There's a famous quote that says dogs are man's best friend. When it comes to the relationship between this dog and his owner Philippe, it's hard to say which one brings the most benefits to the other. Rarely have I observed such a strong bond between a master and his dog; a relationship based on unconditional love, mutual trust and great loyalty.

I was lucky enough to meet this beautiful dog named "River" this winter. I was immediately seduced by her great affectionate and jovial side. I then discovered her story, which is most interesting and touching. 

In 2019, wanting to acquire a dog through a shelter, it's through a search on the Les Pattes Jaunes website that it all began. A few mouse clicks later, Philippe discovered River's pretty face, and a phone call followed to check her availability. Following a positive response, Philippe headed for Ogden, in Estrie, the following morning. Destination: the Société animale frontalière, a shelter for cats and dogs.

Their first meeting turned out to be a crush: Philippe went to meet her in a pen where several dogs were playing together, and she immediately came to show him affection. Moments later, they took their first walk together in the forest, sealing this new bond of friendship.

River has a story of her own. She was once a survivor of a forest fire in northern Manitoba. Probably from an Aboriginal reserve, she was rescued by a shelter and brought to Winnipeg to live with a foster family. Judging that the match was not perfect, the shelter removed River from the family, and she was subsequently brought to Quebec. Fortunately, her tumultuous first two years led to an idyllic future: her best friend for life, Philippe.

* River is an Alaskan Husky. A cross between a Siberian Husky and a greyhound, she's the perfect combination of endurance and speed, perfectly suited to pulling sleds.