The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1878-10-26
Our Rab.

Uur RAD
ONE day in the summer of 1871, while
was getting a breath of Cape Cod air,
my hostess Informed me that boy at
the back door had dog which he
wished to show me. Now, whether this
boy had seen the weakness which the
writer had for all dogs, | never shall
know, but in response to the call went
to the kitchen and found him with
black and tan pup in his arms, for
which soon made an exchange that
sent the fellow away with lighter
heart and heavier purse than he had
carried for many day.
had long been an admirer of the
grand old dog that DR.. John Brown, of
Edinboro', has made famous in his
story of ''Rab and His Friends" So,
not from the resemblance of mine to
the other, l named him Rab. On our
arrival home my companion did not re-
ceive a cordial greeting. This was his
first and last cold reception, however.
Little did | know what a Joy l was tax
ing into the house, and what darkness
would fall upon it when the bright,
happy little fellow should go out-for-
ever He began Immediately to show
signs of great intelligence, and when
he was told one day to 90 and look out
of the window-no sign being given to
indicate the place-and 2Cent, putting
his paws on the window-sill, we were
surprised, and thought it a remarkable
coincidence; still to assure ourselves
that he happened to 90 there, we said:
mo, the other window" and he jumped
down and ran to the other and looked
out.
From that time we were sure he knew
what window was. He was taught
many tricks, such as standing up in
the corner on his hind feet, walking
across the room in like manner, rolling
over, sneezing, shaking himself, jump
ing and singing-which was a growl,
varied to suit his feelings. When told
to stand in the corner, he would hunt
to find one that was unoccupied; failing
to do this, he would stand up and back
into a corner formed by a chair, or
some other article of furniture, against
the wall. Sometimes he was naughty,
and would not do as he was told. In
stead of repeating the command, we
would say: 'Rab, what did tell you?"
and he would obey, even though it were
some time afterward.
He slept on a cushion in his owner s
room. As the cold nights came on he
had large blanket made, with which
he was covered. In the night his blank
ct would get off, so he would come to
his owner, put his paws on her hands
and scratch them until he had succeed
ed in getting attention, then would cry
and run to his cushion and shiver until
covered. This process becoming wear
isome, the blanket was fastened about
his neck, which was found to be an i'm
provement, but one night after he had
gone to sleep some one rang the door
bell. Rab rushed down to welcome
the conner, and feeling that his duty
was accomplished, turned to 90 up
stairs to finish the dream thus inter-
rupted; but his blanket had swung
round under his feet, and he kept walk
ing into it. He appealed to us for help,
but as we were not helpful just then,
he stood still moment, then turned
around and went up stairs hind feet
first dragging the blanket after him.
Early in the morning, when he heard
the mail train, he started, for that was
signal for some one to 90 to the office,
and he must 90 also. Returning to
the house the letters were given him,
and when he was told to which rooms to
take them, he would do it quickly, with
evident pride at having made himself
so useful. He never mistook the whistle,
though another train preceded it by
only a few moments. In vain we tried
to cheat him. 1t was utterly useless;
he knew better, and would not lose his
morning nap. His collar was taken off
at night, so when the train whistled
the blanket had to be removed and the
collgT put on. 1t was hard work for
himN,lo wait so long, and when one
morhing he was told to take off his
blanket he did not know what to do
for few minutes, but suddenly he turn
ed his head and caught the covering
with his teeth. He was encouraged by
cries of That right" $50 on;'' when
he pulled it over one side, put his fore
paws in it, and backed out. He always
took off his blanket thereafter.
Another day, having a sore throat,
as was judged, it was thought best to
administer some chlorate of potassium.
1t was mixed with water and put into
his mug, and before he found out that
it was not clear water he had taken one
or two good swallows. Later in the
day, when urged to take more, he cried
and resisted; but being coaXed, he put
his nose in and Tapped and swallowed
with great regularity, but did not touch
lbs tongue to the water!
Some friends living near were very
fond of him, and one day we were per-
| r,nittnh To 90 IN thnir kilrhnn with him