SOME THOUGHTS ABOUT MY DOG. 



I. 



"I humbly thank Divine Providence for having invented dogs, and I 

 regard that man with wondering pity who can lead a dogless life." 



—Philip Gilbert Hamerton. 



EN like dogs, and always have liked 

 them, from -the time when Ulysses re- 

 turned from his long voyage and was 

 recognized by his old dog Argos. 

 Dogs are generally so open, frank, and 

 sincere in their natures and actions, 

 and so receptive and eager to learn, 

 and so intelligent, that men find them 

 the best of companions by the fireside 

 or in the woods. They are naturally 

 cleanly, too, and can be taught to be a great deal more 

 decent than thousands upon thousands of men are, 

 and they like to be so. A well-bred dog is very much 

 of a gentleman; and he quite consistently selects a 

 true man as his highest ideal, and is always content 

 when in his presence. 



How beautiful is the head of a dog! How liquid 

 and winsome the eyes, and how wonderingly they look 

 up into ours! The dog is man's most faithful friend. 

 He has become much nearer to man in his life than 

 has any other animal. He eats to a great extent the 

 same food; often lives under the same roof; learns to 



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