20 — Friday, March 27, 1998 - North Shore News Yoshi's Story a kid's tale’ — A a4 at PROFILE Black lab lends name to Bowen book store Deana Laicaster News Reporter deaua@usnews.com WHEN Julia McGowan bought the bookstore on Bowen Island, she had no idea the new name she’d chosen for it would be so appropriate. Black Dog Books has its grand open- ing tomorrow and, said McGowan, locals have commented on it being rather astute of a mainiander who oniy moved to Bowen trom Deep Cove in September to notice the protiteration of black Labrador retrievers on the island. Actually, she named the shop after her own black Lab, Bobby, a nearly-three- year-old who, now that the McGowan family fives the island lite, comes to work with her every day. And, as mascot of the store, Bobby is a hit. “People actually come to visit the dog, if you can believe it,” said McGowan. Which is alright with her. Knowing nothing about book sales or retail. McGowan was nervous about her new venture. “But people have been so welcoming. A lot of people said they were pleased someone had bought the bovkstore and that it hadn’t just closed down.” And the more she chatted with the locals, the more she realized the shop's new name is a perfect fir — because Bobby is not alone on the island. Second only to crows, she learned, black Labs are the most common animal on Bowen. So common, in fact, that the island is home to BIBLOA, the Bowen Island Black Lab Owners Association. At this point it’s a bit unclear what the aim of the association is. But it does publish an underground newsletter known as Te High Tide under the direction of “editor, soldier, begger- man, chief” Robert Watson Wright, although the publishing schedule is rather erratic. In fact, when one reader questioned the publishing schedule in the Letters to the Editor section, the following was the reply: __ GAMES Nintendo 64: Yoshi's Story Another fluffy kids” game, “As to your question about when is the next High Tide, and how you ger it, I am continually amazed as to how often | am queried about this. fide tables are published in other papers and for a cool 1 million vou could buy water front and see for yourself.” The newspaper features Swift-like political and social comment, as well as a series of articles about “Blows,” dog- headed birds which resulted trom secret “lab” experiments using the “black lab/erow integrative fertilization tech- nique.” Sound bizarre? You bet it does. Just what kind of peo- ple live on this litte island set in’ the entrance to Howe Sound} This intrepid reporter set out on a recent Saturday (with my own best friend/black Lab, Monty, at my side) to check out the new bookstore, investigate the Bowen black Lab phenomenon and uncover the roots of the BIBLOA., Except for my own snuffling, slobber- ing, tail-wageing beast who took me fora tug around Snug Cove, there wasn't a black Lab in sight. Black Dog Books, however, was exact- ly where it was supposed to be — almost hidden behind a veil of leafy vines at strect level on Government Road, just up from the ferry dock. The tiny shop is loaded with all sorts and subjects of books, including quite a few on dogs; an assortment of stuffed ani- mals, and other interesting items. And if the shop doesn’t have what you're look- ing for in a book, it can be ordered in. Sadly, McGowan and Bobby had the dav off — perhaps attending a regular meeting of the BIBLOA, which was also nowhere to be found, despite our search, which included a short trek around Killarney Lake and a stop at Doc Morgan's pub. Highly suspicious. . Monty and 1 will have to return to Bowen Island for further investigation. Maybe tomorrow benween 2 and 5 p.m, when, word has it, a sushi chef musicians, food, drink and dog biscuits will be available to all who stop by Black Dog Books. NEWS photo Deana Lancaster MONTY sits in as the requisite black dog in front of Bowen Island's Black Dog Books. The legendary black Labs of Bowen Istand, including Bobby, the book- store's mascot, were nowhere to be seen. Time To Retire Betsy? (The car pal, not the wife) CANADA'S LARGEST LAWN CARE SPECIALIST ‘Y Free lawn analysis. J Gitranteed service. 4 Custom fertilizing: J Our highest quality weed, insect und products enhance Mos» control programs. 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