When the other dogs had finished with their stories, and the Judge was
satisfied that they had done their best, he thanked them, and said he
would now tell them some stories. First he would go back to his own
family history, of which Bob was not able to tell a great deal, as he
was young and not expected to take much interest in such things.
“The Airedales are a very old and famous family of dogs,” proceeded
the Judge. “The name is romantic, having originated from a river in
Yorkshire, England, the River Aire. It is something to be proud of,
to have a name suggested by a river; and then, to have a dale, which
means a valley, attached to it. I close my eyes,” said the Judge, “and
imagine I can see that beautiful green valley, with the river winding
through it, and my ancestors living so peacefully there, enjoying a
free and easy life, chasing rabbits and rascally badgers, with which
the hills are infested.
“It is said of the Airedales that they were good swimmers, and how they
must have enjoyed a plunge in the River Aire on a warm day. They were
trusty, too. Baby could be left in their care with safety. So many good
qualities are seldom found in just one breed of dogs.
“While they were not noted for their beauty, nor for the sweetness
of their voices, their many other good traits make amends for that.
Beauty, after all, is only skin deep, and if there are no virtues below
the surface to give it luster, it is not even skin deep. Whatever
beauty the Airedale dog can lay claim to, is brought out by his inborn
cleverness. Good deeds and good behavior have resulted in making a
really homely dog into a world-wide favorite.”
While the Judge was making this modest claim for his clan, little Pixie
hung her head and blushed with embarrassment to think that she had ever
been ashamed to play with Bob, because of his personal appearance.
She then and there resolved to be more courteous to both Bob and his
father, of whom she was becoming very fond, thinking him a wise judge
and a good counsellor for all dogs.
The Judge went on to say that it was recorded that one of his ancestors
had won the first prize at a great dog show. The people of the country
where this happened acclaimed him “King of the ring and King of the
country.” Because of the fine qualities of the Airedales, he added, one
of their number once became a member of the animal family at the White
House, and was a favorite of the President of the United States and his
lovely wife.
“Were medals to be issued to dogs for bravery in saving lives, the
Airedale family would have many souvenirs to hand down to their
children. A noted musician tells of his dog, Buster, having saved his
wife’s life not only once, but five times.
“The almost human instinct of this tribe was manifested when one city
was holding its election. One of the amendments to be voted on was the
curtailing of the liberty of all dogs. To run at large, they must be
muzzled, or they must be leashed when on the streets. Of course, all
dog lovers were opposed to this measure. The dogs themselves, having
heard so much discussion on the subject, seemed to sense that something
was going to be done which concerned them.
“Such remarks as these were addressed to one Airedale, whose name was
Jerry:
“‘Jerry, old pal, they are talking of interfering with your personal
liberty, and not allowing you the run of the town, without a string
tied to you. Now you must not think we are going to stand for any
nonsense such as that. We will go down to the polls, Mother and all of
us, and we’ll put this thing over strong, and show those dog haters a
thing or two.’
“Jerry would look interested and try to wag his stiff tail, as much as
to say he would like to do his bit to help. He had no vote, although
there were some who had, who in his opinion were not deserving of it.
One man he knew of hated dogs, and when he had something in him--Jerry
did not know what--he was abusive to his dog--and also to the little
boy who loved the dog. Yet that man was one of those who wanted all the
dogs killed or tied up, and would vote for that cruel measure.
“Jerry slept over the matter, and when morning came, bright and early,
he was at the polls. Taking up a position under the table where the
workers were, he lay down, to see that everything was properly carried
through. There he stayed until it was almost certain the dogs were
going to win, when he left, satisfied that he was no longer needed.”
The Judge told the dogs they were all very fortunate to be living in
this wonderful country, “where we are loved and well cared for, as
there are many places where dogs are despised and mistreated, and even
left to run wild, becoming scavengers, just because they are half
starved. They fight and quarrel among themselves, and make the nights
hideous with their howling. To be unloved and have no friends would be
cause enough for howling.
“Then there are the Eskimo dogs. They too have a hard life, as they
have to draw the sledges and do the work that horses and automobiles
perform in this country. They are harnessed together with leather
straps made from reindeer skin. There is also a long whip, made of
thongs of the same leather, the lash of which is chewed by the women to
make it pliable. Then it is braided to make the handle. This is lashed
over the dogs’ backs to make them draw harder and go faster.”
“How terrible!” barked all of the dogs, shrugging their shoulders in
pity.
“Probably their masters love these dogs, but this seems a strange
way to show it. The people of that country are dependent on these
faithful dogs, as they are the only means of transportation. They have
no horses, no automobiles, and no airships--nothing but their dogs,
so their very existence depends on these brave animals. We, with our
loving masters and mistresses, can scarcely realize how differently
these other dogs have to live. And how much they must miss being loved
as we are!”
So much sympathy was expressed for the other kind of dog life that the
Judge felt gratified to see that these getting-together parties the
dogs were having were creating a good effect.
Even little Ruby, who seldom thought of anyone but herself, unless it
was to envy some one, was becoming less selfish. “Oh, the poor things!”
she exclaimed, licking her white forepaws while she was saying it. She
gave those paws particular attention, and the habit was so strong with
her that, perhaps, it didn’t lessen her sincerity.
The Judge told them he thought that, as not many of them ever had a
chance to travel, he would tell them a story about one dog who was a
great traveler, and also a very clever fellow. This dog was a setter
and his name was Jack.