A DOG THAT LOVED LAGER BEER.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9142, 25 August 1888, Page 2 (Supplement)

A DOG THAT LOVED LAGER BEER.

Poor Nellie is dead ! Nellie was a dog, a fine specimen of the Russian fox-terrier breed. She had one fault, and that was her love for lager beer. Nellie was considered an inveterate tippler, and while "crazy drunk" the other day met a terrible death by being run over and killed by a heavy laden truck. There were probably few such smart dogs as Nellie. She was the property of Andrew Reardon, a bar tender in Lynch's saloon. Last summer Nellie, who had made the saloon her headquarters, became addicted to the use of lager. It was nothing unusual to see the animal going to the trough and sipping the drippings. The customers rather enjoyed this, and for hours sometimes watched the antics of the young dog. During the winter months she limited her consumption of the beverage, and appeared resolved to drink moderately. As the warm weather came on, however, Nellie drank more than ever, and on account of her intemperate habits and foolish action became a scandal to the neighbourhood. Not until recently did Nellie show symptoms of having become a complete slave to drink, however. Her owner observed it also and kept her securely chained in the rear of the store, furnishing her with a moderate allowance of lager. Two weeks ago Nellie gave birth to pups, and she was released from her imprisonment. She was chased away from the beer trough several times, but when not observed would tackle the lager again. She began to drink to excess, and would stagger when in that condition to her bunk and sleep off the effects of her debauch. It was no uncommon occurrence after a nap of a few hours for her to po straightway again to the trough and quench her thirst. Since the birth of her puppies she had become more dissipated than ever before. One day she began to sip the lager at an unusually early hour. She slept during the forenoon, and in the afternoon again imbibed to such an extent that she became tipsy, and staggered around the rear room. Nellie finally reached the street, where she wandered into the gutter. In trying to dodge a car she accidentally got got under the wheels of the truck, and was killed outright. The mangled remains of the favourite animal were gathered together and buried in a vacant lot net for away.