Learning, The Alaska Way: Meet Nelson

This may be an over-generalization, but - - - Native Alaskans have a strange relationship with dogs. They are everywhere, but they are not pets. Children seem to be either terrified or torturous to them.

Several weeks ago I spied a round, roly-poly, black and white puppy chasing after some kids outside of school. A few days later, he followed me home. I gave him some pats, and reluctantly left him outside my door. I thought about that pup all night long, and anxiously looked out the door the next morning, only to find the stoop empty. My heart sank, then breathed a sigh of relief – I certainly did not need a dog. I was enjoying having no responsibilities beyond myself and my job! Over the next couple of weeks, I kept seeing the dog from a distance, in different places in the village, usually gallumping behind a group of children. And I kept thinking about him - - -

On a Friday afternoon, one of the teachers (who knew I was secretly pining for the dog) told me a few youngsters were outside the school throwing rocks at a black and white puppy. Someone was hurting MY dog?!? Around the same time, the village held a town meeting, one of the agenda items being “Animal Control.” Recognizing the pup population was getting a little out of control, the city offered up “$40 per head.” You needn’t bring the whole dog to claim your “prize,” just the head. I knew “my” dog would be on the hit list, and quickly took him in.

I named him Nelson for Nelson Island, and he and I have become best buds! He “makes” me walk three times a day – and because of that I have seen some amazing things I would not have witnessed without him: sunsets, sunrises, full moons, fox, and the freezing of the bay. He snuggles in with me on the cold nights, and makes me laugh after a hard day.