Patsy Ann of Alaska: The True Story of a Dog

by Tricia Brown, Jim Fowler (Illustrator)

It’s Alaska in the 1930s. A family has just brought home a purebred English bull terrier pup to be the new pet for its daughters. But this dog is different. She doesn’t want to be babied and tethered in the yard. She wants to explore this bustling new town of totem poles, salmon, and fascinating people. She never answered when her name was called--it turns out she was born deaf. Eventually, Patsy Ann found her way to the town’s docks where the longshoremen were happy to feed her and share their bunkhouse with the dog. And even though she was deaf, Patsy Ann would run to the docks to meet incoming ships--eventually becoming the town’s official greeter. In that way, she went from nobody’s dog to everybody’s dog. Today, a bronze statue of Patsy Ann stands in the town square of Juneau, Alaska.

Genres: Nonfiction, Animals, Childrens, Picture Books

32 pages, Paperback

First published February 22, 2011

Reviews

[Dolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book chronicles the life of a beloved dog of the town of Juneau, Alaska during the Great Depression. She was deaf and had an independent streak, never wanting to settle down with a family.

The narrative is engaging and examines how she was able to charm everyone who came to dock at the port in Juneau, knowing when the ships were arriving before anyone else could see them.

I love that the story discusses the town's attempts to follow the rules, giving her collars and places to stay, even though she was determined to be a free spirit. And I also love that the author explains how her deafness did not compromise her ability to live the life how she wanted to.

I understand that it was a different time back then, and 'pets' were not kept indoors, fenced in, or pampered to the extent they are today. And I wonder sometimes, when I keep our beloved dogs in a fenced area, and when I tether them on a leash and restrain them from running amok around our neighborhood, am I denying them part of their nature as a tradeoff for a longer, healthier life? Especially our hound, who wants nothing more than to roam the woods constantly snuffling in search of critters...Nevertheless, I will continue to do as I have always done.

Overall, this is a touching tale, made even more so by the fact that it is true. It is not unlike Hachiko: The True Story of a Loyal Dog in Japan, Greyfriars Bobby in Scotland, and others, but in this case, the dog adopted the entire town, including those who would come to visit.

[Deb (Readerbuzz) Nance · Rating 3 out of 5]

Patsy Ann was Alaska's greeter. She stood at the pier and greeted new arrivals by sea to Alaska. True story.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting story about a very independent dog who was born deaf. She lived her life in Juneau , AK being nobody's dog(and everyones). She visited the docks whenever a boat came in. The long shoreman became her companions and she became Juneau's dog.

I love the photographs from 1935 and there is a bronze sculpture of her.(1992)

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE LOVE LOVE. Learning the history of sweet Patsy Ann was fascinating.
Beautifully written and easy to follow for a child.
The illustrations are works of art.
I highly recommend Patsy Ann for all ages young and old.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super cute story of a dog that belonged to no one, but that everyone loved. I was reminded of Hachi. (Great movie if you haven't see it.)

Some dogs just seem to have their own mission in life. Patsy Ann's mission was to great people as they came off the ships.

Fun read for the little kids, well really anyone of any age.

[Sandybear76 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a local story from Juneau, AK about a little white bulldog, who lived at the docks and greeted the ships every time they came in. There is a statue of Patsy Ann on the docks. This is a picture book biography of a cute dog that the whole town adopted in the early days of Juneau.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the illustrations in this book. Patsy Ann is my favorite statue in Juneau and this book brings her story to life.