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.

Patsy Ann waiting patiently for a ship. [Alaska State Library PCA-97-1325]

In 1934 the mayor of Juneau named the little bull terrier the Official Greeter of Juneau, and when the city passed a dog licensing law that same year Patsy Ann was granted an exemption from wearing the collar she disliked, and the city paid her annual licensing fee.

Eventually Patsy Ann’s favorite hangout became the Longshoreman’s Hall, and it there she passed quietly in her sleep in March, 1942. She was buried at sea near her favorite spot, the small coffin lowered into the channel as a large crowd paid their last respects.

Statue of Patsy Ann on the dock in Juneau. [2013, by Cosmos Mariner]

Fifty years later a bronze statue was commissioned and installed not far from her burial site. With her leather collar at her feet, Patsy Ann once more gazes alertly down the channel toward the incoming ships. ~•~

File cards compiled by Captain Lloyd H. “Kinky” Bayers [Alaska State Library]

File cards compiled by Captain Lloyd H. “Kinky” Bayers [Alaska State Library]

www.patsyann.com