Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1882-08-12
FIGHTING FOR HER PET DOG
How Edith Springmyer Baltled
with a Dog Catcher.
New York Star.

nCduluB u udIk COlOIeu bDllL 10Y
clipped to resemble a lion, John Dono
hue, a dog catcher, was taken to Essex
Market Court, by Court Officer Ken
nedy, Donohue had been arrested fol
fOrci5ly stealing the spitz from the
arms Of a young woman named Edith
Spiingmyer. Dog catcher and dog
we're waiting in the S~ergeant's room
for the presence Of the complainant.
At last the young woman appeared,
and the dog jumped, strained and
pulled at the rope, to reach its mis-.
tress. She seated herself about ten
feet away. Failing to reach her, the
dumb brute whined like q child, and
one OF the tender hearted lawyers
begged of the young woman to take up
the dog, or at least to pet it. She
entered the room, and the poor captive
danced with glee aud sprang into her
lap;
THE intelligence Of the dog is
something remarkable. Don't you
know these poor brutes are aware
that they are to be killed when they
are taken to the pound? | have known
them to cry" said Justice Patterson
Donohue was arraigned. Miss Edith,
a prepossessing woman oftwenty years ,
said:
About 9 O'Clock this morning | was
standing on the stoop of my residence,
with my dog Fritzie in my arms, when
this man came up to me and forciblv
took the dog from my arms. He struck
me with his clenched fist on the body.
and pushed me down on the stoop. |
called upon him to give up the dog,
aud his only reply was:
"'Go on as he walked away with
the dog"
The dog catcher told a different
story. and said.
my badge is No.. 3. l have caught
this season 300 dogs. l never struck
this lady. | never raised my hand to
a woman in my life. | took the dog.
My wagon was broken down and my
assistant and | went out without it,
~oontenting ourselves with taking four
dogs at a time-oue under each arm.
This lady was coming from the grocery
and the dog was on the SIDEWALK. |
took it up as it had no muzzle. The
lady came after me, calling, it is my
dog l put out my hand to keep her
of, telling her | was a dog catcher.
She then made a great ado, found out
my name, aud had me arrested"
Take a complaint of stealing the
dog against him." ordered the Msgis-
trate.
Judge, this is a terrible charge to
put against me for performing my
duty" put 10 the prisoner,
The complaint was being made out,
and was fully half finished, when the
fair owner of the dog asked:
but, Judge, how about my dog?
Cant | get itY I'll let him go if l get
the dog back"
III assure you, Judge, [ did not
steal it." pleaded the prisoner.
"All right, give up her dog" said
the Magistrate.
The dog catcher raised the animal
TO the top Of the deak and set him
free. The spitS bounded over ink
bottles, papers and records and landed
with a spring and yelp Of joy in its
mistress arms, threw its head over
her shoulder, and she petted it like a
baby.
rs that the only baby you havep :
she was asked, and she replied;
"Yes, Judge, that is all | have"
"Whst would you sell him FORT"
"Aot for 3l00. would not part
with him at all"
She was told to 90 and sign the
withdrawal Of the charge, and as she
chung to the dog in her arms with
rare affection, took the pen in hel
right hand.
I'm hold your dog for you madam :
spoke up the gallant dog catcher. With
a look Of distrust, she replied:
mo, thank you, he'll stay where be
is" and be did, while she signed and
thanked the court.
You should put a string to him
and he won't be stolen" was the part
ing admonition Of the bench.
better still, I'll keep him in m!
arms" she made answer, as she disap
peared with her net,