The Washington times., 1937-08-13

BOake Carter
A Dogs Devotion
Unselfish and Dependable
Lesson of Service

DOHGE CITY, Kan.-For
three months now a brown and
black dog has spent virtually
all its time sitting under a sign
three miles from town-wait-
ing. For what? No one knows,
but the prevalent theory is
that faithful animal is wait
ing for faithless master to
return.
I lay down the newspaper and
looked at Tatters, curled up con-
tentedly at my feet. When Rags
passed on into the great beyond
of dogdom last November, at
that ripe old age of IS, a strange
metamorphosis came over Tat
ters.
1t was as though the playful,
irresponsible, joyous crown
prince" realized that the mantle
of family guardianship had de-
Scended upon his Gthesome, but
curly Shanks. His mad romps
became less frequent.
His boyish bounce surrendered
to a dignity more in keeping with
his new post of responsibility.
While previously he barked at
birds, he now confined his barkS
to strangers at the gate.
Before he showed for me and
mine affection, high spirits and
young exuberance-the affection
which meant a leap at my hand
and then a series of wild circles
upon the grass, raced at top
speed at an almost Incredible
angle, accompanied by yapS as
much as to say: "How's this for
sport?"
Now he patrolled with an al
most self-conscious dignity. For
the ducks, geese and other ami
mails he showed a lofty con-
tempt, punctured with occa-
sional surges of terrier desire
to pursue them and nip a
feather or two from their tails.
Each day in my last months
illness he has paid me morn
ing and evening visit, to satisfy
himself as to my state of well
being. Now, the first day in the
sun and out of doors, he dogged
my. slow and halting steps with
comparable pace. While I sit
in the sun typing, he has curled
beneath the chair, alternating
this position with post at my
feet.
Devotion? Loyalty? Two Of
the finest virtues in all the world
and yet it is ironic that it was,
is and always will be the lowly
dog that gives the most convinc-
ing demonstration of these two
characteristics, which h might
we'll take their place beside that
other famous three-faith, hope
and charity.
The supreme beauty Of a dogs
devotion is that it is given with
out any demand for recompenSe.
Unlike vain humans, it calls for
no recognition. 1t demands no
selfish tributes.
1t has a depth which is un-
fathomable. We miserable hui
mans may suddenly turn upon
him in a fit of temper. We may
hit him, or we may kick him. We
may requite this selfless service
with a stone.
Yet he always crawls back, a
stricken look of puzzled hurt
shining from his eyes. and licks
our hand as if to plead forgive
ness for having given cause to
cast stone or stick at him.
Home, luxuries, material
things mean nothing to him. 1t
is only his master who counts
in his life. He will trot a thou
sand miles with the penniless
tramp, if he loves that tramp.
He will love millionaire master.
not for his millions, but be-
cause he is the master.
Uncannily, he can differenti-
ate between your friends and
your enemies. Somehow he
knows who is bent on doing you
mischief and who IS not. His
amazing intuition will warn you
of lurking, hidden dangers.
1t is a love that passes all
human understanding because
human love is only selfish, and
human understanding limited.
X
If he is sick he crawlS into a
corner by himself and demands
no attention.
X 4
Through all the chaos Of
changing worlds: through pros