A Dog's Devotion.

Waikato Times, Volume XXIV, Issue 2018, 13 June 1885, Page 6 (Supplement)

A Dog's Devotion.

"I it \b only got my harvest done when one night I awoke to find ray room brightly illuminated. I understood its meaning at once and made all haste to dresj and get my wallet of money, nearly $3,000, and get out of the cabin. It was as I expected, the dreaded prairie fire. Away in the horizon I could notice its rapid advance, I knew that my only way of escape was in hasty flight. My horse was roaming over the prairie, and I could not afford to look for him, so along with my faithful dog I plodded my way as rapidly aa possible towards the Bow River. The distance was ten mile 3, and whether I could make it or not I did not take time to consider, but ran as I never did before. How I lasted the distance m a problem to me. I reached the bank of the river as the raging flames were within a hundred yarda, and as I was standing there, dazed, my dog took hold of me snd with a sudden jerk pulled me head-foremost into the river. The cool waters revived me and I staid there until the flames leaped the river and were licking up the dry grass on the other side. Several bulialo were in the river, having been driven by the flames. I Tiad no home any more and knew not what to do. I wanted to go back and look at the plaoa where my home was, but I knew there was noflhing there for ma any more. Then the first thought dawned on me that I had no means of sustinence, not even a firearm to assist me in securing game. I started down the river, intending to keep by its oourse until I reached the S&sketchewan, thus making sure of something to eat. The route was a good deal the longest, but the safest, and I plodded on. That night I was tired and hungry when I laid down to reat. Strange to say I slept sound and awoke with a prodigious appetite. To appease it my dog had a fine prairie rabbit lying in front of me. Ho had not touched it himself after killing it, but by the wishful way he watched the dead animal I knew he was as hungry as myself. I shared with him and continued on my way. I reached Fort Walsh in five days after, my dog always having something fresh each morning that would last us the rest of the day."— St. Paul's Day.