Dogs played an important role in our early history both as pets and as a means of transportation.

As I was once again reading the 1990 Winnipegosis History book, looking for winter activities, I got caught up in how frequently pets were mentioned.

The picture on the right is of Douglas Rognvaldson and his famous racing dog, “Bozo”. He talks about hitching up their two dogs as a team to help do chores. Bozo loved to be in harness and run.

Douglas entered Bozo in a Carnival dog race in Dauphin each year from 1935 to 1940 and won every race but one in 1939 where Bozo came in second. He did win the trophy in 1940 but that was the last year of the races because of the war.

More Pictures of Bozo, the racing dog

This picture on the left is Marge Ogrosky and her dog Sam with their sleigh. Marge’s father Fred Ogrosky was the Station Agent (1926-1932?) and you can see that this picture was taken in front of the CN station. Marge’s recollection of their days in Winnipegosis gives us a vivid account of life during these times.

In the museum we are fortunate to have some dog harnesses and one sleigh. Does your family have a “dog” story? If so please share it with us in the comments below or email us!