Back in 2007 my wife and I were enjoying spotting Orca (aka killer whales) on a whale watching trip from Victoria, the capital of Canada’s Vancouver Island. Our skipper had cut her engines to avoid any noise pollution that could disorient our new cetacean chums, so we bobbed around silently as a large pod of whales glided by on both sides.

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Exciting as it was seeing these wonderful creatures, we were not alone in the experience. Several other busy boats were nearby, crammed with tourists snapping photos just like us. However, our attention was drawn to something very different. A few hundred metres to port, a small zodiac rose and fell in the light swell. Two people sat at either end and, between them, a dog.   

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This, our on-board naturalist explained, was a boat from the conservation body that oversees whale health in the straits. The scientists keep an eye on every pod of Orca and generally check on their welfare. “That’s great” someone said “But what about the dog?” She smiled and replied “Oh him. He sniffs the whale poo”.

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That’s right, he sniffs whale poo as a job! Although being a dog, maybe it’s also a hobby. Whatever problems you may have at work, then consider this dog has it a lot worse.

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It turns out that a primary source of Orca health information is to dredge up their poo from the depths and examine it. Nice! I won’t be whizzing in a job application just yet. Since the net is filled with mud and other detritus from the sea floor, somebody has to identify the poo. Step forward Mr Dog.

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Maybe this unfortunate canine used to be in the drug squad but, being a maverick rule-breaker, was hauled into the office one day. “That’s it Kowalski! You’re off the case! Hand in your badge and your gun. I’m transferring you to whale poo division!”

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So, possibly the worst job in the world? Maybe, but perhaps also one of the most important jobs too. Healthy whale faeces help maintain nutrient levels in the water. These nutrients in turn feed plankton, which in turn feed salmon. What eats salmon? Well, just about everything in these waters including eagles, sea otters, bears and, of course, Orca. So, it’s a dirty job, but I’m very glad someone’s got to do it.