Whiskers

Whiskers. The Gambling Dog. , This is a picture of Whiskers who was an early canine resident of Fairbanks. His career began in a bear trap, where he was caught and held captive for several days. Later, he was introduced to the canine society of Fairbanks in the very early days of the camp., Whiskers was a homely animal, but his ugliness made him attractive, and he soon became the mascot of the Eagle Saloon where he made his home., Whiskers liked to hang out at the Faro table and if the speculating men became too numerous and crowded him away, he would snarl and fight for a position where he could see the game. Eventually he was given an honored seat beside the lookout. Somebody started the story that Whiskers was a gambler reincarnated as a dog. That transmigration story gave Whiskers a lot of extra consideration and attention at the Faro table, to which he was an honored guest for the remainder of his days., Photo from January 1909 Alaska Yukon Magazine, Story provided by the Fairbanks Igloos of the Pioneers of Alaska..