DOGS IN CHURCH. (To the Editor.)

Tuapeka Times, Volume VII, Issue 367, 24 June 1874, Page 3

DOGS IN CHURCH. (To the Editor.)

Sin, — Of all the lower animals I have any knowledge of, the dog holds a very high, if not the, highest, place in my estimation. I can behold some dogs with affection — a feeling which is apt to increase »for the cajiine race by the perusal of such stories as " Rab and his Friends." I can nerer regard cats iv the same way. I may -admire a good specimen, but nothing more ; they have no place in my affections ; they entor the world thieves ; they depart thieves. But, Sir, notwithstanding my averred leaning to the dog family, I don't believe they care a bit for theology. I don't believe they receive any benefit from attending church "services. Then why, Sir, does the custom prevail here of taking dogs to church ? I refer to a practice that prevails in the Presbyterian Church, and I can speak only for the Sunday evening, as I have not the privilege of attending the morning diets. One Sunday night a little poodley wretch may be seea on hind legs endeavoring to scale tho pulpit, and quite discontented because the preacher does not stop in his discourse and show it some attention. On another occasion a pugnacious looking terrier, with tail cocked and teeth grinning, struts up and down the passage. He has heard a dog corrobboree outside, and is under the impression that if he could get at them he would soon make short work of the lot, hence his uneasiness. When quiet prevails again outside, this same cur continues his peregrinations and tail and teeth movements, for his eye has caught sight of cur No. 2, lying probably under his owners corpus (but quietly, for No.*2 is a well behaved little dog), and his continued frettings Beem to say : "If you dare to come out of that, you young varmint, and dispute possession of this passage, I'll break every bone in your body." Of course No. 2 just winks at him. Then I come to last Sunday night. The animal that had it all his own way en this occasion was one of very imposing appearance and sagacious countenance ; but, like all others of the race (and in this respect we need except the animal, Man), he too hadjhis weakness. In the warm recesses of hi* shaggy coat were dwelling too plainly inhabitants that often disturbed his imperial repose — inhabitants too that not seldom disturb the rest of men, women, and children under certain conditions. I believe the classical and poetical name of the insect referred to is the flea. Well the huge animal already mentioned, to relieve the irritation caused by the blanketloving lot about him, more than oneo performed on himself operations with, his ponderous paws, in connection with which were hammerings heard all over the church, and not only so, but the infinite relief such operations were affording the subject under consideration encouraged him to accompany his movements with a vocal ditty, which I can only compare to the rapid' grunts of satisfaction of a savage after •ping distended by an enormous feed. Sir, should you insert this letter in your columns, I hope it will have the effect of letting owners of dogs generally know that when they do thus (it may be thoughtlessly) allow their canine pets to follow them to the House of God, they mar to a very great extent the comfort of their fellow worshippers, and most undoubtedly transgress the inj unction _of the Apostle Paul — "Let all things be done decently aud in order." — I am, &c, GfiowLEa. Lawrence, 22nd June.