Featured photo: Bob the Dog had the youth vote with his skateboarding talents. Whistler Question Collection.
Last week we introduced 1993 mayoral candidate Bob the Dog. Whistler Question journalist – and later co-founder of Pique Newsmagazine – Kevin Damaskie chronicled Bob the Dog’s campaign.
The Grabowieki family was listed as Bob’s campaign team – Pat as Campaign Manager and T.J. as Marketing Manager. The family credit Bob’s services guarding their business, Whistler Heated Mini Storage. When not working, he loved to play ball and wander the roads of Function Junction, whether on his paws or his skateboard. He was not a fan of a leash or off-limit areas for dogs.
Bob campaigned on equality amongst humans and canines, as well as environmental concerns like outlawing slug bait as that was dangerous to fellow dogs. Bob would go door to door shaking paws and licking babies. T.J. recalls Bob “knew more people [in the neighborhood] than we did.” He was quite the popular candidate amongst Function Junction residents.
As with many politicians, Bob saw his share of controversy during his campaign. His past was dredged up by a concerned citizen. The year prior Bob pawed through Garibaldi Provincial Park, which was not allowed but he was not charged by BC Parks Rangers. Jorge Alvarez came to his defence, citing it as an instance of activism; that park land should be open to all, human and canine alike. Alvarez noted to the Whistler Question that these political statements were not new, as Bob had been caught off-leash and skateboarding in Whistler Village, of which both are banned.
Ted Nebbeling further stalled his campaign with threats of exposing compromising photographs of Bob sleeping with a teddy bear, which went against his tough persona. The Whistler Question dubbed this controversy as “Teddygate”. This was later debunked as a glow-worm that Bob used to protect Function Junction citizens. Bob, made nervous by threats and feeling spied upon, did not attend the November All-Candidates Meeting.
“With one dog biscuit you can get whatever you want from Bob. I can’t be bought for a dog biscuit.” – Ted Nebbeling
Nebbeling also accused Bob of being a squatter in buildings he owned, but it was pointed out that Bob was offering his guard dog services for free.
As the November 20 voting day approached, another community member sent a letter to the Whistler Question. They recognized that after two elections – the federal election took place a month prior – “not only is this type of story interesting and entertaining, it is a chance to take a breather during all of this overbearing democracy.” However, they emphasized that voters should not spoil their vote.
Ultimately Bob was not successful in this election, it brought enjoyment to the dull election campaign. It was noted that people were more concerned with Blackcomb Mountain finally having enough snow to open up than voting.
Bob continued with his regular duties, but his campaign manager stated he would run again the next election. Unfortunately in January 1994, Bob was on his way to visit a friend when he was hit by a car and passed away. He was buried on the hill behind Whistler Heated Mini Storage to overlook Function Junction as its true Mayor.