wild strain in them asserts itself to an astonishing degree ; but this is not true of Nome 

 where dogs are held in high esteem, and where they are given the proper care at all 

 seasons. And each year when the last boat of the summer sails from Nome, there is a 

 long list of dog passengers. To a fancier they would seem undoubtedly a collection not 

 worth their transportation ; to my Lady of the Lap Dog they would cause shudders of 

 disgust ; there would be no place at the Bench Show for such as these. They are 

 without pedigree, or beauty perhaps mongrels if you will but one never knows what a 

 wealth of fidelity may be hidden beneath a rough exterior. Many a story that touches 

 the heart may be extracted from the prospector going outside accompanied by some 

 favorite dog who has shared his solitude and his hardships ; who has helped to bear his 

 burdens, and who is now to enjoy with him what they have earned together. 



Perhaps that blind old huskie has guided his bewildered driver along the right 

 trail to safety, true to the instincts of the wild, when the whirling snow and icy sleet 

 cut like stinging whip lashes into the face and eyes, making sight impossible. 



Perhaps this ragged, ungroomed malamute with his wolf head and his human heart, 

 dragged himself with patient, bleeding feet, half starved and nearly frozen, to some 

 remote camp with the warning that his unconscious master, caught unprepared in a 

 sudden storm, needed help. 



Perhaps but after all, each tale is only another variation of the same theme : dog's 

 loyalty to man. And as pampered pets, <3r as valued assistants, in society or out of it, 

 this loyalty justifies the attention and regard they receive. It is the one thing all dogs 

 have in common, and whether in their veins runs the blue blood of generations of prize 

 winners, or the humble strain of some obscure street waif, it is to You, and not to 

 what you possess, not for what you can offer him, that the dog gives his steadfast 

 allegiance. 



Sometimes when life has gone wrong with you 



And the world seems a dreary place, 



Has your dog ever silently crept to your feet, 



His yearning eyes turned to your face 



Has he made you feel that he understands, 



And all that he asks of you 



Is to share your lot, be it good or ill, 



With a chance to be loyal and true? 



Are you branded a failure? He does not know 



A sinner? He does not care 



You're Master to him that's all that counts 



A word, and his day is fair. 



Your birth and your station are nothing to him ; 



A Palace and Hut are the same ; 



And his love is yours in honor and peace, 



As it's yours through disaster and shame. 



Though others forget you and pass you by, 



He is ever your Faithful Friend, 



Ready to give you the best that is his. 



Unselfishly, unto the End. 



ESTHER BIRDSALL DARLING. 



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