Uncle Dick and Lisa's Old Time Animal Tales

An occurrence which took place under our own observation, adds another to the thousand instances of devoted and untiring fidelity of the dog to the human species. An old negro who lived in an adjoining county, owned a dog, which during the whole course of his life had probably never had the benefit of a hearty meal. It was a perfect anatomy; the very skeleton of a shadow; remarkable for nothing but its glossy appearance, and its apparent devotion to its owner. It was likewise a cur, a race usually considered the most unpromising of all the canine species. The master died and the affectionate creature followed him to the grave. Upon returning to the house, he laid himself down upon an old coat, which had belonged to his deceased master, and no effort of force or persuasion could induce him to quit it. Whenever an attempt was made to coax him away, he howled so piteously, that those who heard him, declared his cry was distressing. But when force was used, he met it with savage and ungovernable fury. The neighbors taking compassion on him, gave him food every day, but the faithful creature rejected it with indifference. He clung to the only memorial which he possessed of his master, with a tenacity which nothing could shake, until death at last came to relieve his broken and affectionate heart.
Richmond Whig.