The veterinary surgeon who attended her said she was suffering
from sudden paralysis of the spine, and that she was incurable. This
disease, it appears, is not very rare amongst old dogs who have lived,
not always wisely, but too well."
"Do tell us about some other dogs," cry the children as I cease
speaking. I search my memory, and then turn to the group of little faces
that are waiting expectantly for me to begin, and continue:
"Amongst the various breeds of dogs that I have come across personally,
I know of none more faithful than the little fox-terrier is to his first
devotion. He is a perfect little bantam-cock to fight, and never so
happy as when he is in a row. 'The most unredeemed thing in nature,' was
a true remark I once heard made of one; and yet there is no dog more
devoted to his master, or more gentle to the children of his own
household.
"I remember a little white terrier of my mother's, a celebrated
prize-winner, and of the old Eggesford breed, called 'Spite.' Before I
married she was my special dog, and used to sleep in my room. For years
afterwards, although a general pet, whenever I returned to my old home
she would prefer me to every one else, and, when old and blind, would
toddle up the polished oak staircase to my room, in spite of being
terribly afraid of slipping through the carved bannisters. She never
forgot me or wavered when I was with her in giving me the first place in
her affections.
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