Errol Mauler, who lived on Wynn Road, had been informed that his house cats could never be trained to do tricks like Sam, his Fox terrier. Undaunted, Errol spent hours teaching Nuisance and Fluff to jump through a hoop, roll over, leap in and out of a box, climb a ladder, and shake hands. In May 1962, the two felines joined Sam to show photographer Jack Carver just how great they were. Errol went on to teach his cat Herbie how to dial a telephone in 1975, an accomplishment that made it into “Ripley’s Believe It or Not.” This and other heart-warming images of domestic companions, all from the Whatcom Museum Photo Archives, will appear in the new exhibition on Old City Hall’s first floor.

Now add YOUR pet to the show! Animals have held an indelible place in our hearts for thousands of years. From symbols of divinity in ancient Egypt to trusted companions today, we take as many pictures of our pets as we do of our human family members and friends. (Probably more!) So let’s see ’em! Send us your favorite pet photo, and we’ll include it as part of our digital display in The Pet Show gallery in Old City Hall. Then stop by and see your photo along with our archival images that, together, highlight the pets of Whatcom County.