I recently met Allison, who works in animal care locally, and her amazing dog Mylo at the most Canadian of all places.
Out in one of our majestic forests? Along the shoreline gazing out to sea? Perhaps high atop Mt. Washington, you guess.
No, actually I bumped into them at the Parksville Tim Hortons. Yes, you can laugh, it’s the least likely place you would expect Mylo to be in his element. It’s a “big” dog's turn this month in Barking Buddies and Mylo is worthy of that in size and spirit. His breed falls under the Alaskan Husky umbrella, his mix being malamute, German shepherd and timber wolf.
If you can recall seeing one of those short vignettes on TV or a documentary with Inuit children playing alongside friendly, large and lovable sled dogs, that is the cloth that Mylo is cut from.
Many years ago, Allison was rewarded with Mylo via the SPCA in the Northwest Territories and is one of many dogs she has owned in her life. Included in that group she owned one of the dogs from the Whistler sled dog tragedy, following the 2010 Olympics. The relationship between Allison and Mylo is an amazing one to be sure. Initially their connection was in a fostering role but after night one they became a dynamic duo. Allison fell asleep holding Mylo’s paw and woke a few hours to find she was still gently clutching his paw.
Mylo is a gentle soul and came into Allison’s life when she was going through a personal challenge, saving her when she needed it most. He’s truly her outdoor partner, swimming alongside of her kayak, carrying a backpack and willingly sleeping next to her in the tent.
We often come across a dog that everyone loves and this “gentle giant” as Allison calls him is an amazing and peaceful soul. This amazing duo, a lady and her pooch, recently went on a two-month adventure last year, all the way from the Island to Alaska.
They often bush camped, with Mylo providing a safe haven for Allison as not only companion but protector. As it was hunting season, while off-leash Mylo would surprise Allison by bringing her anything from a moose hoof to fur-covered bones. It was an amazing trip for sure.
When I think of the bond they have it makes me realize that writing only 500 words is a drop in the bucket really. I could spend considerable writing about Mylo and of course his incredibly devoted owner. Some of my favourite childhood books all had a dog theme, The Call of the Wild, Old Yeller and The Incredible Journey to name a few.
Of course, all dogs like bones of some sort but with Mylo, Fridays might be his favourite food day. It is not just 'Fish Friday' for us humans but for Mylo as well. He is treated every week with a whole mackerel.
Let’s all say it together... "holy mackerel, Mylo”.
Bill Flower is an avid dog lover and proud Parksville resident
