Timely Thoughts From The Past

By now, many people have fallen on hard times losing their jobs, homes and self respect during this economic crisis our country is experiencing.  Worst of all I have read where many are leaving their pets behind, particularly their dogs.  In that light, I re- read the speech by the late Senator George G. Vest of Missouri in a court action for damages of a wrongful killing of a neighbors dog.

Below is the speech he made to the jury.

“Gentlemen of the jury, the best friend a man has in this world may turn against him and become his enemy. His son and daughter that he has reared with loving care may become ungrateful. Those who are nearest and dearest to us, those whom we trust with our happiness and our good name, may become traitors to their faith. The money that a man has he may lose. It flies away from him when he may need it most. Man’s reputation may be sacrificed in a moment of ill considered action. The people who are prone to fall on their knees and do us honor when success is with us may be the first to throw the stone of malice when failure settles its cloud upon our head.

The one absolutely unselfish friend that man can have in this selfish world, the one that never deserts him, the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous, is his DOG. A man’s dog stands by him in prosperity and in poverty, in health and in sickness. He will sleep on the cold ground,where the wintry winds blow and the snow drives fiercely, if only he may be near his master’s side. He will kiss the hand that has no food to offer, he will lick the wounds and sores that come in encounter with the roughness of the world. He guards the sleep of his pauper master as if he were a prince. When all other friends desert, he remains. When riches take wing and reputation falls to pieces, he is as constant in his love as the sun in its journey through the heavens. If fortune drives the master forth an outcast into the cold, friendless and homeless, the faithful dog asks no higher privilege than that of accompanying him to guard him against danger, and to fight against his enemies. When the last scene of all comes, and death takes his master in its embrace and his body is laid away in the cold ground, no matter if all other friends pursue their way, there by his graveside will the noble dog be found, his head between his paws and his eyes sad, but open in alert watchfulness, faithful and true even to death.”

-Senator George G. Vest, 1870.”

 The suit was for $200.00, but following this appeal, the jury, after 2 minutes of deliberation, assessed the damages at $500.00, after asking the judge if the defendant could not be punished by imprisonment or not be dealt with more harshly.

 I have experienced similar things myself since I no longer represent Lassie as his owner/trainer. What keeps my spirits strong is my eleven year old collie and my 5 year old cairn terrier.  I hope Senator Vest’s speech helps people rethink leaving their best friend behind, as one day a dog could be the one to see them through these times!

 Till Next Time,

Bob

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