A POLICE DOG.

Marlborough Daily Times, Volume II, Issue 170, 5 November 1880, Page 1 (Supplement)

A POLICE DOG.

‘Allen Pinkerton,’ the dog detective of the St. Joseph police force, is dead. Hundreds of our people Avho for the past eight years have seen a queer-looking little black dog, Avith Avhite hair around his neck and a bushy tail that curled over his back, Avill read this announcement Avitli surprise and genuine regret. The first known of the dog is that ten years ago he mysteriously turned up at the residence of John O’Connor, Avhere he remained for about two years. At the end of that time ho became a voluntary member of the police force, and demeaned himsdf in such a manner as to gain the name of ‘ Allen Pinkerton,’ after the noted Ciiicago detective. He followed the men about day and night, first one member of the force and then another. Many a dark night has he assisted the officers in discovering the Avhereabouts of tramps who had concealed themselves in empty barrels and boxes, and his terrifying hark has caused hundreds of petty thieves to take to their heels. He prowled about the darkest corners of the alleys, and Avlienever an intoxicated man avhs found, a yelp or two Avas sufficient to bring up the nearest officer to look into the matter. His Avoll-knowu voice was relied on Avitli as much confidence as the sound of a policeman's whistle, and it Avas always answered. At roll-call he was as prompt as any of the men, and on such occasions lie Avas the pet of the oliice. Me had the most wonderful sagacity, and appeared to almost comprehend the orders of the chief. Nearly every lady who visited the ‘ morning market-’ knew the dog and spoke kindly to him, Avhile the market Avomcn petted and carrcssed him Avlienever lie came about, and always had a dainty morsel with Avhioli to tickle his palate. Of late years Allen has been growing feeble, and for the past six months or a year ho has been able to travel Avitli his old associates but little. Since liis health became poor he lias made liis homo with cx-Policeman James Hudgens. Allen Avas taken sick, and notAvithstanding everything Avas done for the poor dumb animal that man could do, he died in a few days. During the last two or three days and nights that he lived, Mr. Hudgens, avlio more than once Avhile partrolling his lonely night Avatch realised the value of his cheerful presence, nursed him continually ; and Avhen his death Avas announced every member of'the force felt the deepest regret. He Avas lmried in Mr. Hudgens’ yard, Avrapptd in a clean white sheet, and his remains enclosed in a neatly-made coffin. —St. Joseph (Mo.) Gazette.