Major

"Major" was my first Samoyed, albeit not a purebred one, and he arrived on the farm we rented in Burketon, Ontario, in 1956. His mother, 'Queenie', lived with her owner in a hermit-like existence some 15 miles (24Km) from the nearest neighbour, just east of Enniskillen, Ontario. She had her own place at the dining table and was generally treated like the person she thought she was. Whatever adventurous dog, coyote or wolf found her in her isolated location ensured that she would produce handsome offspring, however. Major was one of them. Poor 'Queenie' died soon after the pups were born. She was found drowned on the edge of a beaver pond and may have been held under the water by a raccoon while she was still too weak to defend herself.

Major developed a normal Samoyed temperament, but he looked a little different. His ears tended to be a bit floppy and, the older he got, the more biscuit-coloured his coat became. Four times a day he was walked after we moved into town and most people in Ajax, Ontario, knew of the boy with the white dog. We covered many happy miles together.

When I joined the Air Force, Major stayed at home; there was no place for him in a barrack block. We enjoyed our visits together and he lived with my mother until he passed away in 1969 at the time that Carol and I were ready for a dog - and had a place that could take one. So, it was only natural that we would get a Samoyed, and 'Tanya' became Major's replacement.

Back to home page