The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-08-29
A WONDERFUL DOG.

writer IN the rail- MAIL magazine. LII
orally, he is at the top of his profess
sion, nor do / use a figure of speech
when I add that he patiently attains
this giddy height on the ladder of
life, rung by rung, just as his hui
man compeers do, whether they De
statesmen, fddlers, tragedians or
comic singers. Apropos, l may now
nay that "Dink" is now in the profess
sion. and is the most distinguished
member Of a troupe of performing
dogs which l saw at the Hippodrome,
though the company includes many
artists of admirable talent. Even
they admit the supremacy of "Dink."
q fact which constitutes a striking
tribute to his powers. for even in the
professional bosoms of poodles. ter
riers-Irish or Scotch-greyhounds or
bulldogs, rankle the evil passions of
jealousy.
A splendid footman, all gold, pow
der and calves, has put up the num-
Der of the turn" The band begins
to play, the curtain goes up, and we
see on the stage thirty dogs of various
breeds seated in a semi-circle, each
On his own chair and every eye fixed
on the master. In few short min
utes we are entertained by leaps,
and somersaults. by waltzes and cake
walks. Greyhounds vault from wing
90 wing dog babies, exquisitely
dressed in the latest baby fashion,
are taken for an airing by dog nurses,
fond mammas following with digni-
fed gait and sweeping skirts, shell
tered from the sun by exquisite para.
soils. 1t is no wonder that shrill. pip
ing peals of laughter ring through
the house. But the music suddenly
stops. and there is that dramatic hush
which always precedes a crisis in the
action of the play. Who is this? A
brindled bulldog. wearing a collar of
giittering diamonds, advances to the
footlights, fastens his teeth to pad
attached to a hook and pulley, and
is swiftly drawn up along a wire
which reaches nearly up to the roof.
Swishl-he is up and down again,
caught in the net; he drops the pad,
looks up at his master and thanking
the audience for their support. wags
his tail and trots of Then another
hush-even more thrilling.
Illuminated by countless electric
bulbs, now all aglow, there stands a
ladder, the legs of which are firmly
attached to the solid floor of the au-
ditorium. Just by the stage, and the
top of which stretches some 80 feet
above our heads. There is a round
OF applause; it is "Dink." bowling
with the gratified. self-conscious
smile common to all theatrical favor
ties, looking very human in his coat
OF red and white and the blue ribbon
around his neck. Sinking and mine
ing like a dancing master, he stems
on to the lowest rung of the ladder.
and, steadying himself for his great
effort. climbs the dizzy height until
he stands on the little platform at the
very top. Col" Every face is
turned upward; but human eve can
not follow him. As the flight of the
arrow through the air so is Drinks"
He never hesitates; he needs no spur
nor whip, and he judges the angle at
which the net is held far below him
with the calculating eye of a Hanlon.
Leotard or a Blondin It is a gal
liant feat, which is generously re-
warded by every spectator.
Great curiosity was expressed on
every side as to the methods by which
"Dink" was taught to take his fearful
leap, so that. thinking the facts might
interest large circle. I procured an
introduction to Drinks" master. Mr.
Herbert, an American citizen. who
readily gave me the information
asked for. You wonder how sDinlx'
became a diver? l had been away
from home, and coming back one day
saw him sitting at an open window
en- the third floor. 'Dink!' cried out,
'Dink!' He peered over and at once
began to bark a welcome. Come
down! / shouted, spreading out nv
arms. Come down, Dink!' was
only joking, but to my establishment
the words were no sooner spoken than
'Dink leaped and only just in time I
caught him on my face and chest. |
was badly scratched, but 1 did not
mind that, for the idea of the dive
at once flashed across my mind-in
our profession we hunger for the new
l built ladder that very day. and
before night 'Dink' had learned the
high dive. Sir, he is a marvel of in.
telligence."
What is his value?" l asked.
Sir, he earns me $4,000 a year.
and money won't buy him.
Ali what a loss If he made a slip
some night"
1 could never replace him, sir
What dog He understands every
word l say to him. Feel him-all mus
Gle He learned the back somersault
In three days. sir. The common trick
dog would not do it in six months"
You never have to beat him?"
He would regard it as an insult -
But surely the whip is necessary?"
The public is mistaken in think
ing that performing dogs are i'll
treated; nor is there any secret in the
method by which they are educated