Going Happily to the Dogs

Pictured are three undated favorites from our archives. Do you recognize any of these men by their dogs? SJ Historical Society photos

February is a month known for two holidays, Valentine’s Day and Presidents’ Day. Since we don’t have any photos of visiting U.S. Presidents in our archives, we’re going with Valentine’s Day for this month’s column; just not in the traditional sense. Although it’s a holiday for sweethearts and friendship, this time in true island style, we salute “man’s best friend.”

Island dogs have always been popular here, and many have achieved a certain local celebrity status. Many of us will remember Dodie Gann’s Shadow or Joan May’s Freeway. Our dogs in general seem to be a cut above your basic furry companion, if you ask us. An island visitor was once overheard to exclaim while walking past well-behaved dogs in town, “Even the dogs are smarter here!”

Two other canine-related observances occur this month. Chinese New Year begins February 16 and 2018 is the Year of the Dog. World Spay Day is February 27, reminding us that spaying and neutering helps prevent unwanted dogs (and cats) from living unhealthy lives of abandonment on the streets or in the wild.

Many of our canine family members have been included in formal studio portraits and still others into photo albums, some of which have made their way into our collection of photos at the Historical Museum. For the cat lovers reading this, please be assured we love them, too. It’s just that cats have not historically posed for photos as often. If you have a notable island cat that deserves a place in island history, shoot a picture our way. We don’t think the dogs will mind.

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