My OperaDogs are great
Monday, July 9, 2012 6:54:56 PM
Doggy Devotion 2
In Edinburgh's Huntley Museum, Scotland, you can see a dogs collar and feeding bowl. Also
a statue with a large drinking fountain for dogs situated in Candle makers Row. Both of these
objects are tributes to a little Skye terrier called Bobby.
The story goes that Bobby as a stray puppy became attached to an elderly Scottish shepherd
locally known as Auld Jock. They were very close companions. Every day Auld Jock and
Bobby would go for lunch to a cafe called Traills.
Then in 1858, Auld Jock died. The totally devoted little dog then demonstrated the wonderful
qualities that dogs possess. Bobby guarded his masters grave in all weathers for the following
fourteen years. Can you imagine? It is hard for humans to comprehend such acts of love.
He was there 24 hours a day, the only break being a daily visit to Traills, who kindly fed him.
His devotion touched the hearts of local people who built a shelter beside the grave for Bobby.
The little dog became a celebrity and example of faithfulness. He died of old age in 1872 and
was buried close to his master.
Do you know of any humans that have that sort of devotion? (There may be some).
The nearest thing that I can come up with is a fictional character contained in one of my
favourite poems. This is Gunga Din by Rudyard Kipling. Always a tear jerker for me.
This poor Indian water carrier, who was constantly beaten and abused and treated worse
than a dog, yet he never lost his sense of devotion and duty.
The last few words sum it all up beautifully:
You Lazarushian-leather Gunga Din
Though I've belted you and flayed you,
By the livin' Gawd that made you,
You're a better man than I am Gunga Din
In Edinburgh's Huntley Museum, Scotland, you can see a dogs collar and feeding bowl. Also
a statue with a large drinking fountain for dogs situated in Candle makers Row. Both of these
objects are tributes to a little Skye terrier called Bobby.
The story goes that Bobby as a stray puppy became attached to an elderly Scottish shepherd
locally known as Auld Jock. They were very close companions. Every day Auld Jock and
Bobby would go for lunch to a cafe called Traills.
Then in 1858, Auld Jock died. The totally devoted little dog then demonstrated the wonderful
qualities that dogs possess. Bobby guarded his masters grave in all weathers for the following
fourteen years. Can you imagine? It is hard for humans to comprehend such acts of love.
He was there 24 hours a day, the only break being a daily visit to Traills, who kindly fed him.
His devotion touched the hearts of local people who built a shelter beside the grave for Bobby.
The little dog became a celebrity and example of faithfulness. He died of old age in 1872 and
was buried close to his master.
Do you know of any humans that have that sort of devotion? (There may be some).
The nearest thing that I can come up with is a fictional character contained in one of my
favourite poems. This is Gunga Din by Rudyard Kipling. Always a tear jerker for me.
This poor Indian water carrier, who was constantly beaten and abused and treated worse
than a dog, yet he never lost his sense of devotion and duty.
The last few words sum it all up beautifully:
You Lazarushian-leather Gunga Din
Though I've belted you and flayed you,
By the livin' Gawd that made you,
You're a better man than I am Gunga Din
