The Chickasha daily express. (Chickasha, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1899-current, 1900-12-24

Bulldog as q Swimmer.
A few persons who happened to be
on the landing at Canarsie, Jamaica
Bay, early one morning, witnessed an
Unmatched swimming race. The con-
testants were two dogs, a NeWfound-
land and a bulldog. The result was
unexpected. The bull, by the strength
and pluck characteristic OF his race,
won from the Newfoundland by nearly
one hundred yards, in spite Of his
rivals natural swimming advantages
Mr.. Kennedy. the owner Of Badger,
the victor, and a neighbor Of his who
owns the big Newfoundland had ar
ranged some time ago to have this
race come of. Last Tuesday merning
they went out In a rowboat, taking
both dogs with them. After they had
rowed some distance across the
Flats" the Newfoundland. at q sig
nal from his master, jumped into the
water, but the bull had to be thrown
overheard. Mr.. Kennedy. who was
at the oars, pulled away for shore as
fast as he could, the Newfoundland
Immediately following the boat with
the long, sweeping, powerful stroke
usual to these natural swimmers. But
Badger lost time by turning round and
round a couple Of times when he
reached the surface after his unex-
pected plunge. As soon as he espied
the boat. however. and heard his mas
ter calling him. he literally walked
through the water to the boat.
Badger swan with quick. strong
strokes Of his powerful forelegs. a
sort Of overland" which looked as
II he were trying to pull himself out
Of the water. He. Of course. wasted
much Of his strength in this attempt
to lift himself out, while his more
skillful opponent went ahead quickly
and easily through the water. It was
interesting to note that the Newfound-
land swan with only the top OF his
head showing above the surface Of
the water. while the bulldog kept his
entire head and the greater part OF
his neck above the surface. Though
less skillful the latter's smaller body
and greater strength soon told. He
quickly overhauled his antagonist and
soon passed him, constantly increas-
ing the lead 10 the finish. when Il was
nearly one hundred yards.
Both dogs were pretty well winded
when pulled out, badger less than
the other, and he recovered sooner than
the Newfoundland. They are both
nne, well-grown specimens Of their
breeds. The Newfoundland won a
second prize at the dog show a few
years ago.
The race was the result OF an argu-
ment between the masters Of the two
dogs, in which Mr.. Kennedy main
tanned that the strength. and endurance
Of the bull would overcome the skill
Of the other dog. and facts showed
that Mr.. Kennedy was correct in his
view. He based It upon an event
which happened within the personal
knowledge Of one Of his ancestors.
Mr.. Kennedy's grandfather was an
Engiishman and served as first mate
on merchantman plying between
London and Halifax. This vessel was
wrecked a couple Of miles OF shore
In a dense fog. On board we're three
prize dogs OF the Newfoundland va
rlety, which were being exported to
a sporting club Ia London. The cap
tain tried to send a line ashore By
means Of these dogs and thus open
communication with land. One Of the
dogs was put overheard with a strong.
thin line fastened to his collar. He
was killed almost instantly BY & wave
driving a broken spar against him.
More care was taken with the other
two dogs. but each was overcome By
the terrific sea running. and was
drowned before half the distance had
been covered.
AS a last resort Mr.. Kennedy's
grandfather suggested making a trial
with the captains brindled bulldog.
and his suggestion was acted upon.
After almost I've hours o. terrific
struggling with the raging sea the
brave dog was tenderly lifted out Of
the water. barely alive. and saved
from the rocks upon which he would
have been dashed TO death. That bull
dos saved the lives Of All lAe man on
board that shit by bis pluck end en-
durance. It Is quite natufal tor Mr..
Kennedy 20 set store ~ BULLDOGS and
Badger in particular. FOR be is 8 De-
scendant Of the prindled hun that did
Tor his grandfather what three prize
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