180 DOGS: THEIR MANAGEMENT. 



brute, is regarded either as an eccentricity or an affecta- 

 tion. This is the case generally at the present time ; and 

 it is strange it should be so, since Providence, from the 

 creation of the earth, has been striving to woo and to teach 

 us to entertain gentler sentiments. No one ever played 

 with cruelty but he lost by the game, and still the sport 

 is fashionable. No one ever spared or relieved the mean- 

 est creature but in his feelings he was rewarded ; and yet 

 are there comparatively few who will seek such pleasure. 

 Neither through our sensibilities nor our interests are we 

 quick to learn that which Heaven itself is constantly 

 striving to impress. 



The dog is our companion, our servant, and our friend. 

 With more than matrimonial faith does the honorable 

 beast wed itself to man. In sickness and in health, lite- 

 rally does it obey, serve, love, and honor. Absolutely 

 does it cleave only unto one, forsaking all others for 

 even from its own species does it separate itself, devoting 

 its hea.t to man. In the very spirit and to the letter of 

 the contract does it yield itself, accepting its life's load 

 for better, for worse for richer, for poorer in sickness 

 and in health to love, cherish, and to obey till death. 

 The name of the animal may be a reproach, but the af- 

 fection of the dog realizes the ideal of conjugal fidelity. 

 Nevertheless, with all its estimable qualities, it is despised, 

 and we know not how to prize, or in what way to treat 

 it. It is the inmate of our homes, and the associate of our 

 leisure : and yet its requirements are not recognised, nor 

 its necessities appreciated. Its docility and intelligence 



