(stretch)

[jay]

Still snowing. May clear this afternoon in time for a charter to Devon Island. Wondering idly how "Pirates of the Caribbean" would map to "Pirates of the Arctic"... after all, there are all of these islands, diamond mines, tiny villages... but no rum. But heavy woolen clothes would be far more appropriate...

Just went to the local Co-op store and bought a pair of work gloves.

Comments

[nolly.livejournal.com]

"But why is the rum gone?"

Some Local News

[boubabe.livejournal.com]

Small dog becomes big hero in Nunavut

Anne Marie Owens
National Post

Monday, July 21, 2003

Forget all those tales of sled dogs braving the elements in Canada's north -- a tiny mutt in Kimmirut, Nunavut, is forging a new image of the rugged northern canine after saving the life of her playmate, a purebred Bichon Frise.

The unlikely rescue, which involves an even more unlikely pair of dogs, seems more like fodder for a heartwarming children's tale than a real-life story from this rugged hamlet on the southern portion of Baffin Island.

Bailey, a terrier mixed breed, alerted her owner that Natsiaq, a purebred puppy, was in dire need of help.

The fluffy Bichon, visiting with friends from Iqaluit, apparently got tangled up in her own leash while playing excitedly on the steps of the house and ended up hanging from the porch.

''Nobody can believe what Bailey did, it was really surprising,'' said Mary Kolola, whose mother, Ooloota, is Bailey's owner. ''Bailey came into the house and she just kept barking and barking. She would race up one way and then back towards the steps, like she was trying to tell you something.''

Eventually, Mrs. Kolola followed her frantic dog to see what all the fuss was about, and found the poor little Bichon barely conscious.

Everyone in the house ran to help untangle the dog, who recovered quickly.

Natsiaq and her owner, Syola Ikkidluak, returned to Iqaluit, forever grateful of Bailey's heroism.

Mary Kolola says her mother has always preferred small dogs such as Bailey, even though some people feel they seem less suited to the conditions of the remote community.

''She has always said they seem to know a lot more, they seem to be better at taking care of themselves,'' she said. ''She couldn't be happier with Bailey.''

[brian1789.livejournal.com]

Heh. Actually, up here the problem of alcoholism is acute, enough so that one has to get a personal *drinking license* from the village council. No license, and they can fine or jail you...

Re: Some Local News

[brian1789.livejournal.com]

That's adorable... thanks. Although I've likewise noticed a preference for larger dogs... which are kept chained outside, even in winter. The lifespan is only 4-6 years for working Inuit dogs.

[nolly.livejournal.com]

Wow. Interesting.