“SNITCH"

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 19722, 13 December 1926, Page 10

“SNITCH"

THE FIREMEN’S MASCOT GUARDIAN OF THE DENNIS ENGINE. Any visitor to the Wanganui Fire Brigade Station must be impressed by the almost human intelligence of “Snitch,” the pomeranian-bull pup who is the mascot of the lirej fighters. ‘‘Snitch” is well-known, to the Fire Police, and is the terror of j the small boy who likes to delve into rthe internal workings of tho powerful pumps, or tinker with the foot syren on the big Dennis engine. Not long ago “Snitcn” was installed in the station with due ceremony. He was a tiny pomeranian, or was given as such. But a miracle happened, and ‘‘Snitch” grew into a fawn coloured bull pup cross. He liked his adopted home, and soon learned what discipline meant. ‘‘Snitch” then resolved to join the I crew of the fire engine, but he would persist in occupying the driver’s seat. Superintendent Williams resolved that if “Sni/ch” wished to attend fires -he would have to use his legs. This did not worry the miniature canine at all. 1 and to-day he has the reputation of being the fastest dog in the city. Should the Brigade aim at fifty miles lan hour, this would not be too fast for “Snitch,” and when the engine is | called out “Snitch’s” bark can be : heard almost as soon as the syren pipes lup its warning call. In wet weather “Snitch” prefers comfort, so he always runs along under the engine. Once [at a fire “Snitch” mounts the engine i and defies anyone to move gear ex- | cept the firemen. i In his spare time “Snitch” indulges |in the usual doggie pastime of fighting, and firemen claim that he. is the j champion for a distance of a mile ra- | dinting from the Fire Station. When in the station he stands by the phone ready to bark when a call is received, and he is always open to learn a new trick for his already long repertoire.