4i6 The Management and Diseases of the Dog. 



in ourselves, and, probably, a more successful issue to our 

 patient. 



When, then, we have such a powerful instrument at 

 hand, easy of application, and, with care, harmless in its 

 results, there surely can be no excuse for wanton torture. 

 Indeed, to the right-minded man, the unavoidable infliction 

 of pain must ever be a source of regret. Away with the 

 theory that dumb animals are devoid of imagination, which, 

 it has been observed, adds so much to the torment of 

 human pangs. They are not only imaginative, but their 

 imagination is acutely sensitive, and in the dog and the 

 horse this is particularly the case. 



Rather, therefore, than we should stretch our imagination 

 with so unreasonable a theory, let us use the means placed 

 within our reach to allay suffering, and to afford to those 

 animals which are the firm, faithful friends and companions 

 of man the best and most humane treatment we are 

 capable of bestowing. So that, as recently remarked by a 

 noble member of my profession, " we may be a blessing tO' 

 that lower portion of God's creation for which we are sa 

 deeply responsible." We must ever remember that the 

 most sacred duty of the Veterinary Surgeon is to prevent 

 or alleviate pain and distress in animals ; and we must also 

 recollect that, in addition to their companionship, they 

 possess — 



" Many a good 

 And useful quality, and virtue too — 

 Attachment never ,to be weaned or changed 

 By any change of fortune ; proof alike 

 Against unkindness, absence, and neglect ; 

 Fidelity that neither bribe nor threat 

 Can move or warp; and gratitude for small 

 And trivial favours, lasting as the life, 

 And glistening even in the dying eye." 



