I’ve always loved dogs, starting with Justin our Golden Retriever from when I was much, much younger. However, even though I shouldn’t have favourites, I will admit that Nansen was my favourite, and it was hard to beat a day like this when walking the dog.
Greenlanders don’t walk dogs in the sledge dog districts. Mainly because dogs are not pets above the Arctic Circle in Greenland, or on the East Coast. Dog owners in Nuuk might have a Labrador, but all breeds are forbidden in the north (and east). Police dogs have to have special permits to be allowed in the sledge dog districts, and sledge dogs removed from these areas are not allowed back.
Tough rules to preserve the breed and all the amazing qualities of “one seriously tough dog”.
Nansen was seriously tough, but he was also a damn good companion! And the days we spent hiking in the mountains or wandering over the sea ice were some of my most favourite days in Greenland.
Until he rolled in whale shit! (Cue ecstatic dog smile!) I dubbed this island “Whale Island” because of the stuff Nansen rolled in, and the whale bones all over the island, including the spine you can see over my left shoulder (above).
It brings a whole new meaning to “give the dog a bone”. Nansen was spoiled for choice!
Chris
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