How often has the noble Newfoundland dog been the means of saving the
lives of those perishing in the water!
A heavy gale was blowing, when a vessel was seen driving toward the
coast of Kent. She struck, and the surf rolled furiously round her.
Eight human beings were observed clinging to the wreck, but no ordinary
boat could be launched to their aid; and in those days, I believe, no
lifeboats existed,--at all events, not as they do now, on all parts of
the coast. It was feared every moment that the unfortunate seamen would
perish, when a gentleman came down to the beach, accompanied by a
Newfoundland dog. He saw that, if a line could be stretched between the
wreck and the shore, the people might be saved; but it could only be
carried from the vessel to the shore. He knew how it must be done.
Putting a short stick in the mouth of the animal, he pointed to the
vessel. The courageous dog understood his meaning, and springing into
the sea, fought his way through the waves. In vain, however, he strove
to get up the vessel's side; but he was seen by the crew, who, making
fast a rope to another piece of wood, hove it toward him. The sagacious
animal understood the object, and seizing the piece of wood, dragged it
through the surf, and delivered it to his master. A line of
communication was thus formed between the vessel and the shore, and
every man on board was rescued from a watery grave.