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Patsy Ann (October 1929 - March 1942) was a well-known bull terrier in Juneau, Alaska, celebrated for her unique role as the "Official Greeter of Juneau."[1] Born in Portland, Oregon, Patsy Anne was brought to Juneau by her owners in the early 1930s. Soon after, she became emancipated, living freely and independently within the city for the remainder of her life.
Despite being born deaf, Patsy Anne possessed an extraordinary ability to sense the arrival of ships at the port. Her reputation as a reliable predictor of incoming vessels quickly endeared her to the residents and visitors of Juneau alike. Patsy Anne would often be seen at the docks, awaiting the arrival of ships, and became a beloved figure in the local community.
In 1934, as the city of Juneau began enforcing regulations against unlicensed dogs, there was widespread concern for Patsy Anne's well-being.[1] Kenneth Corliss was appointed as the city dogcatcher, and within a day of his appointment, the Alaska Daily Empire published an article titled "Is Patsy Ann in Danger?" This prompted a public outcry leading to a series of discussions among city officials about her status.
To safeguard Patsy Anne's future, the city government took steps to ensure her legal protection. On July 12, 1934, a dockside ceremony was helf to officially recognize her unique position within the community. The event was timed to coincide with the anticipated arrival of the S.S. Prince George, to ensure Patsy Anne's attendance, as she was known to greet all arriving ships. During the ceremony, Patsy Anne was presented with a new collar and tag, and the mayor of Juneau formally bestowed upon her the title of "Official Greeter of Juneau."
The publicity surrounding Patsy Anne's case had a notable impact on the community. Due to the widespread attention, more Juneau residents became aware of the city's new licensing ordinance. 42 additional dog owners sought licenses for their pets and by mid-year, 144 licenses had been issued, a significant increase compared to the 87 issued the previous year.
The drama over Patsy Ann's legal status had an unexpected impact.[1] Due to the publicity garnered by her case, more Juneau residents became aware about the city's new licensing ordinance. Within a week of Patsy Ann receiving her license, 42 additional dog owners visited the city clerk’s office and paid the required fee. Only halfway through the year, 144 licenses had been issued compared to 87 the year before.
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Patsy Ann died at the Longshoreman's Union Hall on March 30, 1942.[2] The following morning, she was given a burial at sea, with her body placed in a casket and lowered into the Gastineau Channel from the dock where she had faithfully awaited incoming ships.[3] In 1992, the "Friends of Patsy Ann" commissioned a bronze statue of the terrier for installation close to where she was laid to rest.[3][4] The statue overlooks the cruise ships entering Juneau, symbolizing her ternal role as the "Official Greeter of Juneau," forever welcoming visitors to the city.
References
[edit]- ^ a b c Reamer, David (3 March 2024). "Adored by visitors and protected by locals, Patsy Ann was the canine queen of Juneau". Anchorage Daily News. Retrieved 2024-08-09.
- ^ "Patsy Ann: her history Historical Marker". www.hmdb.org. Retrieved 2024-08-09.
- ^ a b "Patsy Ann Statue". Atlas Obscura. Retrieved 2024-08-09.
- ^ "Patsy Ann, Official Greeter of Juneau". www.litsitealaska.org. Retrieved 2024-08-09.