The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-08
Ever Had a Dog?
 Y0u'll Appreciate This

The world is growing kinder each year toward dumb animals.
 Our attention has been called to this interesting fact by Mrs. Will liam N. Wood, president of the Bir- mingham Humane society, whose good work as leader of that or ganization has so much helped to bring to it's members the fine re- suit of a magnificent new brick building as headquarters. From this nucleus, much suffering is pre- vented among animals in the Magic City.
 Mrs. Wood told how, not long since, that Gov. Percival F. Bax- ter, governor of Maine, lowered the state house flags at half mast upon the death of his dog Garry"
 Mrs. Wood said that was the first time such thing had ever been done, so far as she knew, and commended the governors affecting act. It was such pret- ty thing-that statement the gov- ernor issued in appreciation of the faithfulness of his dumb compan. ion-that you must read it:
 "It was my desire and my plan,7 the executive said, "to have the flags lowered during the period of Garry's journey homeward to the graves of his ancestors at my is- land home, and this desire was fulfilled and this plan executed.
 "It may be that the comments made upon my action will arouse our people to a new realization of their responsibility to dumb ani- mals. If this be so, one of my pur- poses will be accomplished.
 'I firmly believe that when the men and women of this state and nation think through what I have done they will see that lesson in the appreciation of dumb animals has been taught, and that my act heightens the significance of our flag as an emblem of human achievement that has been made possible largely through the faith- ful services of dumb animals.
 q should esteem it an honor when my time comes to have the same capitol flags that were low cred for my dog, Garry, lowered for me. It is my prayer that al- ways may be as unselfish and as loyal to my Master, state and na- tion as was Garry to me.
 q doubt if many would criti- else our President should be order the White House flag lowered in memory of his Laddie Boy" said Governor Baxter. ''Nor do I be- lieve many will take exception to the governor of Maine doing like wise for his faithful companion, Garry. I seek to offend the feel. ings of none, but I yield to none my right to act according to the dictates of my heart.
 Loyalty and unselfishness ara the crowning virtues, and where can these be found in purer form than in mans best friend, the dog? He never .falters in his devotion, never questions nor complains. Hunger, thirst and privation to him are nothing if he can share them with his master and comfort him in his distress. A dog asks no reward other than to be in the pres ence and confidence of his human companion.
 "The loyalty and unselfishness of dog well may put most men to shame, tor lew are as loyal to their Heavenly Master as is the humble dog to his earthly one.
 My faithful one, unlike many of my human friends, never be- trayed nor believed ill of me. In all his life he never was mean nor dishonorable. Can this be said of many humans?
 If all men would acquire the outstanding virtues of the dog, great happiness would soon be spread broadcast over this sordid world"