The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1904-09-21

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ever attempted in the dog line, because
OF the fact that they are unfamiliar with
the English language. Before they learn
the trick they must learn the English
language or at least that part OF II which
l will use in talking TO them. A few
weeks ago | played at Brighton Beach,
and on the bill was a lady vocalist who
was Frenchwoman. She came over to
see my dogs and talked and petted them
for some time, and then, without inten-
tion. she spoke little in French. You
should have seen those poodles / thought
they'd tear her 20 pieces, they were so
overtoyed 10 hear their native tongue.
licking her face and jumping at her end
barking In the most joyous manner II
WAS really very pathetic, for / suppose the
little things were homesick.
II noticed you had cat in your at.
too" I said.
Yes. ] have a cat and three tiny white
maltese kittens, but OF course the kittens
haven't yet made their debut. In fact
they are too young to go 10 school yet"
How do the dogs treat the cat and her
kittens?" I asked
"oh. all right. The cat was raised
right among the dogs, and they rather
act protectingly toward her. but they
never like strange cats. have one doe
that is especially good friends with the
up snugly against him. That Is one OF
the big dogs that is q years old. IL
is pretty hard work 10 train dogs, for
many times just as you have taught
them what you want them 10 do they
become ill and die, but they repay one
with loyalty and devotion that cannot
be shaken. once had a dog named
Mollie that was taken sick coming over
from Europe All the other dogs were
sessick. but Mollie's symptoms were diff
ferent from seasickness. After while
became alarmed, and called in the ship
physician, and together we doctored and
doctored poor Mollle and / was almost
heartbroken 10 think | would probably
have 10 bury her at sea. But we landed
In New York. and the minute she touch
! ed land she was all right, although her
| sight was bad. In a couple Of weeks her
| sight was entirely gone. | was so at
| tached 70 her that I hated 10 send her
| up to my farm In New York state. where
| send many sick dogs or those too old
! TO work, so 1 decided TO take her with
me on the road. although she was not
to work. Well, the hrst engagement /
played ] shut Mollie up In the dressing
room while the act was on. But she
simply would not stay. and came bound
/ ing on about the middle OF the act and
| went through with every trick she had
| done 'eefore she went blind. She did them
| just as well as ever. although some
times she would have her back To the
audience and get her directions mixed.
| IL made her 80 much happier TO WORK
that 1 continued to let her do so, until
she died n couple Of years later
do the dogs have 10 be prompted
when on the stage. or do they know theii
roles7" asked
II tell them very little. and they near.
ly always know what is expected OF
them E not Dink tells them They are
very susceptible 10 applause or laughter
and when the audience is quiet one
they won't work with half the life OF
vim they do for a demonstrative audi
ence. They lie very quiet until they
hear the music with which our act Il
opened. and they Immediately recognize
II and start ~ ready for work tho min
ute the orchestra begins II. 7 tell you.
dog can be taught 20 40 anything. Will
Just kindness and patience. N isn't whip
ping but talking 10 dog which train
him dog who hss been with chlldfer
10 easy TO teach because he has beef