A POLICE DOG.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2402, 27 November 1880, Page 4

A POLICE DOG.

“ Allen Pinkerton,” the dog detective of St Joseph’s police force, is dead. Hundreds of our people who for the past eight years have seen a queerlooking black dog, with white hair around his neck and a bushy tail that curled over his back, will read this announcement with surprise and general regret. The first known of the dog is that ten years ago he mysteriously turned up at the residence of John O’Connor, where he remained about two years. At the end of that time he became a voluntary member of (he police force, and demeaned himself in such a manner as to gain the name of li Allen Pinkerton,” after the noted Chicago 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 oflicers in discovering the whereabouts of tramps who had concealed themselves in empty barrels and boxes, and his terrifying bark has caused hundreds of petty thieves to take to their heels. He prowled about the darkest corners in the alleys, and whenever an intoxicated man was found a yelp was sufficient to to bring up the nearest ofllcer to look into the matter. His well known voice was relied on with as much confidence as the sound of a policeman’s whistle, and it was always answered. At roll call he was prompt as any of the men, and on such occasions lie was the pot of the office. He had the most wonderful sagacity and appeared to almost comprehend the orders of the chief. Nearly every lad}' who visited the “ morning market ” knew the dog, and spoke kindly to him, while (he market women pelted and caressed him whenever he came about, and always had a dainty morsel with which to tickle his palate. Of late years Allen has been growing feeble, and for the past six months or a j'ear has been able to travel with his associates but little. Since his health became poor he has made his home with cx-policemon James Hudgens. Allen was taken sick, and notwithstanding everything was done for the poor dumb animal that man could do, he died in a few days. During the last two days and nights that ho lived, Mr Hudgens, who more than once while patrolling his lonely night watch realised the value of his cheerful pre scnce, nursed him continually ; and when his death was announced every member of the force felt the deepest regret. He was buried in Mr Hudgcn’s yard, wrapped in a neat clean white sheet, and bis remains enclosed in a neatly-made coffin. —“ St. Joseph (Mo.) Gazette.”