As far as I can remember, there is a private house under Erjavčeva’s mountain hut on Vršič. It used to be an outbuilding. In fact, there were more of them on the lawn below the cottage. They served pastoral communities. The one closest to the cabin, the best preserved, was later converted into shared beds. The more significant part on the left was called “Svinjak”, and the right, minor part was called “Kurnik”. After the restoration of Erjavčeva’s hut, the building no longer served its purpose and fell into disrepair.

Housing was arranged for two dogs. It will be a good ten years since Igor and I set up two dog kennels for our four-legged friends next to the cottage. What about the other thirty who spend a couple of days here at least twice a year? We came up with the idea of turning the lower auxiliary building into a home for dogs, thus saving our courses or overnighting dogs during the course. The caretaker wouldn’t have to deal with dogs that come with visitors and want to spend the night in their eyes.

We rolled up our sleeves, repaired the building, installed electricity and tidied up the surroundings. Until… A plough damaged the building a few years ago during a heavy snowfall. It took quite a bit of persuasion, and a little water had to flow, but even the councillors of PD Jesenice agreed that it would make sense to repair the house or completely restore it and get a place for furry friends. Bureaucracy took the most time, PD contributed money, and most of the work was done by self-sacrificing members of the GRZS Commission for Avalanche Rescue. Quite a few work actions were needed to put the building under the roof and the interior in order.

In the spring, of course, we still have some work to do to tidy up the surroundings and finish the interior. Everything is already ready for the next course in January next year.