Dog crossing – Juno reflects

Four-year-old Labradoodle Juno is a well-known dog-blogger who lives with his MaPaw and PaPaw in Summerland BC.

This is such a good news story. Writing in the Vernon Morning (and other Black Press papers) Star Brennan Phillips shares a harrowing canine adventure story: “Over the hills and 100 km away, dog ‘flees’ U.S. and is captured in Penticton.”

“After more than 10 days covering 100 kilometres of outsmarting traps, breaking leashes and “illegally” crossing the U.S. border into Canada, Barley’s one-dog adventure came to a close in Penticton.

The Pyrenean mountain dog cross was finally convinced to take a rest on May 28 in the West Bench area of Penticton, after a collaborative effort to track him down. Barley had escaped from his foster home in Tonasket, Washington, about 10 days earlier before he managed to make his way across the border.

Local residents managed to gain the dog’s trust and eventually bring him under control and return him home to the US where he will have a large acreage to run on and several other dogs as companions.”

Barley’s adventure got me thinking. What would it be like to enter Canada, illegally, as a dog? Is life different north or south of the US/Canada border? What is the difference in living on either side of our border? My only guidance comes from my MaPaw and PaPaw who offer these thoughts.

Concerning language, English predominates in both countries with French and a smattering of German to the north, and a lot of Spanish to the south. On both sides, a large number of Indigenous languages still struggle for retention or restoration, though in some places traditional languages are now spoken, taught, and celebrated.

Differences in English spelling can be significant: centre, not center; through, not thru; honour, not honor. PaPaw just published a book in which he had to use US spelling. This was more difficult than you might first imagine; thank goodness for nationally formatted spell checkers.

Political systems differ as Canadian law still follows the British colonial system, while in the US, similarities between the French and US constitutions (flaws and all) are manifold. The US had to make the switch given their revolutionary rejection of all things British following 1776 (all except for a love of Masterpiece Theatre).

Canadians view US contemporary politics with suspicion as elements of Trump-style bully politics continue to grab attention and support north of the border. Never in Canada you say? Think again, and open your eyes. Do it now!

Food consumption in both countries is similar though unique in some instances. Larger portions down below; arguably more attention to special needs in north of ’49. Learn more about Hawken’s Cheezies here—they’re only available in Canada; and have you tried US cheese lately? And beer? Well I assume you know why drinking American beer is like making love in a canoe? Well it’s f**king near water. (Borrowed from a friend.) Woof.

Now concerning sports, the Jays still suffer and frustrate funs including PaPaw. The White Sox and Pirates enjoy similar bottom-feeder status. Edmonton and Dallas still do battle on ice. There’s a new women’s professional basketball league. In all these leagues, the cross-border rivalry continues.

The above notwithstanding, what about dogs crossing the border, legally? In short, times are tough, and they’re getting tougher. In a nutshell, be prepared. Attend to potty needs (yours and mine). Ensure your dog is exercised and well rested. And most significantly, ensure your dog is well groomed. Good luck finding a groomer presently in the South Okanagan however. Two local providers have just moved away (to the US?) so access is as limited as the price rises. Also ensure your owners are well groomed. First impressions count, especially at border crossings.

Well that’s likely enough cross-border advice. Remember what the late Alan Fotheringham said about Americans: Individually they are the nicest folks on the planet; collectively they can be a bit brutish; and at the Canada/US border, they can be a bit . . . wait for it . . . like a guard dog.