I started the New Year by welcoming a new member of the family, Ernest, my ten week old Welsh Corgi Puppy. In the grand Indisputably tradition (thank you Andrea!) I am posting a photo of the world’s cutest Welsh Corgi Puppy.
My new puppy is named in honor of Ernest Shackleton, one of the great explorers of the early 20th century. Shackleton is perhaps best known for his failed attempt to be the first to reach the South Pole. His ship, the Endurance, was trapped and ultimately crushed by ice. Shackleton led his men to survival over ice and through some the worst seas in the world. Despite the harsh conditions, all of the expedition crew members lived and, perhaps equally impressively, remained on good terms with each other. Shackleton was a natural dispute resolver and trusted his instincts when it came to hiring decisions. He took the view that he could train any man (since they were all men) to do any job they needed to do, so he hired based on personality and whether he thought the man would get along and mix well with the others in the crew. If he were living now we would say he had very high emotional intelligence. Needless to say, I don’t expect my little Ernest to explore anything more harsh than our local park. But, I can already see his emotional intelligence as he charms everyone he meets. Of course, being the Cutest Corgi Puppy on Earth probably helps.
Low dogs unite! Our Ernest is also named after Sir Ernest Shackleton.
Middle name is Henry after Henry Hudson.
I was actually thinking of naming my new rescue Shackleton – in honor of his endurance of his life up to now.
As with most things, the story is a little more complex. Antarctic and Arctic exploration at the time relied on dog sleds. The dogs were cared for during the time the Endurance was stuck in the pack ice. As the ship was crushed, the dogs, along with necessary supplies, were moved from the Endurance and the crew began to travel on the ice. When it became clear that the ice was breaking up and that they would need to transfer to the small boats, the decision was made to kill the dogs. The dogs would have been unable to endure the sea voyage (the men barely survived) and leaving them to fend for themselves in that inhospitable climate was not a humane option. In accounts of the expedition, the men all remembered the day that the dogs were killed as their most difficult day. The dogs were shot out of eye sight of each other so they might, hopefully, be less aware of what was happening. Frank Hurley, the expedition photographer, took haunting portraits of the dogs before that fateful day. Shackelton both respected and valued the dogs and while we might debate the humanity and perhaps morality of taking animals on such a dangerous trip—that debate is clearly colored by our current view of dogs and their place in our lives. For me, that place is to be spoiled and treated as valued members of the family. Shackelton, and other explorers of his time, had a different view. But, for me, that does not detract from his accomplishments.
Not sure your adorable pup should be flattered by the choice of namesake:
“March 30
On Shackleton’s orders, the crew shoots the remaining dogs (originally numbering 69) and eats the younger ones”
He is SO cute. I am going to print out this picture and carry it around with me — then, if anyone behaves in a disagreeable or contentious way in my presence, I’ll just hold it up. He’s so cute he will inspire emotional intelligence in others. 🙂