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 & Today – What are Wolfers?

Wolfers were hunters who specialized in killing wolves. Selling the bloody pelts for the cash bounties paid by US Federal, Western State 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 and rotting 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 family 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 grey wolves 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.

And…

“Books and movies set in the Northern forests abound with scenes of wolf packs savagely attacking humans. Thrilling scenes! But people native to the Northwoods say they don’t personally know of such clashes.” – Brian Alan Burhoe

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! [5] 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 rich green 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? All that was left was a snake and an apple tree. [6]

CANINE COMMENTARIES:

[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.

[5] “The great question of the Seventies is shall we make our peace with Nature and begin to make reparations for the damage we have done to our air, to our land, and to our water.” Richard M Nixon

In 1973 President Richard Nixon signed The Endangered Species Act into law. The U.S. Supreme Court called it “the most comprehensive legislation for the preservation of endangered species enacted by any nation.” They were right. President Nixon is still respected around the world for the ESA. Including here in Canada. I don’t have many political heroes. But Richard Nixon is one of ’em. SEE The Environmental Legacy of President Nixon

[6] “Passenger Pigeons and…” The last six animals mentioned here were all slaughtered to extinction by foreign explorers and settlers.

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

TAGS 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. Certainly some of my favourites.

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 on this page 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. Lower painting is a detail from Schoonover’s “They Mushed Slowly,” oil on canvas, 1928.

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.

TAGS: 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.

“They Mushed Slowly”

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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

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?

COWBOY CODE What is the Cowboy Code of the West?

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Posted in Arts & Crafts | Tagged Aaron Latham, Code of the West, Cowboy Code, Cowboy Code series, cowboy ethics, Gene Autry and the Mounties, Gene Autry's Cowboy Code, Lone Ranger Cowboy Code, Lone Ranger Creed, love of the outdoors, Riley Green, rodeo champion, Tyson Durfey, Victorian Age masculine values, Western writer, What is the Code of the West, What is the Cowboy Code, Zane Grey | Comments Off

CHRISTIAN MUSIC SONGS Brandon Lake Wins Christian Songwriter of Year Award

Posted on October 9, 2023 by Brian Alan Burhoe

Christian Music Songs Award Winners…

CHRISTIAN MUSIC SONGS: Brandon Lake wins Christian Songwriter of the Year Award.

It’s the music, isn’t it?

Always, since boyhood, I’ve loved our Christian music.

As I’ve written before in my LIFE & TIMES Memoir: I didn’t like standing alone on a big empty stage to sing. But I loved singing “Ave Maria.” It was as if I was praying to and celebrating Mother Mary. I think it was that element of my performance that moved the adjudication panel of women and men so much…

And those old hymns just move me.

It’s the music that celebrated the story and teachings of Christ. And I’ve always loved it.

And now comes the latest news:

“BRANDON LAKE NAMED ASCAP CHRISTIAN MUSIC SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR AT 45th ASCAP CHRISTIAN MUSIC AWARDS CELEBRATION.”

The ASCP Christian Music Award winners of 2023 have been announced…

1. Matthew West Accepts ASCAP Golden Note Award, 2023.

2. David Spencer and Essential Music Publishing Win Top Song Honor.

3. Capitol CMG Publishing Earns Publisher of the Year for 21st Consecutive Year.

NASHVILLE, Tennessee: “ASCAP, the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers is the only US PRO that operates on a not-for-profit basis. And tonight it honored the songwriters and publishers of Christian music’s 25 most-performed songs of the past year. It all happened at an exclusive celebration for its ASCAP Christian Music Award winners in Nashville.”

Top honors were awarded to the following:

Christian Music Songwriter of the Year: Brandon Lake.
ASCAP Golden Note Award: Matthew West.
Christian Music Song of the Year: “In Jesus Name (God of Possible),” David Spencer, David Spencer Songs, Essential Music Publishing.
Christian Music Publisher of the Year: Capitol CMG Publishing.

This marks artist and songwriter Brandon Lake’s first ASCAP Songwriter of the Year honor. Brandon’s five most-performed songs are “Ain’t Nobody,” “Gratitude,” “Honey in the Rock,” “Same God” and “This Is Our God.”

The Press release continues:

“A Grammy Award-winning artist for his work with Maverick City Music, Lake leads the upcoming Dove Awards nominations with a total of 11, including Artist of the Year. And three Song of the Year nominations for titles on which he was a co-writer. As well as four Worship Recorded Song of the Year nominations on which he also was a co-writer.”

Lake will release his Coat of Many Colors LP on October 20. Gospel Music Association President and Executive Director Jackie Patillo congratulated Lake as part of a video tribute at the party.

“Movie star Dennis Quaid started with some stirring personal remarks about Lake. Dennis has recently released Fallen: A Gospel Record for Sinners. ASCAP Chairman of the Board and President Paul Williams presented artist and songwriter Matthew West with the ASCAP Golden Note Award. It’s a special honor for songwriters, composers and artists who have achieved extraordinary career milestones.

“West is a five-time Grammy nominee. West has had cuts by Rascal Flatts, Scotty McCreery, Casting Crowns (including back-to-back #1 singles), Michael W. Smith and Amy Grant, among others. And has notched 30 #1 songs as an artist and/or songwriter. Amy Grant, Anne Wilson, Michael W. Smith, Casting Crowns vocalist Mark Hall, A.J. Pruis and Tim Tebow offered recorded messages of congratulations to mark the occasion.”

CHRISTIAN MUSIC SONGS: Brandon Lake Christian Songwriter of Year Award

David Spencer has amassed over a quarter billion streams and has occupied the top spots on the Billboard and iTunes charts across multiple genres.

Recorded and released by Katy Nichole, “In Jesus Name (God of Possible)” was a #1 hit on Billboard’s Hot Christian Songs. And Christian Airplay charts. David Spencer and Jamie Rodgers, the song’s publisher, accepted the award.

The ASCAP Christian Music Publisher of the Year Award was given to Capitol CMG Publishing for a remarkable 21st consecutive year. With an impressive 10 award-winning titles, including: “Build a Boat” (performed by Colton Dixon), “New Creation” (Mac Powell), “Same God” (Elevation Worship feat, Jonsal Barrientes). As well as “See Me Through It” (Brandon Heath) and “Sunday Sermons” (Anne Wilson). Capitol CMG Executive Vice President Casey McGinty and SVP A&R Karrie Dawley accepted the award for their team.

The party was hosted by Williams, Vice President of Nashville Membership Mike Sistad. And by Nashville Assistant Vice President Kele Currier before a crowd of distinguished songwriters, Christian music stars and music industry leaders.

Notable songwriters and artists in attendance included Rachel Lampa, Colby Wedgeworth and Ben Glover.

Congratulations, Brandon Lake and everybody!

“Live Free, Mon Ami! And God Bless.” – Brian Alan Burhoe

About ASCAP:

“The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) is a membership association of more than 940,000 songwriters, composers and music publishers. It represents some of the world’s most talented music creators. Founded and governed by songwriters, composers and publishers, it’s the only performing rights organization in the U.S. that operates on a not-for-profit basis.”

ASCAP “puts music creators first. Advocating for their rights and the value of music on Capitol Hill. Driving innovation that moves the industry forward. Building community and providing the resources and support that creators need to succeed in their careers.” Learn more and stay in touch at www.ascap.com or on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram@ASCAP.

To learn more about ASCAP — American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers — see ASCAP.

To See My Latest & Most Popular Christian Posts, Go To ==>> Most Popular Christian Posts.

CHRISTIAN MUSIC SONGS: Brandon Lake Christian Songwriter of Year Award

SOURCE: ASCAP, PRNewswire & Civilized Bears

Brandon Lake, Christian music online, Christian instrumental music, Christian concerts near me, Christian Music songs, Contemporary Christian Music. Christian music 2023, Christian music 2024, Christian music artists, worship music, In Jesus Name, God of Possible.

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Posted in New Spirituality | Tagged Ben Glover, Casting Crowns, Christian concerts near me, Christian instrumental music, Christian music 2023, Christian music 2024, Christian music artists, Christian music online, Christian Music songs, Colby Wedgeworth, Contemporary Christian Music, David Spencer, God of Possible, In Jesus Name, Katy Nichole, Matthew West, Rachel Lampa, Rascal Flatts, Scotty McCreery, worship music | Comments Off

Working on the Highway – Blasting through the Bedrock – History

Posted on September 15, 2023 by Brian Alan Burhoe

I’m Working on the highway, all day long I don’t stop.

Working on the highway, blasting through the bedrock…

I’m Working on the Highway – Blasting through the Bedrock

Or, Once Upon A Time In Canada…

My first adult job after escaping high school was working for the New Brunswick Provincial Department of Highways. Working on the highway. Just as my father had. And I loved it. Hard work but easy duty.

I had grown up knowing the crew Dad worked with. As I wrote in my Life & Works post, “I had the good fortune of working with most of these guys years later.”

We worked out of the big Government Garage in Coldbrook, just outside Saint John.

Even then we had to wear orange hard hats, leather work gloves and steel-toed boots. Although come winter, the older guys quietly told me, “Don’t wear steel toes. They’ll draw the frost and freeze your feet. Just get a pair of work boots that look the same. The bosses won’t ask.”

It was the mid-Sixties and a lot of Working on the highway was still done by hand.

The specialized machinery was just coming in. Such as mechanized salt and sand spreaders.

We were still…

Diggin’ post holes with an iron bar and shovel and tipping in the creosoted posts. Two of us lifting up the steel guardrails and bolting them in place.

Being dropped off down a country road with axe, scythe, file, whetstone (and lunchboxes) to cut bushes for the day.

Building wooden culverts. Cutting treated timbers with a buck saw and nailing them with big galvanized spikes, driving those with a sledgehammer. An Old Timer told me, “This’s how we once built the railroads.” I couldn’t help it — I asked, “Just how old are you, man?”

Skunk patrols. Cruising the highways to throw fallen junk and road kill (usually skunks) in the back of a dump truck. Being the “young fellow,” I was there to do the throwing-on. They were lazy patrols and often involved reaching under the seat for a stubby Moosehead beer. Three of us just killing time after a long hard winter. And, depending on the mood, they told old jokes or gritty war stories. I laughed at the jokes. And have never forgotten those somber stories. Most of those guys, like Dad, had travelled the long and brutal road from the beaches of Normandy to the Rhineland.

Spreading sand by hand. Balancing on top of a decreasing pile of sand on the back of a big dump truck in winter, two of us alternately “banjoing” it out over the icy road with long-handled shovels.

Working on the Highway: Flashlighting

“Flashlighting” for snowbank cleanup along Rothesay Avenue through the night. Our front end loader had a BIG snowblower and was tearing up the piled banks and throwing snow chunks into dump trucks to haul away.

My job was to check the snow piles at the ends of the driveways up ahead. Kids had a habit of digging out snow forts in ’em. Flashlight in hand, I had to crawl into each one to make sure it was empty. While the roar of the cutting blades got closer. Never found any humans but once I had to coax out a frightened Golden Retriever.

On frigid nights, while waiting for the trucks to come back, I’d squeeze my work gloves into the radiator grill at the back of the idling loader to warm them up.

Working on the Highway: Wingman

One winter I was a Wingman. The plows were bigger back then, some of the trucks were old Army surplus from the War. Huge trucks. It took two men. The driver working the front plow; and the wingman, raising and lowering the side wing plow, warily watching the snow bank just ahead. There was the night Chester Young came back to the bunkroom and said, “We hit a Volkswagen.” The Beetle had been buried in the snowbank. It was empty. But the guy on the wing refused to go farther. I was now a wingman.

When blizzards shut down the roads, we’d plow through for emergency vehicles — wait for them — then plow them back to their home base. At nights, the snow would be coloured by our flashing lights. Amber from our roof-top; red from the vehicles following us.

A fave memory from those winters — the jingle-ching sound of tire chains in the winter snowstorms. Get a dozen vehicles heading out at the same time and you’ve got pleasant music.

Back then, when the provincial government changed, so did the colour of Highways vehicles. Orange when the Conservative party got in; green for the Liberal. The colours didn’t represent political values, but religious. New Brunswick still had a fervent cultural split between English Protestants and French & Irish Catholics. There were some rugged old orange trucks and graders left when I started. New, smaller replacement vehicles were always a shiny sea green. Today, they’re yellow.

Working on the Highway: The Dynamite Man

There was the time I was assigned to be the Dynamite Man’s helper for that summer. Art McQuade, the foreman, gave me a searching look when he asked me, as if to silently add, “If you’re smart you’ll say no.”

The Dynamite Man drove. Fast. Even when we turned down those rough gravel roads. He put that vintage (to me) GMC 1½ ton truck through its paces. The truck carried an air compressor bolted to the flat bed. With C-I-L dynamite locked safely in a saddle box on one side of the truck; electric blasting caps and wires locked away on the other. The remaining necessities for blowing up things were stored behind the orange cab.

“Soon be there. Then the fun begins,” he said. He reached under his seat for a thermos bottle and took a swig. And he sang old Hank Williams and Hank Snow songs.

Before long I was drilling holes in backroad bedrock with a pneumatic drill the size of a jackhammer but easier to use.

Dragging heavy hemp-rope mats, spattered with jagged rock chips, over the spot where he’d set the dynamite. Stopping traffic with a red cloth nailed to a stick. When the charge blew, it lifted the piled mats but only a cloud of smoke and rock dust got out. Soon got used to the powerful concussion you could feel in your chest.

Animals could be spooked by our explosions. Once, following a charge, we heard a farmer shouting desperately as he chased a team of horses pulling a hay rig right at us. “This is stupid,” I told myself as I waved my red flag at the oncoming horses. But they did stop.

If he had to blow a few charges one after another, local dogs would appear. The dogs became a pack, excited, whining, barking. They caught on that when he pulled up the plunger, things were about to explode again. The pack began to focus intently on him. The first time that happened he handed me a long rubber hose, saying, “When the dogs attack me, you chase ’em off.” They did and I did.

We moved from one road to another. Cracking the rock so that a crew with backhoe and trucks could come someday to upgrade them.

The Dynamite Man was a war veteran, like all of those older guys then. But he never talked about the War. Nothing bothered him. Of course, he liked a drink. The time came when he said, “Brian, you set this charge. You’ve watched me. You can do it.”

The way he was sort of staggering I figured I’d better.

So I said “OK.”

I dropped a few of the waxed brown dynamite sticks down the hole I’d just drilled. Packed ’em with fine sand he kept in a bucket, tamping it down with a piece of mop handle. Carefully poked a hole in the end of the last stick with a sharp dowel, put in the cap, strung out the long lead wires to the blasting box, attached them, pulled up the plunger. I took my time.

What I didn’t know then was that different rock took different charges. You didn’t use as many sticks in solid granite as you did in porous rock like limestone. Not when you’re so close to folks’ homes.

BOOM! That first day, I lucked out. “Good job.” BOOM! My Angel was watching over me the next time. BOOM! The third time a woman burst out of her roadside house screaming, swearing and saying I’d knocked all her dishes off her kitchen shelves.

The Dynamite Man tried to put on his serious face. “Don’t say a word, Brian. Shut down the compressor and load up.” I’ve always been good at not saying a word. He drove. And the truck bounced back down the road. And he sang old Hank Williams and Hank Snow songs. “I don’t hurt anymoooore…”

Nobody else ever volunteered to work a second summer with the Dynamite Man. Yes, I did.

I was young and I was working Outside with great guys. I was Working on the highway. And I loved it.

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

And See My Popular Working Folk Post: Men In Blue Denim Built Our Country – Working Man & Working Woman Quotes

FOOTNOTE: I learned later that the Dynamite Man had taken the blame for the broken dishes. It’s something he would do. But he was safe.

While the Mackenzie King government had abandoned so many returning WWII soldiers, it gave them one benefit: most new government jobs (Federal, Provincial and Territorial) were to be open to War Veterans first. There sure were a lot of ’em. And those old soldiers protected each other.

Once Upon a Time in Canada that was our way: “Remember, I’m pullin’ for ya. We’re all in this together.” – Red Green.

For more on these men, see “[6] I had the good fortune of working with most of these guys…” at Life & Works of Brian Alan Burhoe – All About Us & More.

Favourite quote from a fellow highways worker?
“Well, we might as well eat our lunch and get it over with.” – Mister McQuinn.

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

Working on the Highway – Blasting through the Bedrock – History

Burhoe Family history. C-I-L dynamite history. Government Garage in Coldbrook, New Brunswick history. New Brunswick Provincial Department of Highways history. Working on the highway.

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Posted in Burhoe Family History, News Without Politics | Tagged blasting box, Blasting through the Bedrock, brian alan burhoe, Burhoe family history, C-I-L dynamite, C-I-L dynamite history, Dynamite man, Government Garage in Coldbrook New Brunswick history, History, Men In Blue Denim, Moosehead beer, New Brunswick Provincial Department of Highways history, Once Upon a Time in Canada, Rothesay Avenue, skunk patrols, Working on the Highway | Comments Off

Rare Red Teddy Bears Celebrate Titanic Survivor Teddy Bear

Posted on September 13, 2023 by Brian Alan Burhoe

Rare Red Teddy Bears Celebrate Titanic Survivor Teddy Bear Story.

And National Teddy Bear Day.

Titanic Survivor Teddy Bear

“Incredibly Rare Red Teddy Bears Arrive at Titanic Museums.” Celebrating National Teddy Bear Day. And the Titanic Survivor Teddy Bear and his Human — 6-year-old Robert. Read their Story!

In this new century, we celebrate National Teddy Bear Day just after Labour Day. Now it’s on September 9th.

It’s a celebration that goes back to the end of the Second World War in rural Canada.

Wanting to remember the loving connection between their Teddies and childhood, a number of local groups seemed to form at once. They started in Newfoundland and Nova Scotia and slowly spread across the country. In the early 21st Century, National Teddy Bear Day was acknowledged in Great Britain and the United States.

Recently, National Teddy Bear Day seemed the perfect day to share news about some new arrivals coming to the Titanic Museum Attraction.

The Titanic Museum is in the Ozark Mountain community of Branson, Missouri. And its sister site in the Smoky Mountain town of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

Titanic Museum Bransom - Titanic Survivor Teddy Bear

Titanic Museum, Branson, Missouri. Photo by Brad A. Totman

“Black” bears in America have fur in a variety of colors, mostly black, blond, blue-gray, cinnamon and even white.

For this year’s holiday season, the museums will welcome some incredibly rare red bears — of the stuffed variety.

Rare Red Teddy Bears Celebrate Titanic Survivor Teddy Bear.

These stuffed critters will appear among the holiday décor in the two museums during the months of November and December. They are a stirring reminder that this is the museums’ “Year of the Titanic Children.”

A special exhibit at each site highlights the 135 passengers and crew members who were age 15 or younger when the Titanic set sail. And dozens of artifacts share their very personal stories. Of the 135 young passengers, the outcome was evenly split: 67 survived, 68 perished.

Along with the famous collection in Liverpool, England, these exhibits represent the largest displays of Titanic children’s artifacts ever assembled.

The museums’ crews wondered how to mark the holiday season while also honoring the children aboard the Titanic. They decided to create a special collection of teddy bears. A display that honored the Titanic Survivor Teddy Bear.

Visitors can spot them amidst a forest of Christmas trees.

Those trees are decorated in the Edwardian Era style, the years the ship was built. An Era named for King Edward VII. At that same time, Theodore Roosevelt was president of the United States. And it’s for him that the “teddy” bear was named. Roosevelt, a celebrated hunter, refused to shoot a bear cub because he said he “couldn’t have looked my son in the face again if I had.”

The museum’s new “rare bears” are red to symbolize the love between parents and their children. The color makes them a little easier to spot amidst all the holiday décor. And certainly makes something to catch visitors’ eyes in the gift shops. Where the fuzzy friends will be ready for adoption.

“We know for sure that there was one very well-traveled teddy bear on the Titanic,” said the Museum in a recent press release. Telling the Titanic Survivor Teddy Bear Story. The story of Polar…

Polar, the Titanic Survivor Teddy Bear at Maritime Museum, Royal Albert Dock, Liverpool, England.

“But Polar was definitely not red. Polar was the constant companion of 6-year-old Robert Spedden. Robert was one of just seven children who traveled in First Class on the fateful journey.

“When the ship hit the iceberg, Robert arrived on deck clutching his snow-white teddy bear. And he fell asleep once he was safely in a lifeboat. Five hours later, he was put inside a cargo net and hauled up the side of the rescue ship Carpathia. Shortly afterwards, a crew member found a teddy bear on the floor of one of the lifeboats. A steward recognized it and sought out the Speddens on the Carpathia to reunite Robert with his bear.

“A year later, Robert’s mother wrote and illustrated a book. It told the story of a bear named Polar who went on an adventure in Europe and ultimately survived the sinking of the Titanic. She gave it to Robert for Christmas in 1913. Shortly thereafter, that book – now called POLAR: The Titanic Bear – was published widely.”

Titanic Survivor Teddy Bear “Polar” lives now at another museum — the Maritime Museum, Royal Albert Dock, Liverpool, UK.

“That’s just one of thousands of stories that visitors to either of the Titanic Museum Attractions can learn during their time on the ships.”

The museums’ goal has always been to “provide a stimulating connection to history that families can experience together.”

Red Teddy Bears Honoring the memories of all those aboard is at the core of the message. The message the museum President and Co-owner Mary Kellogg envisioned with the creation of the Titanic Museums.

The Branson attraction opened in 2006. And the Pigeon Forge location opened in 2010. That human (and bear!) focus is what makes the Titanic Museum Attraction one of the most visited sites in each of those destinations. To learn more about the “Year of the Titanic Children” visit titanicbranson.com/special-events/.

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

And See Our Most Popular Teddy Bear Post: Teddy Bears in History – How Teddy Bears were Invented.

Rare Red Teddy Bears Celebrate Titanic Survivor Teddy Bear

SOURCE Titanic Museum Attraction, PRNewswire & Civilized Bears

Did Teddy Roosevelt have a pet bear? Dogs that look like teddy bears. Mini teddy bears, red teddy bear, the Titanic. Titanic children, Titanic museum, Titanic survivor teddy bear, Titanic teddy bear. Polar the Titanic bear. When is National Teddy Bear day?

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Posted in Arts & Crafts | Tagged Did Teddy Roosevelt have a pet bear, dogs that look like teddy bears, mini teddy bears, Polar the Titanic bear, red teddy bear, the Titanic, Titanic children, Titanic museum, Titanic survivor teddy bear, Titanic teddy bear, When is National Teddy Bear day? | Comments Off

National Service Dog Month: Service Dogs for Veterans – Visible Impact Award

Posted on September 5, 2023 by Brian Alan Burhoe

September is National Service Dog Month!

National Service Dog Month. Service Dogs for Veterans – Visible Impact Award.

BREAKING NEWS: “It’s National Service Dog Month. Purina Dog Chow Teams Up with Actor Anthony Ramos to Honor Outstanding PTSD Service Dogs.” – PR Newswire

Yes, September is National Service Dog Month.

Our family here at Civilized Bears has been spreading the good news about Service Dogs for Vets for over 10 years.

It’s a wonderful idea. Just ask our vets.

And the feedback to our Service dogs posts have been great. The Top Five Service dogs questions asked are:

Are service dogs required to wear a vest?
Do service dogs bark?
Are service dogs allowed everywhere?
How much are service dogs?
What is service dog certification?

It’s time to celebrate National Service Dog Month and Service Dog Awareness Month! Purina Dog Chow is joining forces with actor and singer Anthony Ramos to celebrate the finalists of this year’s Dog Chow Visible Impact Award. This award recognizes the remarkable impact service dogs have on the lives of military veterans experiencing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

National Service Dog Month: Ongoing research shows most veterans with trained service dogs show lower symptoms of PTSD.

And reduced depression compared to more traditional clinical care for PTSD alone.

From now through October 13, 2023, dog lovers are invited to help select the 2023 Visible Impact Award winner. You can vote on the selected finalists at DogChow.com (See Below).

For every vote, Dog Chow will donate $5 to the Association of Service Dog Providers for Military Veterans (ASDPMV). Up to $75,000 to help train more PTSD service dogs. The winning service dog’s veteran will receive a $10,000 cash prize and $25,000 for the organization that trained the service dog.

National Service Dog Month: Actor Anthony Ramos Joins the Mission.

Anthony Ramos has an Alaskan Klee Kai named Prince. The Alaskan Klee Kai is a small sized dog resembling an Alaskan Malamute. “Prince got his first role as Dog #1 in the New Mini Music Movie STOP,” Anthony recently reported. “I’m so excited to get his career poppin’ so he can hopefully soon pay me back for all the vet bills, toys, and expensive dog beds he tore up,” he joked.

“Partnering with Dog Chow for this year’s Service Dog Salute program is a privilege beyond words. The unwavering loyalty and support that service dogs provide to our military veterans is nothing short of remarkable,” added Ramos.

“I am honored to help shine a light on the powerful impact service dogs have on the lives of those who served our country.”

This year’s Visible Impact Award Finalists are:

Huey/Operation Freedom Paws – helps U.S. Army veteran Ramon by detecting migraines and dizzy spells before they happen.
Eagle/K9s for Warriors – helps U.S. Navy veteran Joe by providing standing pressure therapy “hugs” to reduce anxiety and create a sense of security.
Phelan/Tails of Valor, Paws of Honor – helps stop U.S. Army veteran Harold’s night terrors and can detect and de-escalate when Harold begins to feel anxious or angry.
Maverick/K9 Partners for Patriots – helps U.S. Air Force veteran Wendy by jumping on her lap when she starts to get anxious and helps prevent panic episodes.
Bobby/Pawsitive Teams – helps U.S. Navy veteran Sondra mitigate her anxiety and hypervigilance by walking lightly in front of her and scanning the environment to ease Sondra’s mind.

What Do Service Dogs Do? A PTSD Service Dog’s Impact.

Roughly 3.5 million military veterans suffer from PTSD. And while service dogs have been demonstrated to reduce the severity of PTSD, only 1% of those in need who seek a service dog receive one each year.

Dog Chow has been on a mission to help. They’ve given more than $1Million to service dog organizations since the start of the Service Dog Salute in 2018. These donations help support the care and training of more service dogs for veterans with PTSD at no cost to the veterans.

To vote for the Visible Impact Award winner and for more information about Dog Chow’s support of our nation’s veterans, visit DogChow.com/service-dogs-for-veterans.

“Vote for your favorite PTSD service dog, and help more military veterans in need.”

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

Do You Love Dog Stories?

IF SO, YOU’LL LUV “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

“THIS WAS A GREAT SHORT STORY. MORE PLEASE!” Make It Beautiful @Create4Ever

WOLFBLOOD, a Northwestern yarn in the Jack London Tradition, Free to Read ==> CLICK HERE WOLFBLOOD: A Wild Wolf, A Half-Wild Husky & A Wily Old Trapper

National Service Dog Month: Service Dogs for Veterans – Visible Impact Award.

About the Association of Service Dog Providers for Military Veterans:
“Association of Service Dog Providers for Military Veterans (ASDPMV) is a coalition of non-profit service dog providers. Just for military veterans suffering from posttraumatic stress, traumatic brain injury and military sexual trauma. And working to prevent suicide and improve military veterans’ mental health.”

Mission Statement: “The goal of ASDPMV is to ensure that best practices are used by qualified organizations. Thus ensuring that veterans are paired with the most beneficial service dogs. And to increase awareness and understanding of the medical evidence that supports the use of service dogs. As well as advocating for the expanded use of qualified service dogs.” For More Info Visit ServiceDogs4Vets.org.

SOURCE: Purina Dog Chow, Service Dogs for Vets & Civilized Bears.

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Posted in An Earth Spirit | Tagged Are service dogs allowed everywhere, Are service dogs required to wear a vest, ASDPMV, Association of Service Dog Providers for Military Veterans, civilized bears, Do service dogs bark, Dog Chow Visible Impact Award, How much are service dogs, K9 Partners for Patriots, military veterans, National Service Dog Month, Operation Freedom Paws, Paws of Honor, PTSD, qualified service dogs, Service Dog Awareness Month, Service Dogs for Vets, Tails of Valor, Visible Impact Award, What Do Service Dogs Do, What is service dog certification | Comments Off

NATIVE AMERICAN INDIAN Historic Sites, Hoop Dance, Powwows & Stories

Posted on August 21, 2023 by Brian Alan Burhoe

Native American Indian Stories…

NATIVE AMERICAN INDIAN Historic Sites, Hoop Dance, Powwows & Stories.

“I am going to tell you a story about clowns. But it won’t be a funny story. For us Indians everything has a deeper meaning. To us a clown is somebody sacred, funny, powerful, ridiculous, holy, shameful, visionary.” – John (Fire) Lame Deer.

After these many years, I like the renewing interest in our Native People’s history, culture and traditional stories.

They are leading us back to forgotten ways. Both Natural and Spiritual. Those of us of Celtic Christian background are finding common beliefs with Indigenous peoples. As we explore our own origins, we’re discovering old ways back to our origins.

Indigenous People throughout the Americas are rediscovering and celebrating their traditions.

Including in North Dakota.

“The Native Tribes of North Dakota are an essential part of the state’s history.”

In fact, five tribal nations share the territory with North Dakota. They include approximately 30,000 tribal members. All with deep connections to the plains. The Native American tribes of North Dakota include the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara. And the Yanktonai, Sisseton, Wahpeton, Hunkpapa and other Dakota, Lakota and Nakota. These are commonly known as the Sioux tribes. And the Chippewa and Métis.

Here’s the great news. You can attend plenty of powwows every summer. They are as constant as the state’s sensational summer sunflowers. Those exciting powwows begin in July. With celebrations culminating in September at the United Tribes International Powwow in Bismarck. Each powwow is unique. And yet each one offers visitors an opportunity to experience the joyful spirituality of Native American culture.

Native American Indian Highlights include:

Twin Buttes Powwow, Twin Buttes, ND – August 3 t0 6.

In the first place, Twin Buttes Powwow is a family-friendly celebration taking place near Lake Sakakawea. It includes drumming and singing. Intertribal and contest dancing, including the traditional Hoop Dance. As well as food and craft vendors. In addition, the War Bonnet Parade takes place Thursday, August 3.

Little Shell Celebration/Antelope Society, New Town, ND – August 10 to 13.

The Antelope Society organizes the annual Little Shell Celebration. It’s the largest event on the reservation and the second largest powwow in North Dakota.

United Tribes International Powwow, Bismarck, ND – September 8 to 10.

It’s called the Home of the Champions. And it’s one of the last large outdoor events on the northern Great Plains powwow circuit. Competitive dancers and singers highlight the celebration.

This United Tribes International Powwow is held annually in Bismarck. The 2024 event will be held in earlt September.

You can do more than attend a powwow. Here are some other options to enjoying Native American culture and history throughout the state.

NATIVE AMERICAN INDIAN HISTORIC SITES.

Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park – Mandan, ND.

Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park is located on the banks of the Missouri River. It’s just south of Mandan, Bismarck’s sister city. The park’s history goes back more than 300 years. And includes On‐A‐Slant Village. Which was once home to a Mandan Native American population in the mid‐1600’s, who lived in earth-lodges along the river.

Today, visitors can tour five reconstructed traditional earth-lodges. And take part in interpretive tours that offer an introduction to historic Mandan culture.

Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site – Stanton, ND.

Explorers Lewis and Clark traveled along the Missouri River in North Dakota. Many of their interactions with the Native Americans have become key parts of the history of the United States.

Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site was home to Sakakawea, before she joined the Lewis and Clark expedition. Today, the national historic site is home to a Visitor Center. Which features an educational film about the life of Buffalo Bird Woman, who also lived at the Knife River Indian Villages.

Outside the Visitor Center, take a stroll along the Village Trail. You will see the remains of the Awatixa Xi’e Village. Join Native flutist and storyteller Keith Bear on July 22 as he demonstrates the techniques of Native flute playing. The Visitor Center and Earth-lodge are open daily from sunrise to sunset.

NATIVE AMERICAN INDIAN DISPLAYS IN LOCAL MUSEUMS.

North Dakota Heritage Center and State Museum – Bismarck, ND.

This Heritage museum offers visitors an interactive and informative overview of Native American history and culture. It has one of the nation’s largest collections of Plains Indian artifacts.

One display of note is the new On the Edge of the Wind: Native Storytellers & the Land Exhibit…

Which explores the connections between cultural practices, regional landscapes and tribal oral narratives. Next, stop by the museum’s Native American Hall of Honor. This is a gallery of prominent North Dakota Native Americans who have gone above and beyond in representing their tribe and culture.

“On the Edge of the Wind: Native Storytellers & the Land” helps visitors explore the connections between cultural practices, regional landscapes, and tribal stories. It’s based on interviews with 13 Native storytellers and knowledge keepers. And includes photographs, artifacts, and videos of elders sharing traditional stories.

“This exhibition is a tribute to the rich legacies and oral traditions that are held and shared by the storytellers,” said David Newell who is with the State Historical Society. “Visitors will find contemplative experiences and ways to explore deeply meaningful places and spaces across the region.”

MHA Interpretive Center – New Town, ND.

You can head to the newly opened MHA Interpretive Center in New Town to learn about the culture and history of the Three Affiliated Tribes. These are three distinct Tribal nations: the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara.

The net-zero emissions building houses an expansive collection of artifacts and art sacred to the MHA Nation. Essentially living history programs. Don’t miss the opportunity to take in the scenic views from the center’s observation deck overlooking Lake Sakakawea.

For more about Native American experiences in North Dakota, visit NDtourism.com.

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

Did You Like This Native American Indian Post? Here’s a story with its roots in the Native American Oral Tradition…

If so, you’ve got to read my popular short story “THE BOY WHO WAS RAISED BY BEARS.” A Traditional Native American Animal Story & Folktale Retold.

Talking bears and human children adopted and raised by loving mama bears are common story themes in both Old and New World oral traditions. Even J R R Tolkien wrote about Beowulf and Bear’s Son Tales in European folklore.

“I loved this beautiful Animal Tale. Perfect!” Free to Read ==> CLICK HERE THE BOY WHO WAS RAISED BY BEARS

TOP PHOTO CREDIT: North Dakota Tourism.
HOOP DANCE PHOTO CREDIT: Karol M from Arizona, USA – Flickr.
STORY SOURCE: North Dakota Tourism Division, PR Newswire & Civilized Bears.

When is Native American Heritage month? Native American Heritage month is held every November.

NATIVE AMERICAN INDIAN Historic Sites, Hoop Dance, Powwows & Stories

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