122 
Pussy Meow 
not for the services of this much maligned and mis- 
understood creature.” 
“ It seems to me,” said Miss Dorothy, “ if there 
were anything in this theory about cats and dogs 
spreading smallpox, for instance, they would them- 
selves be subject to the disease. But whoever 
heard of a cat or dog dying of smallpox, or even 
being afflicted with it ? ” 
“ I am sure I never did,” replied the doctor. 
As for me, the things to which I had been listen- 
ing filled me with astonishment and indignation, 
and I retired to my corner on Miss Dorothy’s bed 
to think matters over. Would that there were 
more such kind-hearted people to speak for the de- 
fenseless as Miss Dorothy and the doctor. 
But I must return to my story. Bernie, the dog, 
was a noble, dignified animal, and not the least bit 
jealous of the attention that was being paid to me. 
Often when I was out in the yard, he would invite 
me to lie beside him in the sunshine, and when I 
did so he would put his head down close to mine 
and look into my eyes, just as if he wanted to tell 
me something real nice. His coat was always 
clean and fluffy, because he had a bath regularly 
once a week, and his “ corner ” was in the rear hall, 
