National Republican., 1884-04-03
"CRANK'S'' REGULARITY.
A Big Newfoundland Dog Caring for
Four Little Kittens.
PhiladelDhid News.

PHILADELPHIA News.
Mr.. Philip Mcdowell, of New York, has o
most remarkable dog, who is at present en-
ga ged in paternally watching over a litter of
kittens. Crank" as he is called, is full
blooded Newfoundland, 3 years old. He was
born in Melbourne prison, where sailor
bought him, and presented him to his present
owner. The animal is fine specimen Of his
breed with the typical broad, honest face,
and large, confdiug eyes. He is coal black,
with small bunch of white hair upon his
breast and weighs about 100 pounds. Like
all Newfoundlands, he is very good -natured
and kind but at the same time very watchful,
keeping his eye upon his masters coat, of
WHICH he considers himself self-constituted
guardian.
During the past summer pretty tabby cat
with bright red ribbon around her neck,
strutted leisurely into the saloon and looked
inquiringly about for good warm place to
stretch out "Crank," who up to that time
had an aversion to all felines, made dash
at the intruder, but to the surprise of all she
never moved. Arching her back she sur
veyed giant her assailant with sort ofa "you-
wouldn'- -lick-any one e-under-your-siZe" look;
then walked up to Mr.. Mcdowell, and rub
bing up against his foot, looked into his face
as if to say, "I've come to stay, and you had
better tell your big dog about it,"
Crank took in the situation, and was ap-
parently pleased with the Independent be-
havior of his arch enemy. He offered no
further resistance and tabby was allowed to
remain. She was christened Mrs. Langtry,
not because she looked at all like that lady,
but ON account of an unfelne bang which
adorned tho top of her head. From that mo-
ment close friendship sprang up between
tho two animals. They ate from the same
plate and spent their idle moments together.
To wound Mrs. Langtry's feelings made
Crank angry, and he avenged all insults that
were offered to her.
month ago Mrs. Langtry had a litter of
| four handsome striped kittens. and at once,
forgetting his regular duties as guardian OF
the store, Crank turned his attention to the
new comers, with whom he was much
pleased. He watched by the champagne
basket, in which they lay close to the mother,
night and day, disentangling them when
locked in too close embrace, with his great,
ungainly foot. Astonished at the strange
conduct of his dog, Mr.. Mcdowell, who has a
penchant for wel-brod animals, closely OBJ
served his strange actions. The mother as
we'll as the kittens seemed to regard Crank
as possessing tho right to interfere in their
| affairs.
The little ones as soon as their eyes opened
were named Kate Duplicate, Certificate, and
| Syndicate. The latter received her peculiar
cognomen because q well-knOwn banker de-
sired to get hold of her. Every morning
Crank takes them out Of the basket ono by
one, and tenderly brushing their fur with
his course tongue places them between his
forepaws, where they remain until Mrs
Langtry, who is late riser, consents to give
them breakfast During the day the dog
spends his unoccupied moments playing with
the kittens, who delight in hiding under
meath his big body.