Homesteaders entertained by high diving dog act

By Joan Janzen

Over a century ago, homesteaders may have been engaged in intensive labour, but they also took time for entertainment. Sometimes the entertainment was very unique. The history book produced by the Hearts Hill Historical Society captures one of those memories.

Rosie, a dog owned by the Lyons family, performing a high dive act some time between 1910 - 1918, when the family lived in the Luseland-Kerrobert area. Photo: From the Hill to the Border

A woman by the name of Clover (Lyons) Miller recalls living in the communities of Luseland, Major and Kerrobert from 1910 to 1918, along with her parents Melvin and Molly Lyons. The live entertainment provided by the family was carried out by their dog Rosie.

Rosie would climb a tall ladder and jump into a blanket that someone would be holding at ground level. It’s not clear how the dog acquired this talent, but it obviously was a result of training provided by her owners. The dog also performed several other tricks, including putting her head between her paws to say her prayers.

On Sundays, or whenever there were people gathered together, Rosie would perform her high dive. Fortunately the event was captured on film.