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CAMPING WITH DOGS – Dog Friendly Campgrounds Near Me

Posted on April 14, 2024 by Brian Alan Burhoe

Camping with Dogs is increasing in popularity…

CAMPING WITH DOGS – Dog Friendly Campgrounds Near You — and all over North America!

Yup, we take our dogs with us everywhere.

If a restaurant, hotel or picnic park isn’t dog-friendly, we move on.

Until we see a DOG FRIENDLY sign. Or DOGS ALLOWED. Or DOGS WELCOME!

This year we’re planning some camping. Here’s what we found.

The Dyrt, the #1 app for camping availability, photos and reviews in the United States, has found that “more than half of campers camped with dogs in 2023.” And Hipcamp has said, “Dog-friendly camping in Canada! Canada offers plenty of space for camping and RVing with lakes, forests, and natural wonders abound.”

The Dyrt’s 2024 Camping Report presented by The All-New Toyota Tacoma revealed that “53.7% of campers brought their pooches to the campsite last year.”

And expect even more this year! It’s all about Camping with Dogs.

While dogs are by far the most popular pet to camp with, 5.8% of respondents said they went camping with cats. Other campers reported bringing along chickens, box turtles, guinea pigs and parrots.

“We often run The Dyrt remotely from our camper van and Brandy, aka The Dyrt Dog, is with us for every mile,” says Sarah Smith, founder of The Dyrt, in a recent press release.

“Sometimes it seems like she has to pack more gear than us. But it’s so amazing to have her with us 24/7 as we work and enjoy campgrounds across the country.”

Property owners and campground managers worked to accommodate dogs as well as campers in 2023. Dog parks were the third-most popular amenity to be added to campgrounds, behind only Wi-Fi and pickleball courts.

Further, non-human companions are especially prevalent in the RV camping community, as RV campers were 20.8% more likely to be Camping with Dogs.

“I love taking my dog Lola with me camping,” says The Dyrt camper Steven M of Utah.

“It reminds me of the quintessential Americana where an individual is hiking on a trail. Or sleeping under the stars with their beloved friend…

“When Lola sees me packing up the camper and truck, she starts her little zoomies happy dance. The bond we share while out in Nature or in the middle of nowhere is priceless. Also, camping and dogs go together like pancakes and syrup!”

Bringing dogs and cats on camping trips was most prevalent in Washington, where campers were 8% more likely to camp with dogs and 24% more likely to camp with cats.

Each year The Dyrt presents the Top 9 for K-9s list of best places to camp with dogs. It’s largely based on “reviews and amenities tailored to the tailed.”

The Dyrt 2024 List for Dogs will be released in July.

There are more than 12 million reviews of 70,000 campgrounds on The Dyrt. And some of them include dog- and pet-specific information that’s extremely helpful for planning camping trips when being accompanied by four-legged friends.

Did you like this Camping with Dogs Post?

IF SO, YOU MIGHT WANT TO READ WOLFBLOOD — MY MOST POPULAR ANIMAL STORY: “HAPPY ENDING!”

“I JUST READ WOLFBLOOD AGAIN FOR GOOD MEASURE. ONE FOR ANY WOLF LOVER. ENJOYED IT BUT WISH IT WAS A FULL LENGTH NOVEL.” – Gina Chronowicz @ginachron

“GREAT SHORT STORY! DOES REMIND ME OF CALL OF THE WILD, WHITE FANG…” – Evelyn @evelyn_m_k

A “stirring, heart-warming and sympathetic” yarn in the Jack London Tradition of a solitary Timber Wolf and his search for a place in the far-flung forests of the Northcountry. And then he meets Shossa — a spirited Husky… WOLFBLOOD: A Wild Wolf, A Half-Wild Husky & A Wily Old Trapper

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CAMPING WITH DOGS – Dog Friendly Campgrounds Near Me

About The Dyrt (USA):

“First, the Dyrt is the only comprehensive camping app with over 12 million user-generated reviews. As well as photos and tips for RV sites, cabins, glamping and tent camping locations. This includes all public, private and free camping areas in the United States.
“Second, the Dyrt is how campers find and book camping of any type anywhere in the U.S. With The Dyrt PRO, campers get reservations at sold-out campgrounds, advanced maps, discounts on camping and more.
“Moreover, the Dyrt is the most downloaded camping app in both the iOS and Android app stores. The Dyrt helps millions of campers find ‘camping near me’ — download The Dyrt app today.” Finally, to find Camping by Location and much more, visit https://thedyrt.com/.

About Hipcamp (Canada):

“Though Canada is the world’s second-largest country, a staggering 80% of its land is uninhabited. Which means there’s plenty of space for camping, glamping, and RVing. With pristine lakes, lush forests, and natural wonders just begging to be a part of your next camping trip, we’ll reveal some of the best places in Canada to sleep under the stars.”

Camping with dogs in Canada. Our National Parks have this message: “Dogs are welcomed on most Parks Canada sites, but only if they are on a leash less than three meters long, and under control at all times.”

For more about Dog-friendly camping in Canada, see this…

“Canada offers plenty of space for camping and RVing with lakes, forests, and natural wonders abound.” https://www.hipcamp.com/en-CA/d/canada/camping/pets.

“We are collaboratively emboldening a shared land ethic, rooted in equity, that seeks to honour Indigenous land & water rights, with a sense of stewardship & oneness with our natural surroundings that nurture and enliven us.”
– Hipcamp

Dog Photo Credits:
TOP: BC SPCA – “Keeping your pets safe and happy in the Great Outdoors.”
MID-PAGE: The Dyrt – “Camper Brandy C. at Fall Creek Falls State Park in Tennessee.”
LOWER-PAGE: r/Husky – “Fur babies’ first camping trip.”
BOTTOM-PAGE: Hipcamp – “Rocky Mountain Glamping” – Dog-friendly camping in Canada guide.

SOURCE The Dyrt, PR Newswire & Civilized Bears.

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Posted in News Without Politics | Tagged Best camping app, camping near me, camping with cats, camping with dogs, Camping with dogs in Canada, dog friendly campgrounds, dog friendly near me, dog friendly restaurants, dog friendly trails, dog parks, glamping with dogs, places to take dog, travel crates for dogs | Comments Off

VALLEY OF VOICES North Woods Novel by George Marsh – Book Review – Wendigo

Posted on April 4, 2024 by Brian Alan Burhoe

Classic North Woods Novel by George Marsh. A Centennial Celebration.

Canoeing through rapids in North Woods

I’m celebrating the Centennial of George Marsh’s North Woods classic novel THE VALLEY OF VOICES!

Released a hundred years ago in 1924, this was George’s third book. And it was published three times that year. Red Book Magazine serialized it in its May to November ’24 issues. Penn Publishing (Philadelphia, US) and Hodder & Stoughton (London, England) both published it in hardcover editions.

THE VALLEY OF VOICES – A North Woods Novel by George Marsh – Book Review

American author and trailsman George Tracy Marsh (1875-1945) is remembered today for his Northern fiction set in the wild country around Hudson Bay. Especially the Albany River area.[1]

THE VALLEY OF VOICES - North Woods novel

“Approaching camp” From VALLEY OF VOICES, Red Book Magazine, July 1924 issue. Illustration by Frank Schoonover.

As a young man, George avidly traveled the Northern Canadian wilderness paths and waterways.

And later wrote about them in popular poems, short stories and books such as his masterwork, the North Woods novel FLASH THE LEAD DOG.

During World War I, George served in the US Infantry. He saw action in the fierce Meuse River–Argonne Forest Offensive in France. And later served as an Army Judge Advocate.

In some of his early short stories, such as “For the Great Father,” he told of Canadian First Nations men who had fought in that War before returning to their native North Woods.

After the War, he was still able to find time from his busy legal practice and government service to travel on some of his old trails. And to write about them…

“Its hero is a man of daring, its heroine a woman of fire.”

THE VALLEY OF VOICES – A North Woods Book Review

“There is no laughter at Wailing River — now.” She raised her hands in eloquent gesture. “The winter here is so long — so cold. The eternal wind in the spruce. Does it not speak to you, too? To me there are always the voices — voices of hunger and pain. And death.”

“Yes, summer or winter,” he said, “the voices are everywhere. In the white-waters, the spruce, the hills. And often, in the breeze, the forest becomes one great orchestra.”

And now, at Wailing River, there was another voice. An old, old voice. The terrible Windigo was calling in the North Woods nights.

The Windigo, the terrible demon of the deep forests who hunted for raw flesh, especially Human flesh.

THE VALLEY OF VOICES a North Woods novel by George Marsh

THE VALLEY OF VOICES, Penn Publishing Company, 1924. Cover art by Frank Schoonover.

Meet Brent Steele, who was delighted at the invitation to stay at Wailing River trading post.

Marsh tells us that “As a student of Indian mythology and worship of the supernatural, the probing of this mystery — the study of its effect on the post Indians — demanded his best efforts. It was a rare opportunity for an ethnologist, a student of folklore, to gather data at first hand.” A kind of early Robert Langdon.

Usually Marsh’s heroes were working men of the Northcountry. White men, Ojibway and Cree. Trappers, prospectors and explorers. Men toughened by the wild rivers and snowy trails they followed. Steele was a scientist. He also loved “to be out in the field.” He would be up to the job.

“But over and beyond that was the riddle of this girl whose hands of an artist were now busy with the dishes up there in the factor’s house.”

He had met Denise St. Onge while she sat on a lonely rock at the river’s edge. Playing the sad violin tunes that had drawn him there.

There were mysteries there at Wailing River.

Valley of Voices North Woods book by George Marsh

THE VALLEY OF VOICES, Hodder & Stoughton, 1924. Cover artist not credited.

Steele had to solve them.

Even if it meant leaving Denise there in late September. Meant leaving her at the mercy of two powerful traders each wanting her in marriage. And meant he wouldn’t be able to return until the snowy winter trails made North Woods travel available again.

With his friend David, a river-wise Scotch-Ojibway, he set out in his Peterboro canoe. And when their ammunition is stolen at a camp visit, things heat up.

“Five summers of running ‘strong-water’ of northern rivers under the training of David had made a stern man of Brent Steele. With the pains which a wood Indian expends on the education of a son in the use of paddle and pole, the Ojibway had taught the white man the mysteries of an art, of which, in all the Nepigon country, he was the acknowledged master. And now the teamwork developed by the habit of years was to meet its acid test in the wild waters of the gorge of the Jackfish.”

Under fire from ambushers in the forest, Brent and David are driven into the whitewaters they wanted to avoid — the Frying Pan Rapids…

And there was even more to come.

For Steele, it was a trip south to the Head of Track. Then on the train, bound for his New York home. When he returned to the North Woods winter had come. The big American met David, who had two teams of huskies waiting. Steele had brought Pete with him, his long-eared, wrinkle-faced hound with a voice like a lion. He needed his steadfast bloodhound.

It was time for a Windigo Hunt.

==>> To read more about the Life and Literary works of American author George Marsh, go to Wolf Whelps & Lead Dogs: A Tribute to George Marsh, Wilderness Writer

See Us on Our CELL PHONE FRIENDLY Format: BrianAlanBurhoe.com.

[1] And, after all these years, the spectacular Albany River still offers great fishing. You will find walleye, brook trout, lake trout, sturgeon and Northern pike in its waters.

NOTE: George Marsh’s magazine stories and books were illustrated by some of the best pastoral artists of his day. They included Charles Livingston Bull, N C Wyeth, Maxfield Parrish and (left) Frank Schoonover.

Book Review, Flash the Lead Dog, Frank Schoonover, George Marsh, George T Marsh, George Tracy Marsh, Great Northwoods, Hudson Bay Canada. North of the border, North woods, North Woods by Daniel Mason, North Woods book, North Woods Novel. Valley of Voices, Wendigo, Wétiko, Wheetigo, Windigo (There are different spellings), Western writer.

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Posted in Book*Reviews | Tagged Albany River, book review, Flash the Lead Dog, Frank Schoonover, george marsh, George T Marsh, George Tracy Marsh, great northwoods, Hudson Bay Canada, north of the border, North woods, North Woods book, North Woods by Daniel Mason, North Woods Novel, student of folklore, Valley of Voices, Wendigo, Western writer, wétiko, wheetigo | Comments Off

HEALTHY RECIPES: Best Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe – Healthy Meal Plans for 2024 – Cooking Tips

Posted on April 1, 2024 by Brian Alan Burhoe

Chicken Breast Recipe…

“Meal plans with chef-adjusted and nutritionist-approved healthy recipes are being released on HealthyKitchen101.com — as of early 2021 the first and only recipe website to fully offer this feature.”

My wife Mary Lee and I have both cooked in country restaurants over these many years, using great local recipes. And still love good Home Cooking.

And I spent the last decade of my cooking career in a top Health Care kitchen.

We still get to use those good old recipes, of course. But times have changed a bit, too. New ways of cooking require new recipes: bread machines, toaster ovens, instant pots — and this Christmas, an air fryer. You’ve gotta try air fryer chicken! And with the increased need for Healthy Recipes, we’re in a new age for sure.

Our fave new recipes site is “Healthy Kitchen 101.” Where you can search for and find everything from their exquisite Pineapple Ginger Juice Recipe to their popular Breakfast Burrito Recipe.

Our own fave so far is their Healthy Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe!

Add to that their Kitchen Tips and Free & Impartial Buyers Guide reviews of the best kitchen appliances and you’ll find out why HealthyKitchen101.com is well worth the visit.

They’ve become the “First Recipe Website Ever to Offer Complete RDA-compliant Meal Plans (with FREE access). Their ideas have also been featured on major media channels, including Business Insider and MSN.”

Listen:

“For the first time ever, health-conscious cooks can now find wholesome and balanced meal plans that follow the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) on HealthyKitchen101.com,” announced Luna Regina, founder of the “leading healthy recipe website” in a recent news release.

“We’ve been working very hard over the past several years to develop a collection of delicious recipes that are compliant with the latest health standards,” stated Regina, who has a diploma in Nutrition and one in Diet Planning and Weight Management.

The healthy breakfast, lunch and dinner recipes used in the meal plans are created by Regina and refined by a professional chef for taste and presentation. Each and every one of them is then audited by a registered dietitian nutritionist for nutritional content.

“A random combination of healthy recipes does not guarantee a balanced meal. You have to account for the total calories, protein, fat, carbs, and sodium, among other nutrients and ingredients. This can be tedious and time-consuming, so people are sometimes hesitant about making healthy meals at home. Our meal plans take care of everything so you can focus on the cooking.”

According to Regina, the nutritional content of every meal plan falls within the daily allowances recommended by the Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine, National Academy of Sciences.

The easy meal plans are designed for generally healthy people with no specific health conditions or special nutritional requirements. Each plan is a complete meal with a main dish, plus a side dish, beverage, and/or dessert. The plans are conveniently tagged as breakfast, lunch, or dinner for easy selection and navigation.

Established in 2017, Healthy Kitchen 101 has since been introducing people to hundreds of healthy recipes that cover a wide spectrum of nutritional needs. You can find easy recipes for a vegetarian frozen fruit smoothie, a low-carb shrimp salad, or nutrient-dense foods such as chicken alfredo, baked pork chops, and chicken and rice casserole. Complex dishes such as healthy meatloaf recipe or chicken and sausage gumbo are also featured.

The meal plans are currently accessible free of charge and without subscription on HealthyKitchen101.com. This ground-breaking feature is just one among many to be implemented on the website within the next year. It’s the first step toward a mobile-based app to offer customized meal plans based on user-specific nutritional and caloric needs, according to Regina.

Within the next six months, the company is aiming to formulate nutritional plans covering all three main meals and snacks for the day.

“Nowadays, more people than ever are realizing the link between nutrition and physical-mental wellbeing. Millions come to HealthyKitchen101.com via social media and our home site for recipe inspiration every month,” says Regina. “The RDA-compliant meal plans are part of our efforts to remove obstacles to healthy eating and motivate people to stay on track with wellness.”

Here’s our favorite (so far) Free Recipe from HealthyKitchen101.com — The Best Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe, both Delicious and Healthy:

– Healthy Kitchen 101 Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe –

Ingredients:

12 oz skinless boneless chicken breast
1 tbsp garlic minced
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground pepper
2 tbsp olive oil
6 oz baby spinach
2.5 oz walnuts
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 tsp Italian seasoning
2 tbsp unsalted butter
14 oz crimini mushrooms
1.5 oz mozzarella cheese
2 oz cream cheese
5 cloves garlic
12 oz asparagus
1 tbsp parsley

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.

2. Use a sharp knife to cut the side of the chicken breast to split it. Season both sides of the chicken with ¼ teaspoon of salt, ⅛ teaspoon of pepper, and ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Set aside.

3. Place spinach in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add ½ tablespoon of olive oil and garlic. Stir-fry until wilted. Press spinach in a sieve to extract all of the excess juice from it.

4. Place spinach onto the chicken breast. Then spread the cream cheese, mozzarella and 1 oz walnuts in an even thin layer on top of the spinach. Roll up chicken from a short side. Use toothpicks to secure the stuffing inside.

5. Roll the chicken through a shallow plate of flour.

6. Heat a cast-iron pan on medium heat. Add 1 ½ tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Sear the chicken with garlic cloves for about 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown. Set aside.

7. Stir fry mushrooms and asparagus with 1 tablespoon of butter in the same pan on medium heat for about 5 minutes. Season with the remaining salt, walnut, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Then combine chicken and vegetables in the same pan, bake in the oven for 15 minutes.

8. Remove chicken from the oven and let it stand for 5 minutes, discard toothpicks. Serve chicken sliced, with vegetables.

And that’s it! Great when served with air fryer Home Fries. To see the complete recipe for this delicious meal, including healthy sides such as home fries, as well as photos, instructional video and Nutritional Facts, go to HealthyKitchen101.com/Healthy-Stuffed-Chicken-Breast/.

Do You Want More? To See Our Most Popular DOWN-HOME, RESTAURANT & HEALTH CARE RECIPES, with Flavors and Healthy Meals in mind, You Can Go To Mary Lee & Brian Alan Burhoe’s Best Home, Restaurant & Health Care Recipes

About the Company: “HealthyKitchen101.com is a website whose mission is to make science-based eating more delicious, effortless, and approachable for the general public. It features chef-adjusted and nutritionist-approved healthy recipes in addition to buying guides and reviews for kitchen appliances. Founded by Luna Regina in 2017, the website is now a go-to resource for home cooks and food lovers from all over the world looking for ideas and inspiration for healthy home-made snacks and meals.” For more information visit HealthyKitchen101.com.

“Stay Safe & Eat Healthy!”

HEALTHY RECIPES: Best Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe – Healthy Meal Plans 2024 – Cooking Tips.

Source: Healthy Kitchen 101, PR Newswire & Civilized Bears.

Bread machine recipes, chicken recipes, chicken tender recipes, cooking tips, easy recipes, easy baking recipes, free meal plans, healthy air fryer recipes, healthy breakfast ideas, healthy dinner ideas, healthy meal plans, healthy recipes, Recommended Dietary Allowance recipes, RDA, Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe.

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Posted in Recipes | Tagged 2024, air fryer chicken, air fryer home fries, Bread machine recipes, chicken recipes, chicken tender recipes, cooking tips, easy baking recipes, easy recipes, free meal plans, healthy air fryer recipes, healthy breakfast ideas, healthy dinner ideas, healthy home-made meals, healthy meal plans, healthy recipes, RDA, recipes, Recommended Dietary Allowance recipes, Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe | Comments Off

Meet Elephant Herd Matriarch Renee & Her New Son – Baby Elephant Name

Posted on March 6, 2024 by Brian Alan Burhoe

Baby Elephant Name…

Baby Elephant News. Elephants, Freedom & Zoos – A Rant

“Free the Animals!” I’ve spoken for years about Circuses and Animals. The animals should be freed! Circuses are for Humans — to perform in and to watch.

And a lot of zoos were little better. Mere cages. Steel and cement prisons for captured creatures. Wandering lost forever in front of cold Inhuman eyes.

But in this age of endangerment and cruel harvesting, Wildlife Refuges are a growing need. And in places, “better at least than circuses,” some zoos are being repurposed into refuges of a kind.

Some zoos have good news. Some zoos ARE good news.

Among them, animals, already shorn of horns and tusks have found a new life. They are surviving. And sometimes thriving. And reproducing.

Meet Elephant Herd Matriarch Renee & Her New Son – Baby Elephant Name.

“Toledo Zoo’s Elephant Herd Grows with Arrival of Newborn Calf…

“The Toledo Zoo is thrilled to announce the birth of a healthy baby elephant, born to African elephant, Renee. The male calf weighed 266 pounds. He was welcomed into the Tembo Trail exhibit on February 17, 2024.”

This new addition to the Toledo Zoo is the result of a successful and sophisticated artificial insemination process. They worked closely with the Elephant Species Survival Plan. The Zoo chose Titan from Sedgwick County Zoo in Wichita, Kansas, as the father.

“It took months of coordination working with our partners in the field,” said Michael Frushour, curator of mammals at the Toledo Zoo. “It takes a special team of experts to perform an elephant insemination. And we prioritized working with the best professionals within the United States and the world to make sure that happened.”

Renee arrived at the Zoo in 1982. She’s estimated to be 45 years old. In June, she weighed approximately 8,300 pounds. And reached 8,800 pounds during pregnancy. She’s an experienced mother. This marks her third pregnancy through artificial insemination, underscoring the Zoo’s commitment to preserving the elephant species.

Her first-born, Louie, now resides at the North Carolina Zoo. While her second-born, Lucas, unfortunately died of Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus at nine years old in 2021.

The herd’s matriarch, Renee, is renowned for her gentle and cooperative spirit. She’s the perfect elephant for training new keepers. They love her and she responds to them.

She enjoys watermelon and wallowing on warm days. She cleverly uses objects like stumps and balls to find food. Which shows her adaptability and intelligence.

Both Renee and her calf are in excellent health. The Zoo’s dedicated staff are providing meticulous care and monitoring. Throughout her pregnancy, Renee remained active and healthy. Thanks to the elephant team. They conducted daily exercises, monitored her hormone levels, and performed weekly ultrasounds.

Her care team also collected plasma and conducted overnight observations as her due date approached. This made sure that both mother and calf remained in excellent health. You can view these videos on the Toledo Zoo’s social media channels. (See the Facebook and Twitter Share Buttons below.)

Toledo Zoo’s Elephant Herd Grows with Arrival of New Baby Elephant.

Like some other animals at the Toledo Zoo, the African elephant has been classified as “Endangered.” It’s on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s “Red List of Threatened Species.”

As such, the Toledo Zoo is dedicated to providing a safe and enriching home for these animals. As well as educating the public about the importance of preserving and protecting wildlife.

“Preserving the future of this species is critical to us. At this zoo, we are committed to doing so. We’re looking forward to the new calf joining our elephant family. We’re optimistic that he will fit in just fine,” Frushour explained.

In addition to Renee and the newborn calf, the Zoo is also home to two other elephants. Twiggy and Ajani.

Twiggy, a USDA-confiscated elephant, arrived in Toledo in February 2010. She weighs 7,200 pounds and is estimated to be 39 years old. Known for her vocal nature and love for watermelon, Twiggy played a nurturing role as an aunt to Lucas. The team eagerly anticipates her interactions with Renee’s new calf.

In September of 2023, the Zoo welcomed Ajani, a 23-year-old male elephant.

Ajani was born at the Indianapolis Zoo. He spent some time at the Birmingham Zoo before moving to Sedgwick County Zoo. “Ajani has been a great addition. He’s been enriching the social dynamics of the herd as he gets acquainted with the keeper staff. Along, of course, with Renee and Twiggy.”

BABY ELEPHANT NAME CONTEST: The newest member of the herd will need a name. So the Zoo has launched a naming contest where the public can donate to select their favorite name for the male calf. The contest starts March 1, and closes at 11:59 p.m. on March 14. To vote, visit https://toledozoo.info/forms/baby-elephant-naming-vote/. The winning name will be announced via the Zoo’s social media platforms. Followed by the calf’s public exhibit debut on Saturday, March 16.

Baby Elephant: As of mid-March, guests can visit Renee and her calf.

“Zoo staff is asking the public to please be patient. Twenty guests at a time will be guided by Zoo staff to enter the indoor exhibit. Noise levels must be kept to a minimum. And no flash photography will be permitted. We don’t want to startle our gentle giants.”

But it’s a celebration when every baby elephant is born, eh?

UPDATE: Saturday, March 16, 2024. “Meet our African elephant calf, Kirk!” Yup, the little guy has a name. Welcome to planet Earth, Kirk!

Love Elephants? Then You Have Got to Read This: World Elephant Day 2024 – Are Elephants Endangered? How To Save The Elephants.

More information about the Toledo Zoo can be found at https://toledozoo.org/.

To learn more about endangered species, see The Red List of Threatened Species.

Meet Elephant Herd Matriarch Renee & Her New Son – Baby Elephant Name

SOURCE Toledo Zoo, PR Newswire & Civilized Bears. Baby elephant Kirk.

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Posted in Endangered Species | Tagged Baby elephant Kirk, Baby Elephant Name, civilized bears, Elephant Herd Grows, Elephant Herd Matriarch, Elephant Herd Matriarch Renee, elephant name, Elephant Species Survival Plan, Free the Animals, Red List of Threatened Species, Tembo Trail, Toledo Zoo, USDA confiscated elephant | Comments Off

HORSE PROTECTION DAY: Helicopter Roundups, Wild Horses & Kill Pens

Posted on March 1, 2024 by Brian Alan Burhoe

Wild Horses!

Horse Protection Day is here…

Wild horses in America’s West come up against the reality of a summer helicopter roundup. Photo Credit: WilsonAxpe PhotoAdvocacy.

HORSE PROTECTION DAY: Helicopter Roundups, Wild Horses & Kill Pens

Horses arrived in North America during the Spanish Conquest. From the beginning, the early 1500s, those beautiful runners of the open land escaped their human masters and spread and thrived northward across the continent’s plains.

And ever since, humans have been rounding ’em up.

Over the past seventy years, those wild horses have fallen into a new category: vermin. So many horses are rounded up for the kill pens. To be slaughtered.

I’m posting this on March 1st, National Horse Protection Day.

The top wild horse conservation organization is virtually uniting advocates across America and sending a unified message to Congress:

“Prioritize horse protection over cruel helicopter wild horses roundups!”

“We are leading a nationwide Day of Action to tell Congress to ban the use of helicopters to round up wild horses. Support the Wild Horse and Burro Protection Act, H.R. 3656. It’s led by Nevada’s US Rep. Dina Titus,” said Suzanne Roy. Suzanne is Executive Director of the American Wild Horse Campaign.

“In 1971, Congress unanimously granted wild horses federal protection akin to the bald eagle. Sadly, successive administrations have failed to uphold America’s promise of freedom for these iconic animals. It’s time to halt the helicopters and refocus on sustainable in-the-wild conservation.”

Roy also expressed thanks to Reps. Steve Cohen (Tenn-D.) and David Schweikert (Ariz-R.). And the 16 additional cosponsors of H.R. 3656.

This Day of Action follows a deadly helicopter roundup season this winter that has resulted in 71 wild horse deaths. And the roundup and removal of more than 7,000 wild horses and burros –- including over 1,000 foals –- from the wild.

National Horse Protection Day is the day for wild horse supporters to voice support on social media. Hashtags #KeepWildHorsesWild and #HaltTheHelicopters. And sign their names to AWHC’s letter calling on Congress to support H.R. 3656. The Wild Horse & Burro Protection Act.

It’s on March 1 that AWHC is also announced it was becoming American Wild Horse Conservation.

This reflects the organization’s efforts to reform wild horses and burros protection across the American West.

As well as improve and expand protected natural habitats like in Fish Springs, Nevada. And set the conservation standard through the world’s leading wild horse fertility control initiative.

“American Wild Horse Conservation is more than a campaign. We’re creating a new model for wild horse protection through sustainable in-the-wild conservation,” said Roy.

Today, American Wild Horse Conservation’s media center will launch featuring a press reel/B-roll for members of the press. On Thursday, the organization will unveil a new website and inform advocates how they can support a new model to protect wild horses.

The Battle Continues! For more on the inhuman war on Horses see Horse Slaughter Pipeline from America to Canada – Horse Meat.

“Horses! We Have A History!” Do You Agree With This Post?

IF SO, YOU’VE GOT TO SEE “THE WRITERS OF THE NORTH-WEST MOUNTED POLICE” MY MOST POPULAR LITERARY HISTORY POST:

“Thanks for a wonderful in-depth article on Mountie fiction. I’m a big fan of the Mounties. And I really enjoyed the amount of details you provided and found many, many more books to put on my wish list.” Jack Wagner

“Thank you for this excellent list! I’ve begun collecting Mountie fiction and this will help a great deal.” J F Fournier

“I just discovered your blog and need to dig deeper into it. I’m all for anything that increases people’s knowledge about these older, mostly forgotten authors. That post on Mountie fiction is great!” Western writer James Reasoner

When our Canadian Mounted Police first rode their proud Eastern horses West, they entered our National Mythology. A look at the many, many writers who helped create that Proud Mythology. FREE TO READ ==> The GREATEST AUTHORS OF NORTH-WEST MOUNTED POLICE FICTION

About American Wild Horse Conservation:

“American Wild Horse Conservation (AWHC) champions humane, in-the-wild protection of the nation’s wild horses and burros on our public lands. AWHC is modernizing wild horse and burro conservation across the American West. Expanding protected natural habitats in places like Fish Springs, Nevada.” For more information, visit home.americanwildhorse.org/.

“We are setting the conservation standard through the world’s leading wild horse fertility control initiative. We are proving that new science-based models for wild horse and burro protection exist and are humane, cost-effective, and scalable.”

“Keep Wild Horses Wild!”

SOURCE American Wild Horse Conservation, PR Newswire & Civilized Bears

HORSE PROTECTION DAY: Helicopter Roundups, Wild Horses & Kill Pens

#HaltTheHelicopters. #KeepWildHorsesWild. American Wild Horse Conservation, AWHC, burro protection, helicopter roundups, horses for sale. Horse Protection Day, National Horse Protection Day, kill pens, round up, the roundup, wild horses in America, wild horses near me.

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Posted in An Earth Spirit | Tagged #HaltTheHelicopters, #KeepWildHorsesWild, American Wild Horse Conservation, AWHC, burro protection, helicopter roundups, Horse Protection Day, horses for sale, National Horse Protection Day, round up, the roundup, wild horses in america, wild horses near me | Comments Off

The Wolf Hunt – Wolfers in the Old West & Canada – History & Now

Posted on February 15, 2024 by Brian Alan Burhoe

What are wolfers?

The Wolf Hunt – Wolfers in the Old West & Canada – History – What are Wolfers?

Wolfers were hunters who specialized in killing wolves, selling their pelts for the cash bounties paid by US Federal, Western States and Territorial governments — as well as Cattlemen’s Associations.

By the early 1870s, “wolf hunters had almost exterminated every wolf from Texas to the Dakotas, from Missouri to Colorado.” [1]

So they moved into the unpoliced Canadian Northwest.

Wolfers laced the bodies of skinned bison or freshly killed mule deer with strychnine, a cruel poison. Wolfers and Buffalo Hunters often worked together. After buffalo were slaughtered and skinned, the unwanted bodies were left unused on the prairie. Wolfers would sprinkle the carcasses with their strychnine. The Native peoples were enraged at the mass slaughter of their bison (as well as the resulting strychnine poisoning of their dogs) and the white hunters would band together for security.

An example of this was the 1870’s fortified fur trading post on the Spitzee River (aka High River) on the Canadian western plains. The group of buffalo hunters, wolfers and fur trappers called themselves the “Spitzee Cavalry.” The “cavalry” attacked both outraged Natives and white whiskey traders who were giving guns and ammunition to the local First Nations.

A US government pamphlet had the following to say about how to poison wolves:

“Many wolves are killed by poisoning. And more would be so killed if the methods followed were less crude. Strychnine is generally used with nothing to disguise its intense bitterness. The powder being either inserted in bits of meat or fat or merely spread on a fresh carcass…

“In most cases the wolf gets a taste of the bitter drug and rejects it. And if the dose is swallowed it may be too small to be fatal or so large as to act as an emetic…

“An old and experienced wolf will rarely touch bait poisoned in the ordinary way. But sometimes a whole family of young may be killed at a carcass. Usually when wolves are poisoned, they go so far before they die that if found at all it is not until their skins are spoiled…

“To encourage poisoning, it must be possible to secure the skins in good condition. Or at least, to find the animals after they are killed, so that the ranchman may have the satisfaction of knowing that he has accomplished something toward the protection of his stock.” [2]

A more recent article about poisoning wolves said this:

“A carcass laced with a small amount of strychnine, a grainy substance that looked like table salt, could attract and kill several dozen wolves within a short period of time. Before the 1880s, a dead buffalo might hold the poison. After the American bison was gone from the plains, another dead animal would suffice. Some wolf hunters sprinkled a carcass with strychnine in the deep of winter, returning in the spring to find dead wolves sprawled around the poisoned animal.” [3]

As bait animals became scarcer, prairie wolfers went back to steel traps and shooting with firearms.

By the turn of the century, strychnine was also being replaced by dynamite, which the hunters threw into wolf dens. Wiping out the entire den — adults and cubs.

Or live pups could be pulled out of their dens with “a hook, something on the order of a gaff hook such as is used by fishermen.” And then killed.

An unsavoury lot. Literally. Wolfers often stank of wolf skins.

In “Bulletin 72,” issued by the United States Department of Agriculture, the author, Mr. Vernon Bailey, had the following to say on the subject:

“The actual number of cattle killed by wolves can not be determined. Comparatively few animals are found by cattlemen and hunters, when freshly killed, with wolf tracks around them and with wolf marks on them. Not all of the adult cattle missing from a herd can surely be charged the depredations of wolves, while missing calves may have been taken by wolves, by mountain lions, or by ‘rustlers.'”

And Perry Davis, an Old-time American wolfer, wrote this:

“I have heard of wolves attacking persons in the woods of the Northeastern States. I have no reason to doubt this. They may be a different wolf from our grey wolf, or buffalo wolf, as they are often called. I have seen them in the Panhandle country of Northwest Texas, in Colorado, Wyoming, the Dakotas, Montana and Canada. They are all the same, as far as I could see, in looks, size and habits. And I have never heard of them molesting anyone in the above mentioned places.”

And…

“There is no authentic report of wolves ever having killed a human being in the Canadian North, although there must have been times when the temptation was well-nigh irresistible.” – Canadian naturalist and author Farley Mowat.

Wolfers in Canada. An Historic Note:

Wolfers, along with buffalo hunters and fur trappers, notoriously were among the members of the “Spitzee Cavalry” who attacked a band of sleeping Assiniboines in June of 1873. The Cypress Hills Massacre. [4] The tragic event that led to the formation of the North-West Mounted Police.

For more, see CANADIAN MOUNTIES Creation & History Royal Mounted Police – RCMP News.

Modern Wolfers: What is a biological surplus?

Today, of course, wolf hunts are happening again. Especially in Alaska and Canada.

Today we’re hearing it put in ice-cold, scientific terms. Biological Surplus: “The amount of animals in a given population that are above the carrying capacity.” Carrying Capacity: “The number of animals each habitat can support throughout the year.” Nothing cold about about it to the wild wolves. Their deaths are hot and blazing pain.

As for the “number of animals each habitat can support” — before WE arrived, the land was thriving with deer, moose, beaver, wolves and bears. Passenger Pigeons and Great Auks. Queen Charlotte Islands Caribou and Newfoundland Wolves. Ungava Grizzly Bears and Sea Minks. God’s Country in every sense of the words. Then WE came. No wonder we got kicked out of Eden, eh?

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wolfers_(hunting)

[2] From WOLF AND COYOTE TRAPPING: An Up-to-Date Wolf Hunter’s Guide, Giving the Most Successful Methods of Experienced “Wolfers” for Hunting and Trapping These Animals by A. R. Harding, 1909.

[3] https://outsidebozeman.com/nature/killing-fields

[4] A Helena newspaper gave this account of a “party of wolfers, who had been out in the Whoop-up Country during the entire past winter.” The story was based on the eyewitness report of two participants:

“Our agent, just returned from Benton, brings the particulars of a recent fight between the whites and Indians, which terminated as fatally to the latter as did the engagement of Col. Baker and troops with the Piegans three years since…

“Each man was armed with a Henry rifle and two Smith & Wesson’s large revolvers, was well mounted, and five good pack animals were taken along with the party…

“They arrived at a small trading post at Cypress Mountain, two hundred miles within the British border. It was determined to attack this encampment of Assiniboines… ”
– Helena Daily Herald, June 11, 1873.

The Wolf Hunt – Wolfers in the Old West & Canada – History & Now

Buffalo hunters, buffalo wolf, perfect wolf pelt, project wolf hunting, Spitzee Cavalry, the wolf hunt, what are wolfers?

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Posted in An Earth Spirit | Tagged Biological Surplus, Buffalo hunters, buffalo wolf, Carrying Capacity, fur trappers, God's Country, grey wolf, Modern Wolfers, north-west mounted police, Old West, perfect wolf pelt, project wolf hunting, Spitzee Cavalry, Strychnine, the wolf hunt, what are wolfers, What is a biological surplus, whiskey traders, wolf hunters, wolfers | Comments Off

SLED TRAILS AND WHITE WATERS by George Marsh – Book Review – Wolf Dogs

Posted on December 13, 2023 by Brian Alan Burhoe

Take off to the Great White North! Read George Marsh’s SLED TRAILS AND WHITE WATERS.

SLED TRAILS AND WHITE WATERS by George Marsh – Book Review

American writer George Tracy Marsh is remembered most today for his adventure stories of the Northcountry wilderness around Hudson Bay. And the wild animals who haunted its forests. And the Ungava huskies who pulled those iconic sleds. His most popular full-length novel was FLASH THE LEAD DOG.

Born in Lansingburgh, New York State, on August 9, 1875, George from early boyhood also showed a love of the water. Especially swimming, boating and canoeing.

In fact, age nine saw him mentioned in a local Newspaper: “While playing on the dock at the foot of Van Schaick street yesterday afternoon, a boy, Stephen Fagg, fell into the water. Had it not been for the presence of Freddie Draper and George Marsh, Fagg would have drowned.” – Troy Daily Times, May 8, 1885.

While at Yale University, “Swamp” Marsh was captain of the freshman eight on the renowned Yale rowing team.

After graduating Harvard law school, George went on to a full life in the law, military and public service. And settled in Providence, Rhode Island, with his wife Eva and their beloved Yorkshire Airedales.

But he never lost his veneration of waterway and canoe. Over many years, George Marsh found time to canoe the wild rivers and vast lakes of Northern Canada. Usually with a river-wise partner.

And in wintertime, celebrate his love of dogs by mushing teams of huskies over the frozen sled trails.

And he wrote about his adventures on snowy sled trails and over white waters. Man, did he write.

He started with magazine short stories. His first book collection of those yarns was printed in 1921. And recently released by Amazon in a facsimile paperback edition titled TOILERS OF THE TRAILS: Stories From the Great White North.

His second collection of short stories, SLED TRAILS AND WHITE WATERS, from Penn Publishing Company, was released in 1929.

The book collected ten more short stories set in Northern Canada. They had appeared in the magazines The Country Gentleman, The Red Book and The Popular Magazine.

Some of Frank Schoonover’s pen and ink illustrations from those magazines were reprinted in the book. And Schoonover painted the cover paste-down image.

SLED TRAILS AND WHITE WATERS continued George’s enthralling descriptions of the wilderness sled trails and wild waterways he had travelled.

While telling the stories of the people who lived there. At a time when many pulp fiction writers did a poor job of representing the Native peoples, George told the stories of the Northern Cree and Ojibway he had met with an understanding, even heroic, voice.

Some stories, such as “April Moon,” told of the tragedies of the cruel winters. And in the case of this story, of a woman stronger than her men. April Moon was also known as the Starving Moon by the Ojibway nation.

“The Vengeance of Black Fox” is the haunting story of a black fox and the many men and women who covet its beautiful fur.

George Marsh also wrote some of the best Dog Stories of his time.

In “Bent-Leg” we read the story of Jim Laird and the injured puppy he finds in the snow:

As the team approached, the whimpering of the diminutive shape beside the river trail rose to staccato cries of distress. Stopping his curious huskies, Laird went to the black-and-white dog in the snow.

“A three-months-old pup!” muttered the dog-driver. “Deserted — hurt too,” he added, bending over the ball of fur that attempted to sit up on its fore legs only to fall back with a cry of pain…

“The knee joint’s hurt — twisted! Must have fallen under the sled!” With a cry the dog caught the hand of the man in his sharp milk-teeth, in protest. But the teeth did not close. Instead the small red tongue licked the hand that had caused the pain. “Game! Affectionate, too! You’ve been run over and they’ve left you to freeze to-night.”

Laird saw that the crippled puppy would never be a sled dog. Of no use. And the life of an unwanted dog in the North was short and final.

Except that Jim Laird felt love for this hurt puppy. He would keep it. And raise it. Even though he knew every other human hand would be lifted against it. Their story is a true classic.

“A Man and His Dog”

And then there’s “McCleod’s Partner”…

“A howl, dying to a wail of despair, from the shore of the island which he was passing, brought the paddle of McCleod to a stop.”

A few Northern tribes left their sled dogs on river islands for the summer. The best dogs, they believed, would survive until they were needed in late autumn. I’ve written about the Tikah People doing this.

In “McCleod’s Partner,” prospector John McCleod rescues a starving half-grown husky pup he quickly names Pard.

This is one of Marsh’s yarns about love, loyalty and passing seasons in the beautiful and often cruel Northcountry.

The man who later says “I t’ink dat dog my pup. I lose one las’ spreeng,” refuses to fight the big-shouldered Scotsman for Pard. But furtively follows John down the river in his canoe, loaded rifle at his feet.

And the Northern seasons pass. A winter of “rabbit plague” would make for scarce game, wild wolves and famine. The Starving Moon, “When rotten ice barred the waterways and soggy snow trails” threatened to hold them prisoners in the forest. It was common for starved men of the North to kill and eat their dogs. But not with John McCleod and his Pard…

The other stories in SLED TRAILS are “The Judgment of Achille Breault,” “The Outlaw,” “The Witness for the Defence,” “The Game Warden,” “Once at Drowning River” and “Puppets.”

Oh yes, I highly recommend SLED TRAILS AND WHITE WATERS.

==>> To read more about the life and literary works of American author George Marsh, go to Wolf Whelps & Lead Dogs: Tribute to George Marsh, Wilderness Writer

“Live Free, Mon Ami!” – Brian Alan Burhoe

Did you like this Wilderness Fiction Post?

MEET SHOSSA, A SAVAGE SHE-HUSKY. READ WOLFBLOOD — MY MOST POPULAR ANIMAL STORY: “HAPPY ENDING!”

“I JUST READ WOLFBLOOD AGAIN FOR GOOD MEASURE. ONE FOR ANY WOLF LOVER. ENJOYED IT BUT WISH IT WAS A FULL LENGTH NOVEL.” – Gina Chronowicz @ginachron

“GREAT SHORT STORY! DOES REMIND ME OF CALL OF THE WILD, WHITE FANG…” – Evelyn @evelyn_m_k

An “enjoyable and warm-hearted” narrative in the Jack London and George Marsh Tradition of a lone Grey Wolf and his quest for a place in the far-flung forests of the feral North. And then he found Shossa. FREE TO READ ==> WOLFBLOOD: A Wild Wolf, A Half-Wild Husky & A Wily Old Trapper

NOTE ON ARTWORK: Illustrations are by Frank Schoonover. Cover painting and “Two men in canoe” line drawing are from SLED TRAILS AND WHITE WATERS. “A Man and His Dog” is an oil on canvas painting from the same time period; it reminds me of Jim Laird and Bent-Leg.

See Us on Our CELL PHONE FRIENDLY Format: BrianAlanBurhoe.com.

Take off to the Great White North! SLED TRAILS AND WHITE WATERS by George Marsh – Book Review – Wolf Dogs.

Alaskan malamute, book review, borders Alaska, Canada borders Alaska, and Canadian Eskimo dog. Dog stories. Frank Schoonover, George Marsh. Husky dog, sled dogs, sled dog breeds, sled dog harness, sled trails, Sled trails and white waters. Stories from the Great White North. Take off to the Great White North. The great white north, Ungava husky, western writer, white water and wolf dogs.

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Posted in An Earth Spirit, Book*Reviews | Tagged Alaskan malamute, book review, borders Alaska, Canada borders Alaska, Canadian Eskimo dog, dog stories, Frank Schoonover, george marsh, husky dog, sled dog breeds, sled dog harness, sled dogs, Sled trails and white waters, Stories from the Great White North, Take off to the Great White North, the great white north, ungava husky, Western writer, white water, wolf dogs | Comments Off

MY HEROES HAVE ALWAYS BEEN WRITERS – Brian Alan Burhoe

Posted on November 14, 2023 by Brian Alan Burhoe

My Heroes Have Always Been Writers…

“MY HEROES HAVE ALWAYS BEEN WRITERS!” – Brian Alan Burhoe

From Yorkshire to Atlantic Canada, I discovered from the beginning that men and women were actually creating those stories I loved.

First, these Writers…

“Among the lonely lakes I go no more, for she who made their beauty is not there; the paleface rears his tepee on the shore, and says the vale is fairest…” – E Pauline Johnson, “The Legend of Qu’Appelle Valley”

“A prairie wolf howled, the pony pricked up his ears and, walking nearer to me, stood with his head down. Then another prairie wolf howled, and another.

“There I lay prone and helpless on the ground, the iron jaws of trap No. 3 closed tight on my left foot…” – Ernest Thompson Seton, WILD ANIMALS I HAVE KNOWN

See my PATRIOTIC VOICES OF CANADA: True North Songs, Poems & Stories for more.

And then, these writers…

“The eagle swung away, wheeled sharply with an ominous, harsh rustling of stiffened feathers, and then came at the hawk with a yelp and a sudden tremendous rush. His beak was half open. His great talons were drawn forward and extended for the deadly stroke.

“The eagle’s sound, his shadow — they were doom itself, annihilation to the frightened hawk.

“But the deadly stroke was not delivered. The threat was enough.

“Shrinking aside with a scream, the fish-hawk opened his claws. And the trout fell toward the water, a gleaming bar of silver in the morning light.

“The eagle shot down like lightning, caught the fish and rose in a long magnificent slant, with the tribute borne in his talons.” – Charles G D Roberts, THE KINDRED OF THE WILD

“Till the dogs lay down in their traces, and rose and staggered and fell,” begins this breathtaking ballad.

And continues, “Till the eyes of him dimmed with shadows, and the trail was so hard to see. Till the Wild howled out triumphant, and the world was a frozen hell — Then said Constable Clancy: ‘I guess that it’s up to me.’” – Robert W Service, “Clancy of the Mounted Police”

You great big god of a bear!

“‘You great big god of a bear!’ he whispered. And every fibre in him was trembling in a wonderful excitement as he found voice for the first time. ‘You — you monster with a heart bigger than man!

“And then he added, under his breath, as if not conscious that he was speaking: ‘If I’d cornered you like that I’d have killed you! And you! You cornered me, and let me live!’”
– James Oliver Curwood, THE GRIZZLY KING

“The flowers and the trees were beautiful. God had made them. He made the other creatures, too, that each might have food upon which to live. He made Sheeta the panther, with his beautiful coat. And Numa, the lion, with his noble head and his shaggy mane. He had made Bara, the deer, lovely and graceful.

“Yes, Tarzan had found God, and he spent the whole day in attributing to him all of the good and beautiful things of nature. But there was one thing which troubled him. He could not quite reconcile it to his conception of his new-found God.

“Who made Histah, the snake?” – Edgar Rice Burroughs, JUNGLE TALES OF TARZAN

He was as tough as his own huskies…

“He was as tough as his own huskies. A fact he’d taught most of the North through years of doings like those concerned with the murder of Siwash Pratt.

“But the greeting words of Constable Tavistock foreshadowed his having to take a man described as ‘gone crazy’ five hundred dog-sled miles to hospital, in the year’s worst travel season.

“Though he was tired and strung up after a long, hard trip, sick of ‘lunatic patrols,’ longing for the settlement’s Christmas party.

“So he groaned, yet merely asked, ‘Violent?’” – Harwood Steele, THE RED SERGE: Stories of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police

“Surra’s color was still sand-yellow, her muzzle and ears foxlike, her paws fur sand-shoes. But she was four times the size of her remote forefathers, as large as a puma. And her intelligence was higher even than those who had bred her guessed.

“Now Storm laid his hand on the cat’s head, a caress she graciously permitted.

“To the spectator the ex-Commando might be standing impassively, the meerkats clinging to him, his hand resting lightly on Surra’s round skull, the eagle quiet on his shoulder. But an awareness, which was unuttered, unheard speech, linked him with animals and bird.”
– Andre Norton, THE BEAST MASTER

For more detailed looks at the essential writers of my youth, see

“The Bear That Thought He Was A Dog” A Complete Short Story by Sir Charles G D Roberts

Edgar Rice Burroughs: A Tribute to Tarzan’s Creator, A Personal Hero

Animal Communication: Pet Stories, Whispering, Telepathy & Andre Norton

Wolf Whelps & Lead Dogs: Tribute to George Marsh, Wilderness Writer

Tom West: Classic Ace Double Western Writer Remembered & Reviewed

DAVY by Edgar Pangborn – A Heartfelt Book Review – Tales of a Darkening World

Happy Birthday, Farley Mowat! Tribute to a Hero

The GREATEST AUTHORS OF NORTH-WEST MOUNTED POLICE FICTION

Writers: Favourite Opening Line?

“He was born with a gift of laughter and a sense that the world was mad.” – Rafael Sabatini, SCARAMOUCHE

Writers: Favourite Quote?

“We have doomed the wolf not for what it is, but for what we deliberately and mistakenly perceive it to be — the mythologized epitome of a savage ruthless killer. Which is, in reality, no more than a reflected image of ourself.” ― Farley Mowat, NEVER CRY WOLF: The Amazing True Story of Life Among Arctic Wolves

Writers: Favourite Songs?

Singer-Songwriter Gordon Lightfoot was my first superhero: he knew about where I came from. Sundown. Carefree Highway. If You Could Read My Mind. Early Mornin’ Rain. Song For A Winter’s Night. Canadian Railroad Trilogy…

And Ian Tyson and his wife Sylvia. Buffy Sainte-Marie. Joni Mitchell. Neil Young. Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan.

Then Rock hit…

For more, see My Baby Boomer Generation Singer-Songwriters: Our Music of the Sixties & Later

“Live Free, Mon Ami!” – Brian Alan Burhoe

TOP IMAGE: “Mountie and Sled Dogs” painting is by Arnold Friberg, renowned for his classic Mounted Police illustrations. For more see Arnold Friberg’s Mounties.

Middle photos from my Literary Image Album.

BOTTOM IMAGE: “Farley Mowat at home” – Peg McCarthy file photo. From NorthumberlandNews.com.

MY HEROES HAVE ALWAYS BEEN WRITERS – Brian Alan Burhoe

“You never know when the devil might come calling.” – Farley Mowat

DID YOU LIKE THIS WRITERS POST? IF SO, PLEASE SHARE WITH YOUR FAMILY & FRIENDS!

Posted in An Earth Spirit, Arts & Crafts | Tagged andre norton, brian alan burhoe, charles g d roberts, clancy of the mounted, E Pauline Johnson, edgar rice burroughs, Ernest Thompson Seton, farley mowat, harwood steele, james oliver curwood, robert w service, The Beast Master, writers | Comments Off

MOST POPULAR DOG NAMES: Male & Female Dog Names

Posted on November 4, 2023 by Brian Alan Burhoe

MOST POPULAR DOG NAMES: Male & Female Dog Names

Oh, We Love Our Dogs, Eh?

My Mary Lee and I have a happy marriage and it’s four dogs old.

First it was Yukon King, a husky who used to leap on unsuspecting mice like a silent cat. And spooked our neighbours with his wolf howls in the night.

Brandy, a mixed Black Labrador who lived to run down the driveway when she heard the school bus. She loved tobogganing with the kids down snowy hills.

Mocha, a German Shepherd. A Gentle Giant who loved us all and watched the woodlands around us for coyotes. Her roaring freight-train charges sent ’em flying.

And now Bella, our buff Cocker Spaniel, our dog of constant tail wags. And morning kisses. (See Below!)

Their names, just like our cats’ names, were always a matter of deep consideration. They all had to be just right.

You too, I bet.

Dogs names have always been a kind of fashion statement.

When Queen Victoria called her new puppy Sharp, Sharp became one of the most popular canine names in the British Empire.

Other names through the years have been the eternal Rover, as well as Rex, Bob, Rolf, Pickles, Spot, Shep and Fido. Top names for black dogs were Shadow and Raven.

Fictional faves included Buck, Lassie, Kazan, Toto, Rinty, Red, Benji, Duke and Snoopy.

What puppy names are hot now?

BREAKING CANINE NEWS! “The American Kennel Club is excited to announce its list of the most popular dog names of 2023.”

Gina DiNardo, AKC’s Executive Secretary, announced, “Choosing a name is a very personal and meaningful decision for dog owners. Dogs are an integral part of our families. People take great care in naming their pet and it’s fun to see if the name fits the dog’s personality.”

According to AKC registration statistics and Canine Partners enrollments, “Luna and Max once again lead the pack as the most popular girl’s and boy’s names of 2023, respectively. Climbing the list this year for boy’s names is Charlie, which took the number two spot from Milo.”

Gina concluded, “Maggie rose this year to number four from number eight in 2022. Dropping off last year’s list at the bottom for girls was Stormy and Yoda for boys.”

The top 10 dog names for 2023 were:

FEMALE PUPPY NAMES

Luna
Bella
Daisy
Maggie
Willow
Lucy
Bailey
Rosie
Sadie
Lola

MALE PUPPY NAMES

Max
Charlie
Cooper
Teddy
Milo
Ollie
Bear
Rocky
Finn
Leo

So there are the Top Dog Names of the Year! If you’re getting a new puppy, Have Fun!

Live Free, Mon Ami! – Brian Alan Burhoe

Did you like this Good-News Canine Post?

MEET SHOSSA, A SAVAGE SHE-HUSKY. READ WOLFBLOOD — MY MOST POPULAR ANIMAL STORY: “HAPPY ENDING!”

“I JUST READ WOLFBLOOD AGAIN FOR GOOD MEASURE. ONE FOR ANY WOLF LOVER. ENJOYED IT BUT WISH IT WAS A FULL LENGTH NOVEL.” – Gina Chronowicz @ginachron

“GREAT SHORT STORY! DOES REMIND ME OF CALL OF THE WILD, WHITE FANG…” – Evelyn @evelyn_m_k

An “entertaining and affectionate” narrative in the Jack London Tradition of a lone Gray Wolf and his quest for a place in the far-flung forests of the feral North. And then he found Shossa. FREE TO READ ==> WOLFBLOOD: A Wild Wolf, A Half-Wild Husky & A Wily Old Trapper

Embark Vet eGIFT CARDS are Great Gifts for all the Dog Lovers in Your Life. The PAWFECT PRESENT for Birthdays, Gotcha Days, Christmas & everything in between. CLICK HERE NOW!

Most Popular Dog Names Question:

Q Can you change a dog’s name?
A Yes. Although the earlier you do it, the quicker your puppy will catch on that they’ve got a new name. “Oh, that’s me!”

About the American Kennel Club:

“Founded in 1884, the American Kennel Club is a not-for-profit organization. It maintains the largest registry of purebred dogs in the world. And oversees the sport of purebred dogs in the United States. The AKC is dedicated to upholding the integrity of its registry, promoting the sport of purebred dogs and breeding for type and function.

“Along with its more than 5,000 licensed and member clubs and its affiliated organizations, the AKC advocates for the purebred dog as a family companion. Advances canine health and well-being. Works to protect the rights of all dog owners. And promotes responsible dog ownership.

“More than 26,000 competitions for AKC-registered purebred and mixed breed dogs are held under AKC rules and regulations each year. These include conformation, agility, obedience, rally, tracking, herding, lure coursing, coonhound events, hunt tests, field and Earthdog tests.”

Affiliate AKC organizations include:

“The AKC Humane Fund, AKC Canine Health Foundation, AKC Reunite, the AKC Museum of the Dog, and the AKC Purebred Preservation Bank. For more information, visit www.akc.org. Become a fan of the American Kennel Club on Facebook and follow us on Instagram @americankennelclub.”

SOURCE The American Kennel Club, Inc., PRNewswire & Civilized Bears.

“LOOK INTO THE CAMERA, BELLA! SEE THE PEOPLE?”

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Posted in An Earth Spirit | Tagged Bad ass dog names, best dog names 2024, Best dog names 2025, best female dog names, can you change a dogs name, cocker spaniel, cute puppy names male, dog names female, dog names girl, Female dog names, male dog names, most popular dog names of 2023, most popular male dog names, Name for dogs, name of dog, names for black dogs, tags for dogs, Top 10 dog names, top 10 dog names for 2023 | Comments Off

COWBOY CODE What is the Cowboy Code of the West?

Posted on October 23, 2023 by Brian Alan Burhoe

What is the Cowboy Code? What is the Code of the West?

The Cowboy Code of the West Lives on!

“Back in the days when the cowman with his herds made a new frontier, there was no law on the range. Lack of written law made it necessary for him to frame some of his own. Thus developing a rule of behavior which became known as the ‘Code of the West.’ These homespun laws, being merely a gentleman’s agreement to certain rules of conduct for survival, were never written into statutes. But were respected everywhere on the range.” – Ramon Adams, THE COWMAN AND HIS CODE OF ETHICS

When I wrote a Book Review of Western writer James French Dorrance’s classic Northwestern novel NEVER FIRE FIRST, I made this controversial comment:

“When Dorrance was writing a 100 years ago, those Victorian Age masculine values of honour, valour, duty and self-sacrifice were already slipping away, being replaced by discourtesy (men no longer tipped their hats to women) and by modern-day selfishness
(‘I have a right to do whatever I want!’).”

My rant drew some fire.

But I made no apology.

COWBOY CODE What is the Cowboy Code of the West?

I’m an early Boomer and grew up on Westerns. We loved ’em! Read them in Dell comics and ACE Double Western paperbacks. I saw them at the local Paramount Theater’s Saturday Double Feature Afternoon Matinee and on our brand new rabbit-eared black & white RCA TV.

Our heroes were Chivalrous champions. Cowboys, Lawmen and Mounties bringing justice to the wilderness. Roy and Gene and Gabby and Slim and the Duke. So many more…

And Western writers told about it. Even used it in their story titles, from Aaron Latham to Zane Grey.

We quickly learned the Code of the West, Cowboy ethics, the values our heroes lived by and risked their lives for.

We all knew Gene Autry’s COWBOY CODE:

The Cowboy must never shoot first, hit a smaller man, or take unfair advantage.
He must never go back on his word, or a trust confided in him.
He must always tell the truth.
And he must be gentle with children, the elderly, and animals.
He must not advocate or possess racially or religiously intolerant ideas.
He must help people in distress.
Always be a good worker.
He must keep himself clean in thought, speech, action, and personal habits.
He must respect women, parents, and his nation’s laws.
The Cowboy is a patriot.

And then there was the LONE RANGER CREED! See I WAS THAT MASKED MAN by Clayton Moore – Lone Ranger – Book Review!

And, you know, when I read the Lone Ranger Creed today, I still agree with it! And try to live by it. After all these years. As old as I am.

Oh, yeah.

Even then, we lived as best by them as we could. We certainly believed in them. And more than a few of us young Boomers (sons of military men) carried them into our adult lives.

Today those values seem lost. Especially in this modern self-centered Culture.

But now we hear this…

“COUNTRY MUSIC STAR RILEY GREEN AND PRO RODEO STAR TYSON DURFEY SHINE LIGHT ON COWBOY CODE VALUES. DURING THE POLARIS OFF ROAD’S SHORT SERIES”

Polaris, “the world leader in powersports and off-road innovation,” releases the newest edition of “Cowboy Code.” It’s a two-part series featuring country music star Riley Green alongside Team Polaris rodeo champion Tyson Durfey.

“The series highlights the two individuals with different backgrounds. They bond over their shared understanding of ‘Cowboy Code,’ including hard work, respect for community, and being a steward of the land.”

Filmed at Green’s multi-generational property in his hometown of Jacksonville, Alabama, the pair learn about each other’s backgrounds. They discuss the similarities and differences of their jobs. And how the “Cowboy Code” is a common theme in both of their lives.

To help share his story, Green takes Tyson to several memorable landmarks on the vast property quickly and comfortably in a Polaris RANGER. Later in the series, viewers can see how Green and Durfey work together to plow and plant a food plot for deer season. And with the help from his Polaris RANGER, they’re able to complete the tasks and still have time for fun at the end of the day.

Durfey and Green infuse personal experiences into the series. Paired with their shared love for the outdoors to highlight how they may have different passions, but embody the same sense of the “Code.”

“The ‘Cowboy Code’ to me is about eating, sleeping, and breathing the ethics that every small town in America is made of. I can honestly tell you the Green Family embodies that,” said Durfey. “I’m honored to be able to work with Polaris to bring another short series of ‘Cowboy Code’.”

“I’m excited to be working with Polaris on its ‘Cowboy Code’ series because it’s a brand that I rely on to maintain my family’s farm,” said Green.

“Polaris leads the industry in developing off-road vehicles to help those who take care of land and contribute to something bigger than ourselves. Understanding hard work, the connection with the land and the sense of community is something Tyson and I spent a lot of time discussing during the series.”

To watch the “Cowboy Code” Series featuring Tyson Durfey and Riley Green, head over to Polaris.com/CowboyCode.

“Live Free, Mon Ami!” – Brian Alan Burhoe

And You Have Gotta See Our National Mythmakers — The Western Writers!

About Polaris:

“As the global leader in powersports, Polaris has invited people to discover the joy of being outdoors since our founding in 1954. Polaris’ high-quality product line-up includes the Polaris RANGER®, RZR®, and Polaris GENERAL™ side-by-side off-road vehicles. Sportsman® all-terrain off-road vehicles. Military and commercial off-road vehicles. And much more. To learn more about Polaris Off Road and “Cowboy Code,” please visit Polaris.com/CowboyCode. Or join the conversation and follow on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and XTwitter. The Series will also be available on YouTube.

About Riley Green:

“Riley Green first released his self-titled EP in 2018. Riley is a good ol’ boy who still lives in his hometown of Jacksonville, Alabama. He’s been compelling Country music fans to raise a drink, shed a tear, and, above all, celebrate where they are from,” said a recent press release.

“His songs include the No. 1 PLATINUM hit ‘There Was This Girl.’ The 2X-PLATINUM-certified heart-tugger ‘I Wish Grandpas Never Died’ (which he performed live at the 55th ACM Awards). And his chart-topping collab with Thomas Rhett, ‘Half of Me.’ They’ve made Riley synonymous with what Country music does best: making listeners feel something with his no-gimmick, relatable writing and classic feel.”

Riley is riding a wave of success after being named the Academy of Country Music’s 2020 New Male Artist of the Year.

As well as a former MusicRow Breakout Artist of the Year, a CMT “Listen Up Artist,” and one of CRS’s 2020 New Faces.

His new album AIN’T MY LAST RODEO, produced by Dann Huff, is more of the signature Riley Green fans have come to know and love. The project is heavily influenced by the rural, small town and slower way of life at home. And time spent with his family. The new project is available now via BMLG Records. See tour dates and learn more at rileygreenmusic.com.

SOURCE: Polaris Inc., PRNewswire & Civilized Bears.

IMAGES: “Cowboy Code” is compliments of Polaris Inc. “Gene Autry and the Mounties” movie poster from my Classic Westerns digital scrapbook. “Rearing Ranger” drawing by W A Smith, illustrating Fran Striker’s novel THE LONE RANGER RIDES, G P Putnam’s & Sons, 1941.

What is the Code of the West? What is the Cowboy Code?