Several dogs have been taught to go to the post-office for their
masters' newspapers, or to receive them from the newsman.
A neighbour of mine, who was fond of telling good stories--which he did
not always, perhaps, expect his guests to believe--used to give an
account of the cleverness of one of his dogs. The dog went regularly
every morning into the neighbouring town for the _Times_, and brought it
back before breakfast. This was a fact.
On one occasion the dog returned without a paper,--so my neighbour used
to tell the story. His master sent him back again, when he once more
appeared with no paper in his mouth. On this the owner ordered his cob,
and rode into the town to inquire of the postmaster why the paper had
not come. "Sir," answered the postmaster, "your _Times_ did not arrive
this morning; but when I offered the dog the _Morning Post_ he refused
to receive it."