Death and a Dog's Devotion
Loyal Dog Guards Master's Body for 2 Days
Note from Scotty – I remember reading about this as a child and while overseas visited the monument. This was forwarded to me by a friend and unfortunately I do not know where this article originated from
"Dear loss! since thy untimely fate My task hath been to meditate..." Exequy [on the death of his wife], Henry King, Bishop of Chichester SUTHERLAND, SCOTLAND — In this world nothing is certain but death and taxes... and a dog's devotion. Yesterday the Scotsman reported the touching tragedy of a man and his faithful best friend. Graham Snell, 65-year-old retired sub-editor for the Luton News, decided to go for a hike through the hills of Altnaharra (a campsite near Tongue) with "Heidi", his Jack Russell Terrier. When after 24 hours they still hadn't returned, the alarm was raised, and search-and-rescue teams began their work. Mr. Snell's car was found parked at the foot of 3,152ft Ben Klibreck on Friday; on the front seat there was an open book which apparently indicated the path of their intended ascent. A Royal Air Force Helicopter was sent to investigate the region and soon located Mr. Snell at about 1,200ft up, dead, having fallen from a height of at least 500ft two days prior. Heidi the terrier was still standing guard over the body. A spokesperson for the Northern Constabulary stated, "It is a steep cliff, almost vertical at one point, and he would have fallen about 500 feet. His dog was discovered next to him and was ok. "The slope is more gradual a short distance along, and she was able to get down to the body." Although dogs are certainly not the only animals to ever be scientifically observed in mourning (as the noteworthy Hippopotami of east Africa are known to perform a ritual akin to a wake or a graveside vigil for the dearly departed), the canine species has been credited with definitely the most moving shows of devotion. |
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND — Not far from where yesterday's incident occurred, there stands a monument commemorating the country's most famous dog, a Skye Terrier who stood by his master's grave for 14 years.
![]() EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND — Not far from where yesterday's incident occurred, there stands a monument commemorating the country's most famous dog, a Skye Terrier who stood by his master's grave for 14 years.
"Greyfriars Bobby" was the faithful companion of a policeman named John Gray back around 1856. The two were inseparable for two years and even thereafter, for when in 1858 the man died of Tuberculosis and was buried in Greyfriars Churchyard, his dog Bobby took up a new post on top of the gravesite and reportedly spent every single night there until his own death in 1872, 14 years later. James Brown, the old curator of the burial ground, told of how Bobby was found lying on the fresh mound the morning after the burial. Since the sign on the gate plainly read "No Dogs", Mr. Brown was obliged to chase the little dog out, but the next morning the dog was back again. A second time Bobby was driven away, only to be found a third time at his usual spot, shivering on the cold, wet ground at Gray's grave. At that point the curator took pity on the determined pooch and allowed him to stay thereafter. Even in the most squally weather, Bobby would not desert his post, often howling at those who would try to coax him indoors. Reports of Bobby's unshakable devotion spread quickly through the town, and the wee terrier became a favorite of families and shopkeepers situated near the churchyard. But although they frequently brought him food and water, no one would officially claim the pooch and pay for a city dog license in the years that followed. This made Bobby an ordinary stray dog, for which he was to be euthanized. But when this item came up in the town council of 1867, the then-presiding Lord Provost of the city (and dog-lover), Sir William Chambers, asked to meet Bobby. History notes that Sir William was quite taken with the loyal terrier and arranged to have all licensing fees paid indefinitely. Bobby was given a collar with a brass plate engraving stating: Greyfriars Bobby from the Lord Provost, 1867, licensed. This collar is on display at the Huntly House museum located in the Royal Mile. A year after Bobby's last watch, where he reportedly died atop his old friend's grave, the Baroness Burdett Coutts had a statue and fountain erected to commemorate the life of the devoted dog and the story of a friendship that surpassed death. |