Evening star., 1952-02-17


date of the Father of Our Coun.
try. Here's a story about George
Washington and a dog:
When Washington was en-
camped at Morristown, N. j.
during the Revolution. Lord Howe
was in command Of the British
forces in New York City. Howe
had a splendid pointer dog tc
which he was devoted. One day
the dog appeared at Washington's
camp. A gleeful officer led him
to the general.
It seemed an omen Of victory
that the asch-enemy's favorite dos
had deserted his master and
joined Washington. Also. to every
body, it seemed a fine punishment
for Howe. At least. it seemed sc
to every one except Washington
himself.
The Father of Our Country had
the pointer fed and cared for
Then he sent him, under a flag Of
truce, back to Howe; along with a
letter complimenting him on own
ling such a fine animal and ex-
pressing pleasure at being able to
Ireunite such good friends.
The story is true, and 1t Is
youched for. But. to me. that Ii
not all of it. The dog had never
before been to Morristown. To gel
there from New York. he had tc
swim the Hudson River and ther
travel 20-odd miles of strange
country. Why should he?
+ believe he was stolen from
Howe BY Some patriot and SNUG.
lgled out to Washington's camp BY
ferry and then BY wagon.
There !. are hundreds Of dos
shows held leach year in this
country. These exhibitions are
an education to spectators who
study the dogs benched there, ask
intelligent questions Of their own
ers and watch the judging.
But there is another angle. Lei
us say you have a dog who il
your great pal. who meets you al
the door, when you come home
gets the paper from the mat, and
does all the clever things you
have taught. him. These are won
derful traits in a dog. and you are
lucky to own such a smart animal
Yet 1t doesn't, imply that he
would get anywhere at all in q
dog show. Too many people think
their dog must win in a show ring
because he is so splendid outside
the ring. The result Is heartache,
humiliation and disappoint
First, get the advice Of Some
honest expert before you take youl
dog to a show and know what il
expected Of him. Don't court un-
happiness. and II you don't win
accept the judges decisions gamely
and cheerfully.
II you are at a loss to figure
out a dogs age. there are one OF
two signs to guide you. One Of
them is the condition Of the ami
mails mouth. There is an ole
saying, "A dog is as old as his
teeth" yet I have known youngisf
dogs with worn. decayed or miss.
ing teeth and old dogs whose teeth
| are white, strong and perfect
However, here is one method o1
making shrewd guess at 1t.
Study the elbows. Many year:
of lying down and getting up vii
leave their traces on the patch oi
/ gristle which marks canine elbows
The older the dog. the larger
llumpier and more pronounced i
this patch Of elbow skin.
|.
| Here's a tip for curing a dog o
being timid. This is not for q shs
dog, as shy dogs are Usually so b
heredity and often are iucurable
But for the tiniid and nervous dog
TRY friendship and rough handling
First. win the complete confidence
| of the dog and then play with hin
roughly; seize him by the skin and
throw him on his back, pat hin
vigorously. all the while speaking
to him in q kindly tone Of voice
When you approach q timid dog
do not reach downward for him
but always bring your hand up y
his face.
/ @. have beagles. Some peopl'
tell me that If / give them dis
temper shots 1t win hurt thei
seeming powers or drive then
crazy, is this true?D. r. M.
4 Al Yn1lr fs.inrAds are eArfai0l,