DOG-STORIES.
[To THE EDITOR OP THE "SPECTATOR."] SIR,—As your readers seem interested in stories of canine sagacity and cleverness, I gladly send you a short account of a small spaniel's singular action and acuteness of thought. A few days ago I was taking a walk before breakfast in some fields near my house, accompanied by my little dog. I did not pay much attention to her doings, but noticed she was running about as if in search of game. However, on my way home I found the dog was unwilling to follow me. She all the time wished to turn back. She would follow a few yards behind, if I went on ; but if I looked round she would immediately pause, and then make her way back towards the fields. This happened several times. At last I concluded that the spaniel had some object in view in wishing to retrace her steps, and so I returned with her, she leading the way and I following. She went straight to a rabbit and bolted it. We had a good chase, and at last succeeded in catching the rabbit.
Now, the dog had evidently discovered the rabbit on its form when ranging about the fields, but thought it unsafe to start it in my absence, for I had left the fields and was now on the high-road. She clearly wanted my help and encourage- ment in the chase. I would observe that we have here an instance of great caution on the part of the dog. Her natural impulse would be to start the rabbit at once and pursue it. This impulse the dog checked. Moreover, I would point out that my little bitch seemed to exercise her reasoning powers, and that in a marked way. She, as it were, said to herself I will not bolt the rabbit in the absence of my master. I will run after him and bring him back, and then, encouraged and helped by him, I shall start the rabbit, and, if possible, catch it.' I consider that my little dog showed that it possessed the faculty of reasoning in checking its natural impulse, which would lead it to spring at the rabbit at once, and also in fetching me back to be a witness and a helper in the chase that ensued. All her actions mani- fested caution, sagacity, and the possession as well as the exercise of the faculty of reason.—I am, Sir, &o.,
LIIDOVICUS.
Previous page
