CHAPTER IV 



MESSENGER DOGS IN THE FIELD 



" Nay, man may fail, though wise and strong, 

 Yet God can save. 



A brave dog dashes from the throng, 

 And throws his shaggy length along 

 The boiling wave. 



. . . Back, back, through 'whelming surge, for life or death 

 His task is done." 



Anonymous, 1863. 



IN estimating the value of the work of the messenger 

 dogs in the field, it is necessary to remember certain 

 essential facts, when comparing this means of communica- 

 tion with others more commonly in vogue. Runners and 

 telephones may certainly be sure and rapid in peace time, 

 but the imperfections of these are only too well known to 

 those who had to depend on them under war conditions. 

 If, under peace conditions, it may seem that these forms of 

 communication should take precedence, it will be found 

 that in the upheaval that takes place in war time, the more 

 mechanical methods become displaced, and the dog is then 

 more than equal to any of them. In support of this I 

 may mention an instance of a Brigade signal officer issuing 

 instructions, that, as far as possible, all important dis- 

 patches were to be sent by dog. On numerous occasions 

 the dogs were the first to bring back information of im- 



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