Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

Two Cool Dog Stories (Dog Lovers Alert!!)
A Tribute to Dogs; Greyfriars Bobby Bothy ^ | 12/13/01

Posted on 12/14/2001 9:13:53 PM PST by mafree

Will Your Dog Vouch For You?

A man wrote a letter to a small hotel in a Midwest town, which he planned to visit on his vacation. He wrote, "I would very much like to bring my dog with me. He is well groomed and very well behaved. Would you be willing to permit me to keep him in my room with me at night?"

An immediate reply came from the hotel owner, who said, "I've been operating this hotel for many years. In all that time, I've never had a dog steal towels, bedclothes, silverware or pictures off the walls. I've never had to evict a dog in the middle of the night for being drunk and disorderly. And I've never had a dog run out on a hotel bill. Yes, indeed, your dog is welcome at my hotel, and if your dog will vouch for you, you're welcome to stay here, too!"

Authors Unknown

------------------------------------------------------------

Greyfriars Bobby (http://greyfriarsbobby.co.uk)

In 1858, a man named John Gray was buried in old Greyfriars Churchyard. His grave levelled by the hand of time, and unmarked by any stone, became scarcely discernible; but, although no human interest seemed to attach to it. The sacred spot was not wholly disregarded and forgotten. For fourteen years the dead man's faithful dog kept constant watch and guard over the grave until his own death in 1872. James Brown, the old curator of the burial ground, remembers Gray's funeral, and the dog, a Skye terrier called "Bobby", was, he says, one of the most conspicuous of the mourners. The grave was closed in as usual, and next morning "Bobby", was found, lying on the newly-made mound.

This was an innovation which old James could not permit, for there was an order at the gate stating in the most intelligible characters that dogs were not admitted. "Bobby" was accordingly driven out; but next morning he was there again, and for the second time was discharged. The third morning was cold and wet, and when the old man saw the faithful animal, in spite of all chastisement, still lying shivering on the grave, he took pity on him, and gave him some food. This recognition of his devotion gave "Bobby" the right to make the churchyard his home; and from that time until his own death he never spent a night away from his master's tomb.

Often in bad weather attempts were made to keep him within doors, but by dismal howls he succeeded in making it known that this interference was not agreeable to him, and he was always allowed to have his way. At almost any time during the day he could be seen in or about the churchyard, and no matter how rough the night, nothing could induce him to forsake that hallowed spot, whose identity he so faithfully preserved.

That, however, concludes the story of the life of Greyfriars' Bobby, a life which was later commemorated by the erection of the statue and fountain by Baroness Burdett Coutts. The figure which was unveiled, without any ceremony, on November 15, 1873.


TOPICS: Front Page News; Miscellaneous; Your Opinion/Questions
KEYWORDS:
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-20 ... 41-6061-8081-100101-111 next last
To: tet68
Blue Healers are Australian Cattle dogs,very smart.

I think that is big under statement. Almost every cattle rancher around here has a Blue Heeler or two in their pickups. They are born knowing their place in life and what is expected of them.

We haven't had many dogs in our 45 years of marriage as they live long lives with us. About 1985 our 17 year old poodle died and my wife got me a Cocker pup. We have lots of deer here and she and the deer played cat and mouse. The dog would run the deer about 30 feet and then the deer would protect her babies and chase the dog under the deck.I got lots of photos of this but no video. About that time the Weather Channel was starting up and they had a pet photo contest. Well SPARKLE was in the top ten and they ran the photo of her and the deer for month. I took some pics off the TV screen but I don't know where they are.

61 posted on 12/17/2001 6:40:07 PM PST by tubebender
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 8 | View Replies]

To: tet68;mafree;technochick99;Doomonyou;SAMWolf;HairOfTheDog; kassie;apackof2;damnlimey;El Gato...
I just found this thread and thought you all might enjoy this story:

Blue fights off gator to save his fallen owner
At least three alligators, one a 12-footer, had been seen in a canal just 50 feet from where 85-year-old Ruth Gay lay injured.

©Associated Press...© St. Petersburg Times, published July 27, 2001

blue

FORT MYERS -- Bitten numerous times, a scrappy 35-pound cattle dog repeatedly fended off an alligator after his 85-year-old owner fell outside her home and lay immobilized with broken bones until her family returned.

"Blue scared the gator off and kept it away from my mother-in-law. The dog got chewed up pretty bad," Albert Gibson said Thursday.

Ruth Gay was in fair condition at Lee Memorial Hospital in Fort Myers on Thursday after surgery on one shoulder and manipulation of the other to reset a dislocation.

Two-year-old Blue, an Australian blue heeler, was recuperating at home, licking his wounds.
Gay told her family she thought a gator had gotten Blue.

"She could hear Blue yelping and whining. She knew he was getting hurt," Gibson said. "Then it stopped."

Gay, who lives with her daughter and son-in-law in Fort Myers Shores, was home alone when she went outside to walk the dog just before 9 p.m. Tuesday. She slipped on the wet grass and fell, face down, breaking her nose and dislocating her shoulder.

She managed to flip on her back, then lay there immobilized, hollering, Gibson said. Blue lay at her side, up against her.

Suddenly, the dog growled and left. It was dark. Gay couldn't see what was happening but knew the dog was in a fight.

Earlier in the day, three gators, ranging in size from 6 to 12 feet, swam in the canal next to the house. The banks of canal were about 50 feet across the yard from where Gay was lying injured. There's no sea wall and after days of heavy rains, the water was high, to the top of the bank.

The Gibsons arrived home shortly after 10 p.m. When their car pulled up the dog raced to meet them, dripping wet.

"He was going wild, barking and jumping. He led me right to her," said Gibson, a retired construction superintendent.

"The first thing my mother-in-law said to me was: "I think I really messed up because Blue got killed.' "

Gibson managed to get his mother-in-law to her feet and he and his wife, Sylvia, took her to the hospital. The Gibsons got home about 4 a.m. Wednesday and a few hours later took Blue to Suburban Animal Hospital.

"There were a lot of little puncture wounds, bite wounds," said Dr. Terry Terlep, whose colleague treated the injured animal. A veterinarian stapled Blue's abdominal wound, cleaned up the others, put him on painkillers and antibiotics and sent him home.

"He's a little dog and fast like lightning," Terlep said. "He was trying to fend off this animal, trying to get it to go away. And he's so fast he could get out of the way.

"It's amazing what an animal will do in a time of need," Terlep said. "He's a pretty brave dog."

62 posted on 12/17/2001 6:52:06 PM PST by Wasichu
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 4 | View Replies]

To: mafree

Every good dog was once a puppy.

63 posted on 12/17/2001 7:01:30 PM PST by Marylander
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: mafree
Are you the official keeper of the dog ping list? If so, please add my name to it. Thanks!
64 posted on 12/17/2001 7:06:59 PM PST by ru4liberty
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 3 | View Replies]

To: Wasichu
Thanks for that ping.... I needed it!
65 posted on 12/17/2001 7:07:44 PM PST by HairOfTheDog
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 62 | View Replies]

To: Wasichu
Wow! Dogs are amazing, aren't they?! I don't doubt that either of mine would do the same, but it fills me with horrible fear. I'd rather be killed than either of them. I would just die if one of them died while defending me. We have a fenced-in backyard, with an enclosed wooden fence that is very, very tall. It stays locked, both with an inside lock and a padlock on the outside. When I'm home alone, I know Piper and Wilson have to go in and out, and we have a "doggie door" installed for them to be able to do just that, but it still scares me. If someone were to try to get in, and get to me. . . . I keep a 9mm semi-auto near me at all times. If anyone hurt either one of my babies -- I've never fired at anybody before in my life, but I'd do it. I'd shoot to kill. No one messes with my precious Bassets! No one!!
66 posted on 12/17/2001 7:09:19 PM PST by Beep
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 62 | View Replies]

To: Wasichu
That was wonderful. Unconditional love, hard to find!
67 posted on 12/17/2001 7:11:06 PM PST by I_be_tc
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 62 | View Replies]

To: mafree
woof
68 posted on 12/17/2001 7:17:23 PM PST by woofie
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Marylander
This is true! I wish I had puppy pix of Wilson too, but heeeeeeere's Piper!! *G*


69 posted on 12/17/2001 7:17:49 PM PST by Beep
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 63 | View Replies]

To: mafree, all
Rescued and rotten


70 posted on 12/17/2001 7:19:41 PM PST by ru4liberty
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: SLJP
Currently, two Australian Cattle Dogs (blue heelers) own my wife and me. We got these brothers as babes, and can't imagine the day when they'll be gone.

In years past, we had a mutt that lived to be 16 and a cat that made it to 23. The cat we have now is at 13 and counting...
Earlier this year in April, we lost our Norwegian Elkhound when he decided to chase a deer and forgot how to get home. We searched and placed ads, etc., but never got the satisfaction of knowing his fate. He was the wife's dog, and she was walking him when he went for his "run" (we live on a 45 acre farm.) She still misses him, and checks the porch each night in case he finds his way home. Other blue heeler pics have been posted, but here's a couple of Norwegian pictures:

smoke smoke Elkhound

71 posted on 12/17/2001 7:28:30 PM PST by Wasichu
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 66 | View Replies]

To: mafree
Here's a cute little Basset family! *G*


72 posted on 12/17/2001 7:31:52 PM PST by Beep
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 69 | View Replies]

To: mafree
Here's one of my two babies...the other one looks exactly like him.
73 posted on 12/17/2001 7:44:05 PM PST by OneWayToGo
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Wasichu
Oh my -- I hope someone found your wife's baby and is taking good care of him!! I'll keep him in my prayers! Even if he's gone, I believe he's fine, and romping at Rainbows Bridge. She'll see him again.

I think Blue Heelers are wonderful. One of my best buddies has one named Stella. She's a sweetie. She and Dave (my friend) go out running together. (I halfway expect to see her in jogging shorts one day!) (*VBG*)

74 posted on 12/17/2001 7:46:06 PM PST by Beep
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 71 | View Replies]

To: ru4liberty
What an adorable picture! Such expressive eyes! God bless you for being a rescuer!!

God Jul ("Merry Christmas," in Swedish),
Sharon

75 posted on 12/17/2001 7:59:27 PM PST by Beep
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 70 | View Replies]

To: mafree
I have my own little "fur person" and just loved the stories. No matter how bad my day is, my little Maltese is right there, wagging his little white fluffy tail and letting me know I am the most important person in his life!
My husband bought him for me after the death of my Father to keep me company, and he has been a joy and I am a believer in the last story.
76 posted on 12/17/2001 8:06:35 PM PST by ladyinred
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Wasichu; mafree; dubyaismypresident; RikaStrom
I thought you might enjoy reading A Dog's Prayer, by Beth Norman Harris. I just got a snowglobe in the mail today, that I ordered for my fiance's best friend for Christmas. He lost his beloved Cocker Spaniel very recently, and his heart is still broken. He isn't married, doesn't really have a girlfriend (although he is in love with someone who uses him and treats him like a yo-yo, which upsets me no end), and he doesn't even have a roommate. His apartment is terribly lonely, and I know he's miserable, and I wish I could do something to help. He's not ready for another dog in his life yet, and I respect that. I know how he feels. So I got him a picture frame with the "Rainbow Bridge" poem on it, and an area cut out for a photo that Bob had, of both Spot and "Bernie" (his nickname!), to put in it.

I also got the musical snowglobe, which has a black Cocker Spaniel figurine, wearing a halo and angel's wings, and sitting on a cloud. The base is beautiful, with an angel holding a scroll, which has a condensed version of this poem (grab the Puffs or Kleenex) --

Treat me kindly, my beloved master, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for your kindness than the loving heart of me.

Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your hand between the blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me do.

Speak to me often, for your voice is the world's sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footstep falls upon my waiting ear.

When it is cold and wet, please take me inside...for I am now a domesticated animal, no longer used to bitter elements . . . and I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sittng at your feet beside the hearth . . . though had you no home, I would rather follow you through ice and snow than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest home in all the land . . . for you are my god . . . and I am your devoted worshipper.

Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although I should not reproach you were it dry, I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst. Feed me clean food, that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side, and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life, should your life be in danger.

And, beloved master, should the Great Master see fit to deprive me of my health or sight, do not turn me away from you. Rather hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest . . . and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I drew, my fate was ever safest in your hands.

77 posted on 12/17/2001 8:28:31 PM PST by Beep
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 71 | View Replies]

To: SLJP
That's really sweet- I know those doggies are waiting for you at Rainbow Bridge along with my childhood dog and all the other doggies.
78 posted on 12/18/2001 7:00:34 AM PST by mafree
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 54 | View Replies]

To: I_be_tc
Boy you have a mini-zoo- sounds like fun!
79 posted on 12/18/2001 7:03:14 AM PST by mafree
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 58 | View Replies]

To: Marylander
That's a real cute pup!
80 posted on 12/18/2001 7:04:58 AM PST by mafree
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 63 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-20 ... 41-6061-8081-100101-111 next last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson