In Youatt’s “Humanity to Brutes,” is recorded the following anecdote of a Newfoundland dog.
“A vessel was driven on the beach of Lloyd, in Kent. The surf was rolling furiously; eight poor fellows were crying for help, but not a boat could be got off to their assistance. At length a gentleman came on the beach, accompanied by his Newfoundland dog. He directed the attention of the animal to the vessel, and put a stick into his mouth. The intelligent and courageous fellow at once understood his meaning and sprang into the sea, and fought his way through the waves. He could not, however, get close enough to the vessel to deliver that with which he was charged; but the crew joyfully made fast a rope to another piece of wood, and threw it towards him. He saw the whole business in an instant; he dropped his own piece, and threw it towards him; and then, with a degree of strength and determination almost incredible, he dragged it through the surf and delivered it to his master. A line of communication was thus formed and every man on board was rescued from a watery grave.”
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