It has been a few days now, since I arrived in Canada. Eddie had to stay in his transport box for 14 hours but took it with ease, in both airports and then in the pressurized luggage space. On the advice of my vet, I did not sedate him. She told me, that it may happen that dogs even panic more when they feel the non-familiar impact of medications. To enter Canada from Europe, dogs need proof of rabies vaccination and a health certificate in English or French. There is no quarantine required. All is pretty straightforward in Canada. Not so at Frankfurt airport. The Air Canada ground staff was still very helpful. Also the security check. But then you get with your dog into the rude and incompetent hands of the Frankfurt airport staff.

Coming from this place, it felt wonderful to arrive at YYZ - Toronto Pearson Airport. People are friendly, welcoming and helpful. I had a call with a friend, and we formed the hypothesis that cultures in former “frontier countries” tend to develop a practical and friendly culture. That may be true, and at least it is supported by my observations in Australia, New Zealand and the USA. Funny, everyday things also happened. For example, I took a stroll with my dog to Lake Ontario. Suddenly, another dog shot at us and barked. The owner apologised friendly, and I said: “No worries, my dog is a stoic”. “Really?” he responded, “I thought it was an Australian Shepherd”. Another man stood with a Voigtländer at the beach of Lake Ontario. So, we really had something to talk about. A Voigtländer in Ontario. That’s not what you would expect.