Apijuq                            Montcombroux photo

Statement number one:  ISD are not pets, they cannot be turned into pets.

Statement number two:  In certain circumstances, some special ISDs can become pet-like companions.

The story of Apijuq unfolded in the last three issues of the Fan Hitch (Vol. 2, N. 4 and Vol. 3, N. 1 and 2).  Rescued from her new owner at one year of age, she spent some months recuperating with her breeder. As it became obvious the damage went deep, she was spayed and adopted by Joan Lewin.

In her new environment, Apijuq is thriving. No great demands are placed on her, she has become a "house dog"... with a distinction. She spends a large part of the day outside, running in a large pen, next to two Inuit Sled Dogs and one Akita. But she likes it just as much inside the house. She lies in the middle of the kitchen floor and surveys the comings and goings of the food. Then she sits by the table with that resigned but still hopeful look in case something drops. She knows she can't take part of the meal, but true to her breed, she swiftly steals the plate's contents if Joan happens to turn her back for a minute. House training took no time despite the fact Apijuq had always lived outside. Sitting and shaking a paw, especially if she senses a reward, was not even taught to her. She simply did it. Bedtime sees her trotting to the bedroom and curling up on her mat. In the morning, she stands by the bed and puts her head on the pillow until Joan wakes up.

What is beautiful to watch is the loving bond that was established between Apijuq and Joan. Can we say that in that case, the ISD Apijuq is a "pet"? Absolutely.