The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-07-05
GAN DOGS HEAR AND
 UNDERSTAND YOU i?
BY SARAH FRAN CHS wlNsLoW.

gracefully, having been taught to expect piece of candy by way of reward.
 Tt is all very well to take your own tub daily, but would any sane person think of a daily shampoo? Too much washing takes all the oil out of dog 5 coat, renders his skin dry and uncomfort- able, and necessary ends in the destrue- ton of his good looks, if not of his health. Once a week in the city or twice month in the country is quite often enough for the dog to have his bath, and if he Is combed and brushed but twice a week, he will be all the better for 1t. And candy is the worst thing you can give him. Good sound fresh milk, with bread, the |, best diet on which to wean puppies, is likewise the best diet for an old dog, and better relish at all times than sweets, which are an acquired taste.
 ITO the dogs misfortune he will eat and drink-whatever a man will; so he often gets things that are not good Tor him."
 That provoked the Iveliest sort of a discussion. It was Lane says this and Ashmore says that, and l don't care what anybody says for 1 have consulted my own veterinarian on those points.
 Not being familiar with the authorities quoted, I held my peace, and only repeat some of the talk for the benefit of those of you who keep dogs.
  Feed little and feed often," said a suc- cessful breeder, 'unHl the puppies have attained their growth. There's nothing So good for them as bread and milk, but teach them to drink water as early as possible, for then they won't eat so much, and all puppies are gluttons.'
 "One-ifth is the proper proportion of meat for a house dog" chimed in another nan, 'and it need have no more unless It is much more frequently exercised than the average house dog"
 From one-fifth to one-third," said the judge, "and If the meat Is the kind the master eats, there will be no occasion to worry as to the cooking, unless sauces are used; for what is good enough for man in this line does very well for a dog.'
 Well" said I, unable to remain silent any longer, when I got a toy dog the first thing I did was to write the Amer ican Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, asking what to feed 1t, and how to keep 1t In health. They wrote me a nice long letter, inclosing some leaflets, and told me one thing that hadn't oc- cured to me at all-there is as much individuality about dogs as there is about men, and we should advise a study of your pets peculiar needs. But there are some general principles which may be applied to all,' the writer continued; the average house dog Is fed too much and exercises too little. In the country dogs can be depended on to run about as much as they ought, and to regulate their diet to some extent. In town the owner should see that the dog has good run in the back yard. A dog in leash does not enjoy itself, nor does it add to the enjoyment of pedestrians in general. Every animal should have an abundant supply of pure water for drinking, and the vessels for this purpose, preferably of enamel ware, should be cleaned daily. 1.-TWO feeds a day will suffice for grown dogs. Stale food is unwholesome. Give as much as the dog will eat up clean then throw away the fragments. A dog that is of it's feed'' will soon be restored to condition if given an oc- casional raw egg and plenty of milk. No one has a right to keep animals unless able and wiling to provide whatever IS necessary for their health and happiness. That means it must be kindly treated, comfortably lodged, regularly fed, sup piled with water, and afforded oppor- tunities for recreation. Gentle treatment is due all animals, and need not interfere with firmness in governing them.
 Sounds preachy, doesn't it?
 Never mind. It's good advice. all the same, and here is my favorite dog story to make up for the sermon wonder how often you have laughed over 1t your selves:
 "Ah! You should keep dogs, fine anil mals. sagacious creatures. Dog of my own once, pointer, surprising intellect. out shooting one day, entering enclosure, whistled, dog stopped; whistled again, Ponto! No go; stock still; called him, Ponto, Ponto; no go; wouldn't move, dog transfxed, staring at board; looked up saw an inscription, 'Gamekeeper has orders to shoot all dogs found in his inclosure'; wouldn't pass it. wonderful dog. valuable dog that very'
 Singular circumstance that" said MT. Pickwick, will you allow me to make a note of it?"