A DOG TALE

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2753, 24 April 1916, Page 9

A DOG TALE

ON BEING A MASCOT. (By "Boat 'Arbour Bill.") Yes! Strangely enough, I shall be sorry when this war is over. 1 like this gay Bohemian lil'e, following the troops about from place to place during- the day; and last week we had a glorious time coming over the mountains with the 'Twelfths on their pilgrimage from Eeatherston .to Trentliam. Where did I come from? Well, I was originally a farmer's dog in the Wairarapa, but when fclio camp started there some months ago, and tho soldiers on me, I grew tired of chasing the silly sheep about, and found this life much more to my liking. At first, you know,' I merely barked my appreciation from tho paddock as tho soldiers wont by overy morning; but that soon fell flat, and I decided to accompany them down the road a while, and, lifting the life and "stray tit-bits" I was told by other dogs could be picked up for the asking, one fino morning I l?apt through tho wire fence as tho lads came by, with the firm conviction that I would never go back to . farm life again while this glorious war was on. Of course, I have been some time at the ganio now, and a knowing dog like me picks _up some points; and if you aro thinking of taking on the profession of a regimental mascot, there are ft few hints I could give you. For instance, every mascot knows this, or should know it, but in case you. don't I will tell you, that men are just like sheep, but you must treat them differently: "Sheep i'ou drive,.but men yon must lead. Consequently, wall; proudly at the head of the column, as if you really led them", and don't go round biting their heels, or you will make yourself unpopular. 'Hiey will follow all ri<*ht. Another thing, when the Colonel or the Officer Commanding notices' yoit during halts—as he must d« if you walk alongsido him on the march— don't forget to roll over on your back, 101 l your red tongue out to its full extent, and smile as if it tickled you to death when ho stoops clown to pat you —foi then you know that your job is assured. A lot of dogs seem to think it is necessary to attach yourself to some particular regiment, but that is quitti a mistako, and a waste 'of valuable time. Any column will do for tlio timo being, and even a platoon will do for a start. I have known dogs that .have gone out with a different platoon every /fay, whilst others make it their proud boast that they change at every halt, but those dogs are raises, mostly "fast young dogs.", for myself I prefer to stick to one Reinforcement— as long as it goes out .on tho maroh every day—and take the head of the column, .whichover company is in the lead, the Tesult being that all hands now know me well. . ' . One word of 'advice to you in partSig, and I am done for the time bomg. Remember well, whether you are a platoon mascot, company mascot, or regimental mascot—when you have made your choice for the day—"Chase all other dogs off at the double." And then, in the words "of tho Officer's ' Training Manual, "Get to know your men!" The rest is easy.' "Packs on!" says the 0.C., and "smoko oh!" being over, we preparo to resume our march, and my talk with tho regimental mascot of. the Twelfth Infantry is over.