Alaskan History
Patsy Ann Official Greeter of Juneau • The jaunty little bull terrier who captured Juneau’s heart • In the early 1930’s the southeastern town of Juneau was a popular stop for an increasing tourism trade traveling the splendidly scenic Inside Passage. Upon arrival at the Juneau wharf a small white dog named Patsy Ann would be waiting to greet the arriving passengers, searching the faces for her many friends, welcoming everyone with a dignified nod and the slow wave of her short, stout tail. It was reported that Patsy Ann was photographed even more frequently than the movie star dog of the day, the German Shepherd Rin Tin Tin. The purebred bull terrier puppy was born in Portland, Oregon in October, 1929. She was brought to Alaska by Juneau dentist Dr. Keyser, intended as a pet for his twin daughters. Although she was loved and well cared for by the family, Patsy Ann soon developed a penchant for wandering through the town of Juneau, finding she especially liked the interesting sights and smells of the dockside areas. She made friends easily and soon enjoyed regular handouts from the many local bars, hotel lobbies, and businesses she visited. Although she was stone deaf, Patsy Ann had an uncanny way of knowing when ships were arriving at the docks, and she would head for the wharf before the ships were even in view down Gastineau Channel. One telling story relates how an error in arrival information had the townspeople gathered on the wrong dock to await the incoming vessel. Patsy Ann made her way toward the water, paused to look quizzically at the crowd, then turned and confidently trotted to the correct dock to wait for the ship’s arrival.
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