Camille Egdorf & Kemuk

Who is in the photo at right?

My name is Camille Egdorf and I make my living in the fly fishing industry. I work in Alaska during the summers as a fly fishing guide and cook then during the winters I attend college in Bozeman, Montana and am a travel host for a booking agent called Fishing With Larry. I also write for Muskegon River Lodge's monthly newsletter. My canine companion is named Kemuk (key-muck) and he's a 2 year old, 100lb male yellow lab.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Coffee with Kemuk is an occasion that mainly occurs while in Alaska. Before the rest of the camp is awake, I brew a pot of cowboy coffee, start a fire in the fire pit and sit listening to the river ghostly flow by with Kemuk at my side. It's the perfect way to start a day.

What's brewing?

"The best part of waking up, is having Folger's in your cup!" Folger's coffee is what I have perking on the stove top in the mornings. I'm not what you would call a "die hard" coffee drinker so I always mix in a little hot chocolate with my freshly brewed coffee. Which I guess is called a Mocha?

Any treats for you or Kemuk on this occasion?

Kemuk is spoiled and it's a wonder that he's not 20 pounds heftier than he is. I prepare lunches for clients before breakfast and I always chuck pieces of lunch meat to him. He definitely knows when to sit next to the counter in the morning and puts on his best beggar's face. He goes bonkers if there's bacon involved.

How were Kemuk and your parents united?

Kemuk was a gift from a family friend. My dad had been looking for a good lab for a few years but never found the right fit. When Ole (family friend) had a litter of puppies, he gave dad the biggest pup of the litter. Right from the start we knew Kemuk was different. He had no problems with being alone and was fearless. My dad was immediately attached.

How did Kemuk get his name? Any aliases?

My dad is a pilot and does all of our flying in Alaska. When flying to our camp there is one mountain that he always flies around and uses as a landmark. It's his favorite mountain and it's name just so happens to be Kemuk.

What's the wildest critter Kemuk has met in the wild?

Kemuk has had many encounters with critters in the great outdoors. Most of which take place in Alaska. He's seen bears and caribou but I think the most intense experience was when he had a stand off with a cow moose. This moose was crossing the river right in front of camp when Kemuk caught her scent and started barking and running up and down the river bank. She ran off into the bushes and about a minute later she came back out, mad. Before I could grab Kemuk, he took off and it looked as though he was going to chase the cow, however the exact opposite happened. The moose's ears went back, her hackles went up and she chased Kemuk back into camp. I've never seen a dog go from macho man to scaredy cat so quick.

You're a fly-fishing professional. Has a dog, your own or a client's, ever gotten rambunctious just when you were about to hook a big fish?

Kemuk is a fantastic dog but he's also 100 lbs of muscle and pure adrenaline. He's like a 5 year old trapped in a dog's body. With that being said, he's not quite ready to be in a boat while out fishing; he'd probably tip the boat over if he saw a fish. He's a great dog to have around though if you're out wade fishing. He always lets you know if there's something going on.

Does Kemuk have a favorite place to go for outings?

Kemuk loves going duck hunting so I'd say that his favorite place to be would be in the duck blind waiting for ducks or tearing through the water to retrieve one.

What is Kemuk's best quality?

He has many great qualities but his best one would have to be his persistence. Although it can be annoying at times, he just never gives up. If he wants to play fetch, he'll bug you all day until you finally give in and throw a stick for him. If you're out hunting and there's a bird you're unable to find, he won't quit until he finds it. I remember watching him bring 3 ducks back at once this last duck season. My dad and I were amazed. He truly has the gift of persistence.

If Kemuk could change one thing about Alaskans, what would it be?

He would most definitely have them throw more sticks for him.

If Kemuk could answer only one question in English, what would you ask him?

What do dogs dream about?

If Hollywood made a movie about your life in which Kemuk could speak, who should voice him?

That is a great question. It would have to be someone with a sense of humor and the ability to do goofy voices. Jim Carrey maybe?

Visit Camille Egdorf's blog.

--Marshal Zeringue