and when it is like this no one can really tell that I have dreadlocks; I also, wore a cardigan to cover my ink. So when It was my turn the only comment i got from the officer was, "what is this?" as he referred to my marriage document.
"It is my marriage certificate showing that my name has changed"
"Anything to declare?"
"I bought a dog in Canada."
"Ok, ma'm, have a nice day."
He didn't even ask to see her paperwork! And i was through. Made plenty of stops to stretch my legs and let Irie out to use the bathroom. The last stretch she sat the whole way on my lap with, her head in the crook of my arm, asleep. 

When I arrived home the boys were thrilled. I had already briefed Post on the how we talk to Irie, Play with Irie, Love on Irie. He was prepared and honestly I am very impressed with the care and love he shows her. 

He talks soft, he doesn't run, he brings her her toys (all of them in a mountain!), and gives her fresh water, he asks if she needs to go potty. This boy has missed his dog. He asked me tonight if Irie was gonna get sick and then go see her Oma (our word for grandma). I told him no she is all better as long as we are loving and kind to her. I think somewhere inside he thinks maybe, because he was younger and couldn't quite grasp all of Marley, if he is mean or not well behaved then 'Marley' is going to leave him again. Poor kiddo. He will understand one day that she was here for the time that she needed to be. He was about to have a conniption before bed if we didn't read her a train book.
Xire, now that he is older, is so loving and adorable towards Irie. he sweetly pats her and kisses her and throws her ball. These children are so thrilled about her toys and that they can play with her with them. Including, the fact that that is ok. =) WONDERFUL!
Irie ate a full day's meal and, probably, then some. She has played her little heart out, used the restroom, multiple times, napped heavily.....is napping on my feet while I write this. She has taken to her 'den' (her crate) well and knows i won't leave her in there for long. She has taken a bath and took it like a pro. I noticed she sits on command, comes, and understands a gentle but firm no. Bravo!

She is much more calm versus Marley. Not so excitable. She is a bit shy at first and stays close to measure someone up, Doesn't jump right into the action like Marley. I think Marley was having trouble for a while in the beginning and I didn't see it and this made her distant. She didn't like to play fetch like Irie. She did like to run a lot and she loved to jump face first into the English Ivy. She was different. But all of her love and everything she put into and got out of this family is there. I see her energy shining all over Irie like 'Fairy Dust' (literally) and it puts me at peace. And she is showing me that I can love again and that she wants it to be for Irie.
I love this wonderful soul. I love how my children love her. I love you both for helping her come into this world.
Thank you, I am forever grateful!
Love, Heidi