Today's title proves that the "Dad Joke" is alive, if not so well. Long-time readers will know that I love otters and while they're elusive we've seen them on a number of occasions through the years. They are curious, seemingly fearless creatures who have swum up to our canoe or skidded across the ice to within a few metres.
There is an article in the Toronto Star this Canada Day weekend about Chippewa-Potawatomi elder Derek Redbird's contention that the otter is better than the beaver as a national symbol. Redbird figures the "happy-go-lucky" otter would be an excellent mascot, although otter's are more spirit animals in First Nations culture.
Otter painting in Lost Words book
Otters are spirit creatures in Celtic culture as well, moving fluidly between earth and water. Otters were often playful, helpful companions of Celtic saints as they led their solitary lives. We have a stained glass otter in our home, which we commissioned.
I doubt we'll ever have a plebiscite on the subject, but I've given you my five cents worth, and I'll be first in line if we ever do.
Our Stained Glass Otter
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