Who’s a Good Dog? Creating a path to well-being with human-animal partnership
LEFT PAGE AND MIDDLE INSET
VANESSA CHASSARD. LEFT AND RIGHT INSET
KRISTIN SCHNELTEN
words :: Jim Stinson
they all are very different characters. My job is to make sure the very best is brought out of each dog.” As I pulled up to the visitor centre at Cape Croker Park on the And it’s clear the dogs benefit from their outing. Owners Saugeen Bruce Peninsula, the sound of barking was deafening. It was consistently report improvements in behaviour and fitness, describing a cold January day, and I was as enthusiastic as the yelping dogs to calmer, better-behaved pets. Hutter notes the excitement in dogs begin an eight-week dogsledding program for Indigenous youth from when they anticipate a run, emphasizing the strong bonds formed the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation. between the dogs and their human counterparts. The program is part of the Planetary Green Feet’s involvement in Health Partnership, a collaboration between dogsledding aligns with their broader York University and the Bagida’waad ”I really believe in these dogs. They mission of promoting recreation in nature Alliance, an Indigenous environmental as an essential ecosystem service. Mandy all have incredible skills, and they organization based at Neyaashiinigmiing. underscores the carbon-free, traditional The program aims to promote human and nature of dogsledding, calling it a “quiet, all are very different characters.” environmental well-being through outdoor gentle way to travel” that fosters an recreation and stewardship initiatives enduring appreciation for nature. She with Indigenous youth. In partnership with believes building this appreciation is a Mandy Hutter of Green Feet Ecosystem Services, the dogsledding potent starting point for addressing issues like climate change and program provides Indigenous youth with a unique and culturally rich sustainability. recreational experience during the winter months, and nurtures the She also reflects on the profound impact on the youth. She’s well-being of both human and non-human participants. heard from teachers and parents about the students’ enthusiasm, Unlike traditional kennels, Green Feet doesn’t own the dogs used and how they talk about the experience for the entire journey back in their programs. Instead, they train and work with pets, offering them to school, continuing until bedtime and even into the next day. The a day filled with adventure. Hutter highlights the collaborative aspect program facilitates bonding and relationships between the youth and of this approach: “I have 20–40 extra eyes from those who care for the dogs, creating a space for healing and self-expression. the dogs one-on-one, and the owners have a healthy way to let their Mandy believes dogsledding, when undertaken with care and stellar canine athletes do what they love to do best: run and pull!” connection, imparts transferable skills crucial for youth, irrespective The program emphasizes training the dogs as friends, focusing of their background. She cites teamwork, leadership, respect, on the skills and character of each dog—a concept Mandy inherited problem-solving and a love for high-energy outdoor activities as from her father. The transformative power of dogsledding is key for integral aspects. “Dogsledding teaches these skills in a very hands-on her: “I really believe in these dogs. They all have incredible skills, and manner, which I find is always appealing to youth.” 59