The Middleburgh post. [volume] (Middleburgh, Snyder Co., Pa.) 1883-1916, 1901-06-20
A CANINE CRIMINAL. .

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nOGS, though they are frequently
~ very intelligent and affectionate,
and display great devotion to their
masters, are not always perfectly
trustworthy under certain circum.
stances. I have learned by bitter ex.
perience that, though dog may be
very a3ectionate towards his friends,
he will perhaps display intense hatred
for those he considers enemies, and
will even exhibit jealousy almost
incredible, one might think, in the
brute creation. ...
Some years ago. while was still q
struggling barrister,, 1 received a let
ter from friend asking II cared to
accept a collie pup, as he possessed q
litter and would be glad to get rid of
some of the animals. They were ex-
cellently bred, he added, both sire and
dam having been prize winners. As l
had been thinking Of getting a dog,
this offer came opportunely, SO 1 i'm.
mediately accepted it. g,
A few days afterwards hamper ar
rived. and in it was the most delight
full little golden collie imaginable,
looking for ali the world like fox
cub, with his beady little eyes, very
sharp nose and erect ears. q
Prom the very first, am afraid ]
spoilt Bruce terribly, but he soon b.
came my devoted companion and play
fellow. OF course, IL was . consider
able time before he was strong enough
to 60 for long walks; but from the
first, even as q puppy Just able to jog
along, he followed me faithfully, and
I never had the slightest fear Of losing
him. +.
As he grew older and developed
greater intelligence I taught him
many tricks. He would fetch my slip
pers in the evening from my bed.
room; would retrieve from almost any
conceivable spot; and II wanted ia
get rid Of him when out Of doors ]
had only to say, "Go home, Bruce"
and he would be of homewards az
straight ~ an arrow. In fact, he wal
. treasure. '-
Notwithstanding the good points ]
have mentioned, at times he showed
traces of q nasty temper With stran-
gers, and was guilty of taking . dis.
like to individuals and showing that
dislike in no half-hearted way. Sew.
eral times had to thrash him severe
ly for flying at people. However, he
never actually bit anyone.
He was quite devoted to me, and
absolutely miserable if went away
even for day; and when returned
he was almost beside himself with de-
light. In short. he was of hysterical
disposition (if such Q term can prop.
erly be applied to q dog); but he Ger
tainly never showed any signs Of real
vice. 49,.
Time passed on. Bruce was becOm.
ing quite . middle-aged dog Of some
five or six years, and I had succeeded
in carving out a very hourishing prae'
tice. The struggling barrister of some
years sgo was now Q highly-success
full man, with an income running well
into four figures. Bruce, who had be-
come more sedate, was still my faith
full companion, and was very mode
of good behavior.
As people in comfortable circum
stances are apt to do, began to thinl
seriously of the advantages and disad
vantages of bachelor life. After Civ
ing the matter serious consideration
I came to the conclusion that matri
mony had no attractions for me. A
wife was generally a nuisance, and
children positive pests. Why, II Others
were foolish enough to marry, lei
them do so; but, at any rate, I wal
sensible, and would live and die {
bachelor.
That was before met Eleanor
After I met her had very differen
views, and thought that bachelor
existence, even at it's best. was I
wretched one. In short; fell in love
but "that is another story" Suffice
it to say that the most charming an,
beautiful girl is now my wife. 1 wa
in possession Of an adequate income
and Eleanor was also blessed with al
ample share of this worlds goods
therefore, MS the attachment was mu
tual, we decided 70 get married with
out delay.
During my engagement, I am afraid
Bruce was not made SO much OF a
formerly; in fact, SO far as was con
cerned, he was quite neglected. HI
seemed to realize that he had beef
supplanted in my affections, and some
times looked up at me in the singu
larly wistful and pathetic way collie
and other dogs look Mt persons the!
are fond OF. 5ll, fatf ~rr .f
One day Eleanor and her mothe
came to tea at my rooms; and Bruce
evidently understanding at once tha
she was his rival. s1lkily retired int
a corner, where he lay for some time
and only growled when spoken to
However, I insisted on his coming on
and showing OF his tricks. Elsanes