‘Bratsky’ Part 2
Several months ago, I described the joys and struggles of a couple of seniors adopting a puppy. She joined our household of three seniors…
Dogs
Online Pet Reflexology series
learn about reflexology, contraindications for working with your pets, anatomy, and how to conduct a pet reflexology session with your animal
Dog Culture: Pumpkin and Osito
My dog Pumpkin, whom my wife and I adopted from Grizzly Valley Farms several years ago, pictured with her pup Osito (Little Bear in Spanish).
Dog Culture: Milo
Milo, always young at heart, loved walking the Whitehorse trails at any temperature. She always led the way…
Dog Song Rising
The Yukon Quest was previously 1,000 miles and is now split into two lengths, one on the American side and the other on the Canadian side.
Dog Culture: Yukon’s Best Friend
Share your Fur-Babies photos with us! Send your high resolution photos with a description to:[email protected]
Dog Culture – Yukon’s Best Friend
Hello Everyone, Share your Fur-Babies photos with us! Send your high resolution photos with a description to: [email protected]
A Northern Wilderness Escape
Imagine your own cabin, far in the wilderness, steps away from a beautiful lake and spectacular mountain vistas.
Yukon Dogs – A Children’s Book
Phil Finds a Friend is a children’s book for youngsters. It tells the story of Phil, who goes adventures around the Yukon, to find a friend.
Biking With Dogs
What makes dogs great biking companions? They never complain, they always want to go with you and make you get outside.
Unleashed! Joey O’Neil On Tour
Joey O’Neil is on tour with her dog, Oblio, playing songs from her album Ever Ahead, in dog parks across Canada.
Puppy Mayhem, Puppy Love
About 18 months ago, my husband and I were having a peaceful morning coffee together, chatting about various household issues. Our then eight-year-old black Lab (Sula) was asleep on one end of the sofa—her preferred napping spot. Suddenly my husband said, “If I die before you and you are left on your own, would you like to have a dog for company? I know that I would.” When I said “Yes” (tentatively), he immediately embarked on a search to find a black Lab puppy whose life would overlap with Sula’s.
Give a dog a bone – Part 2
I’ve had some tough times in my life, but fighting a dog over a bone was about the toughest. End of that story.
Yukon’s Best Friend Sally
Yukon’s Best Friend Sally. The size of the stick has nothing on trudging through deep snow to get it! Submit your Yukon dog photo
Doggie function in the Junction
My dog Bear has special needs. There, I said it. His name is Bear, because a small dog needs a big name. After the death of his brother and constant companion Moose, Bear developed separation anxiety.
Vaxxing for canines – protecting your dog from rabies
In many communities across Canada, all dogs must be inoculated with the rabies vaccine. It is not only wise to stop the spread of this deadly diseases to other animals, but to the protection of all people.
The big rock
When I began to walk my dog this morning, I noticed that she had a slight limp and was favouring her right front leg. I thought that it would be better to stay on the level trail and have a somewhat shorter walk than usual. We would only go as far as the big rock. …
Dogsleds: Driverless cars, ‘all that and a bag of chips’
What people don’t know is that we’ve had driverless transport here in the North for eons. It’s called a dogsled.
The life and times of a bear (and being ‘bear aware’)
Other than facing a mad wolverine, I would say that the black bear is the most mistrusted creature in all of North America.
Yukon’s Best Friend: Bear Explores The Gold Rush
I spent the summer in Dawson City working on the Palace Grand Theatre and Bear was thrilled to come to work with me everyday.
Thaw di Gras is going to the dogs…
Dawson City is gearing up for it’s annual Thaw di Gras spring carnival. One of the most popular events for families is the annual dog show, held at Diamond Tooth Gertie’s.
A Dog Day Rendezvous
Brooke Rudolph with her howling buddy Timber, 2nd place finisher in 2016 The Yukon Sourdough Rendezvous and the unique relationship between a Yukoner and their beloved canine companion are two of the most enduring images of life in the North. So, it should come as no surprise that man and woman’s best friend features prominently …
Whitehorse Walks!
In a city renowned for its trails, Whitehorse has several informal walking groups to help us connect socially – and stay fit mentally and physically – all year-round. Most Sundays and sometimes Wednesdays, Peter Long and his partner, Wynne Krangle, plan “Blue Moon” hikes with a group of friends and “anyone willing to join us.” …
Winter’s white on white
Before I was married, and my wife Lisa and I moved to the Yukon, my home was built on the northern borders of the Township of Oro-Medonte, in Central Ontario, where I just happened to be the deputy mayor. It is a land of rolling hills, valleys and rippling cold water streams, where many a …
Not Just a Dog, But a Best Friend
My dog, who I called The Barron, had an all brown head and a brown patch on his shoulders, but otherwise, was all white and, shall we say, not really accepted by the rich and mighty of the bird dog organizations.
Yukon’s Best Friend: DOG CULTURE, Don McMillan
DOG CULTURE: Submitted by Don McMillan “We’re going camping, we’re going camping!!” Sophie and Greg Meredith in their 1974 VW Westfalia. What’s Up Yukon is pleased to partner with the Yukon Transportation Museum’s Dog Culture Display, “Yukon’s Best Friend: Doggedness in Love and Labour”. Your photos will be on display at the dog culture exhibit so be sure …
Wilderness Living with a Canine View
… A wind was blowing from the mountains, and the surface of the snow was swirling along like snakes, the way it often did on the lake. The moon was at just the right angle to light up the swirling snow, but not the ground beneath it. We marvelled at the strange sensation of having …
Too Curious George
He was a foundling on the streets of Edmonton – a golden cocker spaniel whose hair was so matted with burrs that much of it had to be shaved off. It was my 6-year-old daughter and two of her friends who brought him home, after he had attached himself to them on the playground. Of …
The (Mis)Adventures of A Puppy
In life there can be many instances one regrets. Such as accidentally sending a text to the wrong person, or throwing out an ill received joke. Or, uttering the thought, “Let’s get a second dog.” Before we knew it, the puppy was arriving. Aside from another dog bed and Puppy Chow, we really hadn’t thought …
Intense Com-paw-tition
Yukon is home to a class of athletes that are the first of their kind in Canada. You might not know it, but you’ve probably seen them around town – running, walking, slobbering on their owner’s shoes. That’s right, they’re dogs. And roughly 30 of them are part of the Yukon Predators Dog Puller Sport …
The Team
I fell asleep, dreaming about all these beautiful things that the next days promised. The sweet melody of my alarm clock rang. It was 7:30 a.m., time to get up. It was above all time to greet and take care of my new colleagues. Here I was, clothed in my three layers, ready to face …
Domestic Bliss
Do you or someone you know love books almost as much as their pet? These three books draw on the animals in our outer lives to illuminate the complexity of our inner lives. For the Dog Lover: Where the Red Fern Grows, by Wilson Rawls A boy and his two dogs become much more than …
Artistic Announcements in Beads and Bells
Moses found nine other women to take on creating a dog blanket. The sewing group started up again in September, and they cut the materials out in October. She was happy she had such a good team of committed artists working with her. Each blanket takes many hours to design, bead and complete. They worked …
Yukon’s Best Friend: DOG CULTURE, Natalya Keller
DOG CULTURE: Submitted by Natalya Keller I had a recreational dog team for the past 12 years. My dogs are not racing dogs or Quest dogs but touring/trekking dogs. We used to (most of them are old now) go on sledding trips in the winter and hiking trips in the summer and I liked to …
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Life hacks for the kids
In previous columns in this space, I have offered various suggestions of ways to improve life for those who roam the earth on two legs, especially those of us who do so burdened by creeping senescence. The recent holidays provided an opportunity to put my brain in idle mode, where it often does its best …
Yukon See It Here: Lenna Charlie
This picture is a selfie, hehe. It was taken on January 8th while walking my dog along the millennium trail downtown at -30.
Yukon’s Best Friend: DOG CULTURE, Carl Maguire
DOG CULTURE: Submitted by Carl Maguire “I’m not bump starting your damn motorcycle. Its winter you idiot!” Or Seemed Like A Good Idea… Maybe Not. Norton, circa 1995. What’s Up Yukon is pleased to partner with the Yukon Transportation Museum’s Dog Culture Display, “Yukon’s Best Friend: Doggedness in Love and Labour”. Your photos will be on display at …
Team Care
Most people are less intimidated by dogs with floppy ears, and consider white dogs less scary than black ones. That’s just one awareness Angela Neufeld has picked up in the years she has been using dogs as therapeutic assistants in her practice as a registered psychologist. “I’m not by any means suggesting that black dogs …
Skiing With Our Dog
Whitehorse is not only lucky enough to be situated on Canada’s crowning jewel of cross country ski trails, but to have approximately ⅓ of that jewel welcome skiing with dogs! My dog happily wags her tail at the signs of going for a walk: puffy coats, warm socks and bulky mitts all point towards her …
Winter Dog Walk
You know the drill. There’s a beautiful, warm, cozy and glowing fire in your living room. Sweat pants are on. A nice dinner’s been eaten. It would be so easy; it would be so great, just to lie on your couch and go to sleep. But, there’s one four-legged bundle of joy wreaking havoc in …
A Gang of Elk, An Obstinacy of Bison
Buffalo are associated with four collective nouns. A herd, a “gang”, a troop and, our favourite, an obstinacy of buffalo.
On Living With Things That Might Want to Eat You
“You just take a cup full of piss,” he says, “And then you throw it up high – like, splash it around on your roof, up in the trees, as high up as you can get it. Then, when the bear comes by, he’ll smell it way, way up and be like ‘holy crap, that …
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Yukon’s Best Friend: DOG CULTURE, Barabra Phillips
DOG CULTURE: Submitted by Barabra Phillips Thembi, my Bernedoodle on a hike near Tutshi Lake What’s Up Yukon is pleased to partner with the Yukon Transportation Museum’s Dog Culture Display, “Yukon’s Best Friend: Doggedness in Love and Labour”. Your photos will be on display at the dog culture exhibit so be sure to stop in Sundays & Mondays 12-5. Selected submissions …
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Yukon’s Best Friend: DOG CULTURE, Shirley Dawson
DOG CULTURE: Submitted by Shirley Dawson Remington Our dog’s name is Remington and we believe he is a Chesapeake Bay Retriever mix- we got him through the animal Shelter here in Whitehorse when he was just a pup. Remington just turned 7 years old in January 2016. Since we got Remington he has been with us …
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Life, Love and Trevor
Dogtown: the Musical, a story based on the life and fate of a local dog named Trevor, will be one of the many productions featured during the Magnetic North Theatre Festival, taking place June 9 to 18 Nakai Theatre and the Yukon Circus Society are the co-presenters of Dogtown: the Musical, which will be playing …
The Yukon Transportation Museum invites you to submit photos of you and your dog for their new exhibit
The Yukon and the dog: they are two things that belong together like peanut butter and jelly. The dog is the Yukon’s best friend and an icon up here in the north. It wouldn’t be the same without the dog and maybe that is the reason why the Yukon Transportation Museum has had an exhibit …
An Open Letter to My Dog
Dear Parka, We invited you into our family last summer because we felt a void that only man’s best friend could fill. Down south last summer, we picked you from the litter of pups and brought you up North, to which you’re probably sarcastically thinking, “Oh great, I got stuck with the one family who …
Wonder Dog
In 1918, a young American soldier emerged from the ruins of a military kennel with a frantic, famished German Shepherd and her five newborn pups. Their survival on the battlefield in France was almost miraculous; Lee Duncan, their saviour, kept two of the puppies and named them after dolls worn as lucky talismans – Nanette …
Yukon’s Best Friend: DOG CULTURE, Kevin Taylor
Rebelanne and Halo canoeing on the Six Mile River, Tagish. Meet our dogs, they live for us, we live for them. Send us your pet photos.
Don’t Panic!
My dog, Herman, once stepped between myself and a charging two-thousand-pound black Angus bull. He turned the animal back by sheer virtue of his own ferocity and unwillingness to be moved. On another occasion, he chased off a young male grizzly bear that was stalking myself and my girlfriend as we picked morels in northern …
Musings on Ice: A Changing Yukon Winter Story
Ice is important. It allows people and wildlife to use or cross lakes, ponds and rivers. Ice also provides access to what’s below: fish, muskrats and water, for example. Unfortunately, the mild fall temperatures in many parts of Yukon have again delayed ice formation. This isn’t new. Recorded observations of Yukon River freeze-up in Whitehorse …
Yukon See It Here: Gerry Steers
Hello Everybody, We invite you to share your photos of Yukon life. Email your high-resolution images with a description of what’s going on to [email protected] A lucky puppy poses with Santa at the annual Pet Photos with Santa Fundraiser at the Mae Bachur Animal Shelter. Photo kindly provided by Gerry Steers of Gerry’s Computer Magic …
20 years of going to the dogs …
Humane Society Dawson is celebrating a milestone birthday this year. The “small shelter with a big heart” turns 20 years old, and shows no signs of slowing down. The Humane Society’s mandate is to provide shelter and care for abandoned and surrendered animals, educate and raise awareness for responsible pet ownership and to work …
Mush It Forward
Marathon runners spend a lot of time and dedication working towards being the best runner they can be. Countless hours are spent in the gym, running on a track, doing specific exercises designed to enhance their performance. With sled dogs who race it’s no different. The Yukon Quest is a very long race and as …
Didee & Didoo: SMARTEST ANIMAL
DOGS KNOW WHEN YOU’RE HURT AN’ THEY KNOW HOW TO COMFORT. DOGGIES ARE SO SMART AN’ THEY’LL HEAL YOUR HEART. THEY CAN READ YOUR MIND AN’ THEY’LL MAKE YOUKIND. DOGS ARE OUR BEST FRIEND OUR BUDDIES TO THE END. DOGGIES ARE CUTE AN’ FURRY AN’ THEY’LL TAKE AWAY YOUR WORRY. DOGS ARE VERY LOYAL THEY’LL …
How working dogs keep cool
Frank Turner knows how to care for dogs on the bitterly cold trail of the Yukon Quest, having run it 24 times. Indeed, he had the honour (his word) of winning the Vet’s Choice Award twice. And he knows how to care for dogs in the heat of summer, too. “Really, each person has to …
Muskrat Trapping
The sun is back and the days are warmer, except in the late evenings. People of Old Crow used to be excited about going to Crow Flat. People used to leave after Easter Monday. Preparations were done, with essentials packed to trap muskrats and shelter equipment. Only essential groceries were bought. People mostly travelled by dog …
A Friend For Schwartz
Schwartz has been our only dog for the past few years. For the most part he seems to be okay, although he does enjoy playing with other dogs when he gets the chance. But being the only dog can be lonely for an animal that would normally belong to a pack. I guess Al and …
Strippers Who Live In Cabins
When I first meet Tina, during this year’s Rendezvous, she introduces herself as Misha. After waiting for one Jarvis Street Saloon manager to talk to another Jarvis Street Saloon manager, who relays messages from the front of the bar where I am, to the back of the bar, where Tina is, I’m finally lead around …
The Cold Weather Doggie Blues
At 40 below, Fahrenheit and Celsius are the same; not that our dog, Shadow, cares about that. She may need to go outside to relieve herself, but her preference is to cross her legs, huddle in the back of her kennel in the kitchen and wait for warmer weather. We kennel her at night so …
Things that Go Bang in the Night
We had fireworks just the other night. No one I’ve spoken with seems to know exactly who set them off down by the river. There weren’t very many of them, but there were enough to drive our dog into her customary panic. As usual, she heard them before we did; my wife realized there was …
Red Lantern Pups
The first time out with my new 6-dog team was amazing; everyone acted like they knew exactly what they were doing.
The Unexpected
It was a cool November morning in 2010, when the unexpected happened. My dog Gypsy and I had walked the Fish Lake Road area for the past five years, enjoying the tranquility and beauty of McIntyre Creek. Par for the course was to park the truck at the bird-watching pull out, just before Icy Waters …
Woof Woof Like Salmon Woof
Ever wondered what your pet is thinking? Does it have a particular request for dinner, or stories to tell? Well, here’s your chance to gain some insight. On March 9, there is a workshop on animal communication instructed by Andrea Schlupp and Alison Zeidler at the Heart of Riverdale Community Centre. We tend to anthropomorphize …
Yukon Quest is anybody’s race
Although the number of sled dog teams is down this year to 21, and the reigning champion is not returning, Stephen Reynolds thinks these factors will add up to a very interesting Yukon Quest 1,000-Mile International Sled Dog Race. The manager of the Canadian half of the “toughest sled dog race in the world,” says …
A Trip Through Dog Mushing Past and Present: Dawson area resident runs year-round dog mushing museum
Kyia Bouchard was in her mid-50s when she discovered dog mushing. One year later, she left her life in New York City behind and relocated to the Dawson City area to learn everything she could about it. Now, at almost 60-years old, Bouchard is training to run the Yukon Quest, and the dogs have taken …
Rubba Dub Dub, the Dog’s in the Tub
I think it’s safe to say that we made it through the muddiest time of year (knock on wood). Thanks to my army of four dogs and one cat who follows them everywhere, my floors are no stranger to muddy footprints. Because I also have horses, and the corrals get very sloppy during the melting …
Arts Underground goes to the ‘dogs’
It is that particular configuration of the Hougen Heritage Gallery at Arts Underground that really astounds you about this latest show. From the name, Man’s Best Friend: Mutts, Malamutes and Huskies in Yukon History, you know there will be a lot of dog photos (because, you know, if Yukoners are nuts about dogs today, it …
Get a Pooch and Find a Pal
So, I’ve mentioned it before: I’m lousy at making friends. Growing up a quiet geek doesn’t lend well to the pal-collecting abilities and now that I’ve advanced in age (thanks entropy), things are a little awkward. I just don’t really recall how it all works and the thought of getting back into the friend-making game …
Doggy Do’s and Don’ts
Cher Yukon, Comment ca va? Today’s letter is going out to all of you dog lovers and owners. Before we came to Montréal, we gave our beautiful dog, Brae, to a wonderful lady and her eight-year-old daughter. Brae is a big, furry Northern dog from Braeburn (thus the name) and we felt that coming to …
Canine Communication and the P-Mail Network
Dogs really need to get out and check their messages on a daily basis, in the same way that we humans need to go to the post office or check our e-mail on a regular basis. I realized this some years ago while walking our old dog, Joule, but at 12 years of age she …
Club Welcomes Beginner Dogs and People to Races
Whether you have a poodle, a retired sled dog, or a dog in race form, the Dog Powered Sports Association (DPSA) of the Yukon has an event for you. The association runs events year-round and provides dogs -— and their owners — lots of opportunities for exercise, skill-improvement and socializing. In the summer, the Hot …
Schwartz on the Job
One of my pet peeves is dogs (no pun intended). More specifically, other people’s dogs that come onto the farm. One reason dogs were domesticated was that they were territorial and would protect their territory and their pack. Farm dogs are here for security of the pack, which includes humans and farm animals. Our dog, …
Who is Walking Whom?
Summer has finally arrived and more people are walking their dogs. Or are the dogs walking their owners? I see people struggling to hold on to their dogs and often wonder if they enjoy the walk. While I started out my business by offering Energy Healing to animals I came to realize that Energy Healing …
Home for the Day
The first thing that strikes you when you walk into The Neighborhood Pup is a sense of calm, bright spaciousness. But wait a minute. Isn’t this supposed to be a daycare centre? Sure, there are shelves with plastic bins for favourite toys and other accessories – each bin carefully labeled with the attendee’s name. But …
Thyroid Problems
One of the more common problems that veterinarians deal with involves the thyroid gland. The thyroid is in the neck and has to do with controlling metabolism. The problem is found in dogs and cats. It is probably a more common problem in dogs, and usually involves a low thyroid level, or hypothyroidism. When the …
Dog-sitting Duke: Confessions of a Turncoat
I grew up with a pretty cool cat named Bing. He was a grey, striped little scrapper who menaced the neighborhood biodiversity for most of his 15 years. Until one night in August 2006 when karma enlisted the services of coyotes, and Bing was never heard from again. I am now pet-less, but have relished …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Bear Dogs”
They like to bark an’ scream but they’re too small for a dog team. Some are black an’ some are white and some pretend to bite. They all have sharp ears and they’re not afraid of bears. They have a habit of chasing a rabbit. I have one little pup that drinks out of a …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “I’m Just an Old Dog”
I’m just an old dog My name is Grover an’ I’m just a leftover. At one time I was in my prime. Now I’m an old dog who can no longer jog. I’m just an old sock now I barely walk. I no longer roam so I just stay home. I used to be top …
Aging Pets
The last few weeks I’ve been getting a lot of calls and emails about older dogs. When we have pets that have a significantly shorter lifespan than us, this is a pretty common problem to face. Dogs age at different rates by breed and size, and this is important to understand. The largest of the …
The D.O.G. System
Are you struggling to stick to that resolution to shed a few pounds, made a few months ago under the inducement of a glass of champagne and the promise of a new year? Are you frustrated and bored with generic workout programs and searching for inspiration? Do you find your motivation to exercise regularly lagging? …
Most Common Dog Poisons
We’ve talked about poisoning in pets several times, but since there has been a lot of interest in the subject, I decided to throw out some basic facts. First, poinsettias are not poisonous. This is a myth that actually dates back to 1919 when a 2-year-old girl died and was incorrectly diagnosed. They’ll make you …
Checkpoint checklist
As I stand behind the counter of the Dawson City Visitor Information Centre, I look at the eight people sitting in a semicircle around me. They have pens, notepads and wear expectant looks on their faces. We are at the volunteer meeting for the Yukon Quest 1,000 Mile International Sled Dog Race and everyone is …
Emergencies & Pet Peeves
One of the most common emergency calls that vets get is for seizures in dogs. Other animals can have seizures, but most of the calls involve dogs. Most people know roughly what epilepsy is, but much of the disease remains a mystery to most. Technically, epilepsy is a focus of abnormal electrical activity in the …
Take it in stride: Getting to the high
I hated running. I didn’t understand its appeal for any reason other than tiring out my dog (which takes about seven minutes for a 160-lb Newfoundland). I once watched a friend, in the midst of marathon training, take off for a two-hour run after riding a motorcycle all day. I was tired just from the …
A Different Kind of Care
Listen to that,” says Cristy Willett, interrupting herself. I can’t hear anything. Just the sound of the wind in the trees on Willett’s property, just south of the Carcross Cutoff. “That’s the point,” says Willett. “That’s the sound of 30 dogs when they are happy; they don’t make noise.” Willett runs the newest dog sanctuary …
Dawson Goes to the Dogs
In early February the sun begins to kiss the streets in Dawson City. It’s been lurking along the tops of the hills for some time, and those who live on higher ground in West Dawson or in the Dome subdivisions have continued to get a bit of direct sunlight even when there was nothing but …
Dog House of Straw
Once again, we are at the beginning of another long Yukon winter. For new dog owners, it may also mean that it’s time to get a doghouse ready for the colder weather. There are several options when a canine shelter is needed. Buying a doghouse is the easiest way to go and there are several …
Mixing Dogs with Oil
I had a request to put together some information on which oils can be used to supplement a dog’s diet to improve their coat and skin quality. For those of you who have never heard of giving your dog oil and are wondering why the heck anyone would go to such trouble, it’s because our …
Q: What’s Worse Than Dog Poop? A: Old Dog Poop
Every spring, we all have certain things we fervently look forward to. It could be the continued sublimation of those stubborn piles of snow, the longer light in the evening sky or the exuberant sight of the croci poking out of the ground. Personally, I’m pretty happy with just staying above zero during the day …
