Works in the Herald 1922
DOGS

A correspondent in last night's "Herald" signs himself "Anti-dogs." But why this suggestion of a feud against the whole canine race?

I've never met a man who hated dogs....
One meets with all sorts as through life he jogs -
The mean ones, and the vain ones, and the rash,
The foolish fellows who splash up the cash.
The brisk "live wires," the dull, the sodden logs -
But I have ne'er met one who hated dogs.

(I think I'm fortunate in this, somehow, For, if we ever met, there'd be a row).
Mayhap I'm prejudiced; mayhap I'm wise To judge a fresh acquaintance by his eyes. But show me one who has a dogs' straight look, And I can read that fellow like a book. I know him for a man who'd be a friend, A mate, a sticker to the very end.
(He who can't comprehend this last remark Is not worth one poor mongrel's joyous bark).
I left a dog up in the bush last week. He was my one good pal, who'd never seek To take advantage of my frailties (And, heaven knows, I have enough of these). He was my one good pal who trusted me, And when the day of parting came, why, he -
(Well, maybe we had better draw the line, I get so sloppy o'er this frined of mine).
But when I saw that look come in his eyes, Well - you know what it is when your dog tries To tell you things - Oh, I think it's all rot To say a man could hate dogs. He could not. Men surely are superior. Well, then? Where could you find a dog who hates all men?
(My brothers, think this over, and reflect: E'en curs hold qualities we may respect).

The Mooch of Life
"C.J. Dennis"
Herald, 27 May 1922, p6

Copyright © Perry Middlemiss 2002-03