discovering Pakak

Amaruq woke up startled. He heard his father setting up the snowmobile outside. Amaruq had probably not slept for a while. As spring approached, folks were ready to go seal-hunting. Despite the fact that his father had given his permission for him to go with them, he wanted to go over and cuddle up to his mother in bed with his younger brother Nauja. However, he knew he had to get up right away.

He dressed in his winter gear. Nauja preferred the fashionable, eye-catching ski gear. Amaruq's grandmother created a two-layered polar bear skin garment for him, and he preferred it. The inside layer's fur faced in, and the exterior layer's fur faced out.

The instant Amaruq saw the snowmobile, he realized he wasn't going on a hunting expedition. His father's equipment was not secured in any way.

Where is my stuff, Papa? he asked.

Son, I'm sorry. His father seemed determined. She said, "I need you to stay and look for Pakak." Pakak, their husky dog, gained the moniker "One who gets into everything" due to all the mischief she made as a puppy. Amaruq and Nauja adored her.

What happened to her, exactly? Amaruq asked, frowning with worry.

"She wasn't meant to come in last night, therefore her litter was due to arrive today. In order for her to give birth to her puppies, I want you to locate her and bring her inside.

Amaruq looked down. He was looking forward to going seal hunting. However, Pakak's father seemed to be quite concerned about him.

"As you are aware, son, I have to go hunting since we are running low on meat. Are you positive you can locate Pakak? Should I wait to offer you my help?

Amaruq felt a flush of pride when he understood his father was testing his tracking skills and giving him a chance to succeed.

Papa, I've got this. I'll locate Paak.

He finished loading the snowmobile and sent his father on his way. After his father had examined within the community, Amaruq walked the town's perimeter looking for indications of tracks leading away from the habitation. Pakak, who was heavy from carrying the puppies, didn't look to be able to fit in any of the ones he observed since they weren't far enough in the snow.

As he looked toward the horizon, he noticed the igloos. They had only been built three days before for the annual igloo building competition. He had a gut feeling that Pakak had left such substantial dirt stains. He was eager to get to her, but he knew that if she had given birth, he would need a sled to carry any pups.

At his home, he promptly harnessed four team dogs. The dogs eventually located an empty box and a blanket, and they began dragging the sled. When the hounds were sufficiently far from the hamlet, he screamed at them to pick up their pace. As far as Amaruq was concerned, they soon moved as quickly as the wind. He and his father both thought that dog teams were far more interesting than snowmobiles.

He slowed the hounds as he approached the igloos and kept listening for any sounds. He initially heard crying coming from the furthest igloo. Actually, his father had succeeded. That igloo would be chosen by Pakak. It would smell just like his father.

Taqukaq, Pakak's canine companion, started barking as they drew near the igloo. He barked, and Pakak yelled back, but she stayed inside. Amaruq sprang to the ground and entered the igloo. A Pakak and four puppies were cuddled together; the Pakak seemed weary.

Amaruq laughed, thinking of his brother who was still asleep at home, "Everyone gets a sleepy embrace today except me." Amaruq was permitted by Pakak to choose each puppy.

Pakak, you did a great job working alone out here, but you need to get home quickly because Taqukaq won't stop barking. Amaruq carried a dog and carefully climbed outside. He gently placed it on the box's lid before going back for the rest.

Pakak followed him, holding the last youngster in her teeth by the scruff of its neck.

Do you need a ride, Paak? Amaruq inquired while pointing to the vicinity of the box. Pakak looked at him irritably, as if to say, "A sled dog never needs a ride." As Amaruq motioned for the team to walk slowly in the other direction, Pakak trotted beside the sled pulled by her young.

His mother said Amaruq, "Your father would be extremely proud of you," as she set Pakak near the stove.

You're developing so quickly.

Amaruq looked at the dogs. When they were all grown enough, his father had offered him the first pick of the litter to start his own team. He felt an excitement in his heart. In a few more years, he would be pulling his own sled while hunting with his father. He said, "I'm going to call you Nukilik; it means 'one who is powerful,'" holding the largest-looking puppy close. The puppy had parental care. In your dreams, Nukilik, see yourself pursuing polar bears with me.