KING’S DOG COMPANIONS

Greymouth Evening Star, 13 December 1935, Page 12

KING’S DOG COMPANIONS

PERSONAL WORK AT KENNELS. A lesser known aspect of the King’s personal interests is revealed in a book called “The King’s Dogs.” writ-ten-by Major Mitford Brice, the wellknown canine authority (states tho London “Daily Telegraph.”) As a measure of the King’s interest in his kennels it is suffiicent to say that his love of dogs equals that of Queen Victoria, and Queen Alexandra. No higher standard could be taken as r, comparison. In a foreword Major Brice says: “It is not generally realised that in his Labradors and Clumber Spaniels the King not only possesses one of the most notable kennels of shooting dogs in the country, but that, the fine working qualities of tehse dogs are mainly attributable to hiS Majesty’s personal supervision of the policy of his own kennels.” The book is dedicated to “Sandringham Spark, the King’s favourite Clumber Spaniel, a dog of high distinction and grand character who.

while still at the zenith of his powers, died on May 31, 1935.” A magnificent photographic study of the head of Sandringham Spark forms the frontispiece, and the book contains more than 40 other photographs of famous Royal dogs and scenes of the Sandringham kennels, taken by Mr. Stanley Ballance. An interesting part of the Sandringham estate m llm canine cemetery. Tho gravestone:- of (he King's pm-smm! house dogs are built into the north

wall of York Cottage stables. The little company of four unforgotten pets, together with Bob, the King’s present Cairn, span a period of 42 years’ companionship with their Royal master. On the grave of each is a simple epitaph. The stone of a. favourite Sealy--Imm, for example, reads: "Jack, for 14 years the constant and faithful companion of His Majesty King George. Pied Dec. 21. 1928." There is one paragraph in the book

which will arouse the sympathy of “dog lover in the street.” Major B says: “Tho King’s dogs, as his compani mean far more to his Majesty t their triumphs in the shov‘-ring.”