A TRUE DOG STORY

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 4, Issue 189, 5 December 1941, Page 3

A TRUE DOG STORY

Tears streamed down the cheeks c\f court officials and spectators alike during a court case heard not long ago in America Avhen Judge Charles S. Cootcr, his voice choking, sought to decide the rightful ownership of a three year old English Bulldog. The hearing was full of dramatic moments as principals demonstrated in the courtroom the afleetion of the dog for each claimant. The climax was reached after Judge Cootcr had awarded the dog to Jerry Belts, 22 year old elavator operator. _As the other claimant. Junior Fleck, 13, broke into tears, Jerry rose to his feet in the courtroom and addressed the Judj£C. "I want to thank you, Judge, for vour decision. I cannot, howcvei, take the dog from this boy. They have become attached to each other." As Junior threw his arms around the dog's neck, another voice was heard from the rear of the courtroom. It was that of Dr W. W. Hansell. "I have been deeply touched by the scene just enacted in this courtroom," he said. "I think Jerry lias done a wonderful thing and because of that I' am offering him the pick of my kennel of Irish setter dogs. Dr Hansell was one of the dog fanciers who testified young Betts was the rightful owner of the dog.