Ric Hall’s Photo Corner
May 21, 2014
For this week’s Ric Hall’s Photo Corner, Ric has selected the photo theme of “Isolated Member’s Best Friend – the police dog.”
With the Force, expanding their duties and responsibilities into northern Canada, the horse was replaced with the dogsled as the primary model of transportation. According to Ric, “dogs are commonly referred to as ‘man’s best friend.’ A member posted at those early northern detachments often the member only had his police dog to talk to.”
“You can say any foolish thing to a dog, and the dog will give you a look that says, ‘Wow, you’re right! I never would’ve thought of that!’” – Dave Barry (author) this would be when it would be time to ask for a transfer south!
Ric has included below some old photographs of the Mountie and their sled dogs.
1915 – RNWMP member feeding the post’s sled dogs (Source of photo – RCMP Veterans’ Association – Vancouver Division’s photo collection).
Photograph of a Force dog sled in the northern part of Canada (Source of photo – Ric Hall’s Photo Corner).
Photograph of an RCMP member showing some attention to one of the Force’s sled dogs (Source of photo – Ric Hall’s Photo Collection).
Photograph a Force members spending time with his close companion in the isolation of the North (Source of photo – Ric Hall’s Photo Collection).
If you have old photographs of members and police dogs, please email Ric Hall at rshall69@shaw.ca. Ric will scan the images and return the originals to you. 
