NICKY DOOLAN

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 49, Issue 201, 11 June 1929, Page 7

NICKY DOOLAN

A TRUE DOG STORY.

AN “ADOPTED” BROTHER. In introducing Nicky IDoolan, let me explain at the outset tliat he lays no claim to super-dogdom, nor would his pedigree bo likely to gain him laurels at Crufts or tlie Kennel Club, although I understand that his antecedents, particularly ou his mother’s side, are by no means to be despised, writes “An Admirer” in “Overseas.” It is, however, on his own merits —his delightful personality and engaging manner, and his infinite loyalty and wisdom, tnat Nicky makes Ins appeal. Nicky’s reputation, now firmly established, was at one time in his early youtli seriously in jeopardy. By this I do not mean to infer that our hero’s early career was one of crime. His weakness (I refuse to call it vice) was merely a perfectly natural aversion to —(let me whisper it) —sheep. Now, personally, I can quite understand a normal sport-loving dog’s temptation in this, direction —for, after all, the reckless, senseless notions of a flock of sheep is enough to irritate any intelligent dog, who naturally scorns a foe that always takes to flight, and that is, moreover, entirely lacking in method and void' of all sense of direction.

At this, the most critical period in his life, Nicky was given one more chance to reform, and as the result of firm if painful measures meted out by his master, Nicky .emerged a sadder and wiser dog, and hie behaviour has ever since been beyond reproach. Nicky is a well-known character in the little Scottish town, where lie rules supreme at the shop in the High Street where his master is employed. In the days of his puppyhoodl Nicky fell into evil hands, ana severe illusage very nearly ruined his character, making him for some time after his rescue shrink terror-stricken from human contact. Gentle and kindly treatment have, however, gradually restored his confidence, and. it is therefore small wonder that his affection for the master who rescued him from his misery amounts to idolatry. Somewhat small in build, yet remarkably sturdy, with dark, glossy coat and long, silky ears, this delightful little spaniel owes much of his arresting appearance to his eyes, which are light blue and infinitely wise, if somewhat sad. He is possessed, however, of an indomitable courage, which has gained for him a very high reputation as a warrior to be treated with the utmost respect. Sensitive in the extreme, Nicky is very responsive to the kindly word and affectionate caress, and frequently appears mysteriously from nowhere on hearing a familiar voice in the shop. An irresistible beggar, he comes in for many a tasty snack, and, in this instance again, Nicky shows himself capable of ,a generosity and unselfishness that is not always found in humans, for he frequently carries his spoil home, not to bury for hie own future use, but as an offering to his adopted “brother,” a small Pekingese belonging to his mistress. On these occasions a little comedy is enacted. If tlie smaller dog siiafShes the tit-bit is withdrawn, and Nicky, the complete autocrat, will yield it up only upon the perfect submission, of his little protegee 1 The outstanding events in Nicky’s daily life are tho departure and return of his master 7 s van. Soon after five in tlie evening Nicky becomes restless, and may he seen running, in and' out of the shop, looking eagerly up and down the street, his little stumpy tail wagging expectantly. At last his master appears. Nicky rushes to greet him, his loyal little heart pounding rapturously. Surely such wealth of lo.ve and devotion is not destined to be snuffed out like a candle in the wind. There are those who say a dog has no soul. I wonder. •