South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1921-05-15

We aren't running on amateur dog
farm any more. one lives and
learns. If we keep a dog in the
future he will be our own dog, and
we will feel that we should stand
or fall by his behavior.
He may get US into trouble. Doubt
less he will. Most dogs do. But
we will know mat when his educa-
ton is complete. when he is taught
that gold fish are not designed 10
be tipped out on the floor, and that
breach Of the peace is an offense
punishable with unpleasant conse-
quences, we will be able TO enjoy his
companionship.
The dogs we have lately returned
TO their overs learned a great deal
about these things when they were
with us. But ;he owners, not we,
are reaping the rewards Of their
chastened demeanor.
Peter the first dog came to spend
three weeks with us while his own
ers were i'm California. He was a
dog whom years had slightly touch
ed with melancholy and pessimism,
albeit affectionate to those he re-
garded as his friends.
The first night he spent bewail-
ing his confinement in the cellar in
voice that carried TO the utmost
purlieus of the neighborhOOd,
We felt sorry for him. in his lone
illness, and let him wall. We didn't
sleep, and from what we learned
over the telephone from time to
time. neither did the neighbors.
Thereafter he was more quiet
He had found a way to open the
ice box and get meat out Of it.
Dogs know little of dietetics. This
one. after eating a siX-pound rib
roast, comprising about 30 per cent
OF his weight before he ate it. be-
came violently iii.
The vet pulled him round. at an
/ expense of $40, and we kept The ice
box padlocked TO prevent a recur-
renee of his nal2dy.
After that ne got his supplement
ary meals in the neighbors' garbage
cans and complaints came in.
But we couldn't do anything
about il. 1t was impossible 20 fol-
low the vets instructions and keep
him satisfied at the same time.
His course from garbage can 10
garbage can gradually led him 10
/ discover the way 10 his former
home He would 60 over there and
ST around for two or three days,
/ hoping against hope that his own
ers might return.
Then he would come back 70 us
arriving usually about a. m. and
cIamor for admission.
He was not easily discouraged.
He kept on cl4moring till he got in.
Took All Nine Lives.
Happily his owners returned the
dav after he had a misunderstand-
ing with a Persian cat residing next
door. and the cat. as a result. passed
on 20 a happier world.
When the ncirhbors missed the
cat and came around % prefer
charges against Peter. Peter had
gone. There being no criminal,
there could be no prosecution. We
hadn't killed the cat, and until we
hear the result Of a suit i'm the JUS
tice court brought % prove our com
Dlicity I'm the animals taking of, We
shall not pay for her.
Paddy the next dog arrived few
DAYS after Peters departure He
arrived at an inauspicious time
Peter. probably still dreaming OF
that roast. had come back 20 pay
us a little visit.
Paddy got ous OF the automobile
and greeted Peter joyfully. delighted
that in his new home he was 70
have a little playmate.
Peter began suddenly walking
very stifhly on hi" toes. and emitted
sounds Of hatred and suspicion.
Plainly he regarded Paddy as an
interloper who have come 10 beat
him 20 the roast.
We parted them. and took Paddy
into the house. Peter came in by
I the kitchen door and proceeded 20