RANDOM REMINDER

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31665, 29 April 1968, Page 16

RANDOM REMINDER

HAND OUT

Residents of Christchurch hill suburbs are noted for the regularity and enthusiasm with which they extoll the virtues of their chosen districts—the climate, the view, the friendliness of good neighbours. They are all so friendly up there that even the canine population has caught on. . . . One hillside family lost its dog, a beloved animal which had grown old with the family. Their grief was matched by that of Sam, a golden cocker spaniel which had been a constant companion of the

- departed. Far from shun- > ning his old friend’s house, Sam became an even more frequent visitor, treating 1 it as a second home, even f performing simple tricks 1 for the family’s amuse- : ment. Sam's sympathy was much appreciated, and > he was always made welt come. Sometimes, he i seemed just a little uneasy, but he continued t to accept affection, and I sustenance. i One evening his host r remarked that Sam did not ? seem his usual self, and ' the man said he thought i he should escort Sam > home. This he did, stay-

ing to chat for a while with Sam’s owner, watching Sam greet his own folk and have a light supper before going to his ketmel for the night. Their eyebrows shot up inches when it was discovered that the kennel was already occupied ‘by another Sam—or was it THE Sam?; how many Sams WERE there? Both dogs looked a little sheepish, but said nothing. At present, a census is being taken of golden cockers in the locality to determine the full strength of this latest Friendly Society.