North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1867-06-19
A FAITHFUL DOG.

The Edinburg Scotsman says: "A very
singular and interesting occurrence was
Yesterday brought to light in the Burgh
Court, by the hearing of summons in rs-
gard to dog tax. Eight and half
years ago man named Gray, Of whom
nothing is known, except that he lived in
qniet way in some obscure part Of the
town was buried in old Greyfriars' Church
yard. His grave, levelled by the hand Of
time, and unmarked by any stone il now
scarcely discernible; but though no hu-
man interest would seem to attach to i.
the sacred spot has not been wholly disre-
garded and forgotten" During all three
years the dead mans faithful dog has
kept constant watch and guard over the
grave, and it was this animal for which
the collectors sought to recover the tax.
James Brown, the old curator Of the buri.
al ground, remembered Gray's funeral,
and the dog, Scotch terrier, was, he
says, one OF the most conspicuous of the
mourners. The grave was closed in a
usual, and next morning 'Bobby,'1 as the
dog is called, 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 ineligible characters, that dogs
were not admitted. Bobby" was accord.
ingly 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 chas-
lisement, still lying shivering on the grave.
he took pity on him and gave him some
"This recognition of his devotion gave
"Bobby" the right to make the church.
yard his home; and from that time to the
present he hiss never spent q night away
from his masters grave. Often in bad
weather attempts have been made to keep
him within doors, but by dismal howls he
he has succeeded in making it known that
his interference 10 not agreeable to him,
and latterly be has always been allowed
to have his way. At almost any time
during the day he may have been seen in
or about the churchyard and no matter
how rough the night may be, nothing can
induce him to forsake the hallowed spot.
whose identity, despite the irresistible OBJ.
literation it has undergone, he has faithful.
ly preserved. Bobby" has many friends.
and the taxgatherers have by no means
proved his enemies. A weekly treat of
steaks was allowed by Sergeant Scott, of
the Engineers; but for more than six
years he has been regularly fed by Mr..
John Trail, of the restaurant, 6 Greyfrisrs'
place. He is constant and punctual IN
his calls, being guided in his midday visits
by the sound ofthe time gun. 10
"On the ground of harboring the dog
in this way proceedings were taken against
Mr.. Trail for payment of tax. The de-.
fendant expressed his willingness, could
he claim the Cog, to be responsible for tho
tax; but so long as the animal refused TO-
attach himself to any one, it was impossi-
BILE, be argued, to fix the ownership and
the court, seeing the peculiar circumstan-
ces of the case, dismissed the summons -
Bobby has long been an object Of curl
osity to oil who have become acquainted
with his interesting history. His constant
appearance in the graveyard has caused
many inquiries to be made regarding him,
and efforts out Of number have been made
from time to time to get possession OF him
and efforts out of number have been made
from time to time to get possession of him.
The old curator, of course, was the next
claimant to Mr.. Trail, and yesterday Of
fered to pay the tax himself rather than
have "Bobby"-"Greyfriars' Bobby to
allow him his full name-put out Of the
way"