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ECONOMY, ECOLOGY, HISTORY, CULTURE

# 1, 1997

UNABLE TO BETRAY

The excavations of ancient stay-over sites in Kamchatka prove that already in those old times, thousands years ago, the dogs lived with the men. Kamchatka was the perfect place for that union: deep and impassable snows for long seven-month winters kept the natives from seeing even relatives living nearby let alone those located at a long distance. One would not even dare try with the snow above one's head.
Supposedly then, it occurred to our ancient compatriot, perhaps, for the first time on the Earth, to harness a dog and then a whole pack into a light and firm sled. It was not a big deal to keep up a pack of ten to twelve draught dogs--salmon rich Kamchatka rivers fed both dogs and men. Then again, what could be better than dried salmon--yukola--which is light, nutritious, and tasty.
So, dogs faithfully served the natives and then Russians coming and settling down in this region: no better means of transportation existed as yet. Kamchatka draught dogs were famed not only for their endurance and unpretentiousness but also for their beauty and faithfulness.
Thus, in July of 1883, the crews of cruiser Africa, upon return from the Pacific, presented a Husky cub to Tsar Alexander III. It was named Kamchatka and became the favorite pet in the royal family. A number of records still exist about that dog from the grand dukes and duchess's children diaries. In 1888, the dog perished when the Tsar's Train crashed near Borka Station as a result of another Tsar assassination attempt. Next is what Tsar Alexander III himself wrote about the dog:
"...today I abstained from inviting anybody, at such terrible moments you are in need of at least a dog, and I remember my faithful Kamchatka. Although it sounds silly and faint but is true, is there a single person who is a real friend, faithful and unselfish? No, there is not, and cannot be. Still, a dog can. And Kamchatka truly was".
Carefully preserved is the memorial of Kamchatka standing in His Majesty's own garden, in sight of Alexander III's windows.
Kamchatka draught dogs were so valuable that importation of any other strains was forbidden, so as not to spoil "Kamchadalka" pedigree. Remember the bright episode from the Wealth by Valentine Pikule's where every "odd", even purebred, dog brought to Kamchatka was immediately shot right on spot.

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