WELCOME FOR MASTER

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 61, Issue 282, 10 September 1941, Page 6

WELCOME FOR MASTER

DOG’S GREETING ON WHARF. (Sp.) WELLINGTON, Sept. 9. Among the people gathered on the wharf when the hospital ship came alongside was one little group of relatives anxiously scanning the line of walking cases ranged along the ship’s rails. With them was a dog, nondescript of breed and rotund with the passing of years. While the ship, broadside on, was still many feet away from the wharf, the dog, which up to then had been taking only a normal dog’s interest in the proceedings suddenly stiffened gazing intently up at the waving line of soldiers. Then he broke into excited barks and began rushing to and fro and round in circles. He tore to the water’s side and made as if to leap in and swim toward the ship. It was some time before the formalities on board the vessel were completed and the invalided men began to come ashore. When his long-absent master stepped ashore the dog’s excitement rose to a new frenzy as he tore round and round the little party wending its way across to the Casualty Clearing Hospital.