Christine Kay
Northern News Services

Iqaluit (Nov 18/02) - There are many tools managers at the Illagiittugut Children's Home in Iqaluit use to teach kids, but none more important than Duncan.

Oolamie Joamie, Tara Taylor and Duncan the dog pose for a picture at the Illagiittugut Children's Home in Iqaluit. Duncan, of course, was bribed with treats. - Christine Kay/NNSL photo

Duncan is a little less than two-years-old. He has brown hair and a weakness for treats, especially if they're shaped like a bone. Duncan is a German shepherd and husky mix and yes, he is a dog.

"I take him around on a leash. I'm the only boy allowed to," said 16-year-old Jaycopie Qaqqaq.

He lives at the group home with eight other children with special needs. To Qaqqaq, Duncan is a friend.

Co-managers of the children's home, Tara and Kerry Taylor, had Duncan since he was two-weeks-old. Tara said Duncan is good with kids but his relationship with someone like Qaqqaq is what makes him really special.

"It shows we can trust Qaqqaq with our dog. He's taking care of something and that's really important for his development. He's getting a little responsibility," said Tara.

Not only can Qaqqaq take Duncan for walks, he's also been teaching the dog some tricks. Qaqqaq can make him sit, stand and sometimes he even gets him to shake a paw.

"He plays, he makes me laugh. He's like a friend," said Qaqqaq.

The other kids at the home also get to play with Duncan. Tara said sometimes all of them drive out to the Road to Nowhere and let Duncan run loose. The kids try to race with the dog, but he's just too quick.

"I chase Duncan but we can't beat him in the race. He's too fast," said Oolamie Joamie, another child who lives at the home.

Tara said she was concerned in the beginning with how the kids would react to the dog and vice versa. Now, they've all got their own space in the house so everything has been worked out.

The kids have their own rooms of course, and Duncan has the whole side porch to himself.