The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1899-07-16
S'HALE'' * S e

/ wish all the little folks had known Hale.
I am going to tell you of this beautiful,
faithful playfellow of my younger days
He was brought to us when he was but
q few weeks old in basket; round, roly-
poly little pup, with black snots in his
white shaggy hair He became at once an
interesting member of the family; SO great
a favorite that to show our admiration we
honored him with the name of a man who
was one our warmest friends.
I could fill this page telling you of his
cute. funny ways and his intelligence.
His education was good, for he went regu-
larry to school with us. He would stay
half tho day in my room then soberly trot
down stairs, to the room where my little
sisters were taught, and stay quietly under
their desk until school was dismissed. He
would then walk home with us, unless one
of tho three staid behind. He refused to go
a step until all three were walking in front
of him.
He would go to church on Sunday with
us, in time for Sunday school. walking
round to the front seat, he would shake
hands with the superintendent and sober,
old deacon who always sat there. before
settling himself for a nap under the bench.
When we knelt to pray. Hale would put up
his paws on the bench till the amen was
said. He could shake hands about as po-
litey as any boy I ever knew.
1t was funny to see him run as we did,
TO get the ITSl KISS HUM papa III bAiV NNSi-
ing, whom he came home from the office.
Often he was there first, and bounding over
our heads was greeted kindly before we
had our arms all about papa clamoring for
our kisses.
His warmest attachment however, was
for John the little boy. who was the baby
when he came to U.S. He took the best or
care of him. If he thought him in danger,
1t was touching to watch his movements.
Once John was lying on the floor. Hale
thought too near the fire. He walked up
to Johns mamma. looked up at her and
then turned toward the little fellow. They
understood him but waited to see what he
would do: mamma giving no attention, he
then went to papa, wagging his tail rest
lessly and expressing the same dumb Ian
guage. Not succeeding in getting either TO
attend, he went to John and, taking hold
of his clothing with his teeth pulled him
further away from the fire. then lay down
near him to watch him again.
ono dow To+1 taken stick. Hale did
not understand at first why John was not
al play. He would go to the bed ana
whine and bark quick, sharp little barks
John grew worse The family became anx-
ious Hale watched us. He would keep his
eve on our faces and walk to the bed and
wag his tail. 1t did not mean the same
every time He showed plainly he was
anxious about it all.
FINALLY. the sad day came, when the
death angel visited our large, happy fami-
". for the first time. In our great GRIEF
Hale was entirely forgotten. until we heard
his piteous bowls from the grave, where
the little white hearse had deposited its
precious burden.
From this dav the dog refused to be com
forted He neither ate nor drank and FOL
lowed Johns mamma about till one week
later. the noble little friend lay down and
died of grief too great for his little frame
to bear.