PERFORMING DOG

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22319, 17 January 1936, Page 6

PERFORMING DOG

.BONZO'S PROGRAMME DELIGHTED CHILDREN > VISIT PAID TO HOSPITAL Bonzo is one of Auck'and's many fox terriers —quite an ordinary-looking dog, except that ho has a large brown patch over one intelligent, eye, and his tail wags happily all the time. But when his mistress, Miss Lucille Payne, issues her commands, he becomes one of the canine intelligentsia, walking on his hind legs, waltzing, skipping and jumping through hoops without the slightest difficulty. For the benefit of the small boys and girls in the children's wards of the Auckland Hospital Bonzo performed yesterday afternoon, and for half an hour made them forget aches and pains, and the fact that it was holiday time for their schoolfellows. Like all artists Bonzo thrives on applause and he received his full share from the delighted children, who clapped heartily and laughed happily after every trick. Even the "bov with the heavilybandaged fingers and the tiny girl who could scarcely lift her head from the pillow managed to show appreciation b3' sparkling eyes and bright faces. Bonzo enjoyed the, performance almost as much as the children. His tail kept wagging all the time, and after each trick he tried to investigate his surroundings, and make friends with the small patients. The first part of the performance took place in the girls' ward, where Bonzo walked on his paws and hind legs, waltzed to the beat of " The lilue Danube" and showed .how he would arrive late at school. His audience laughed loudest when Miss Payne s|>elt for him the name of the small animal that lives in a hole and eats cheese. He made a furious search behind several beds, and came out with a toy elephant grasped proudly in his mouth. The elephant- proved a strong attraction and, although Bonzo jumped through a hoop and put his paws round Miss Payne's neck and hugged her. he was trying all the time to get back to the toy. . _. Another'appreciative audience greeted Bonzo and Miss Payne in the boys' ward, where the fox terrier repeated his tricks without the distraction of the elephant, and replied to the patients' applause with three Marked cheers. Miss Payne was thanked for the entertainment,, and Bonzo responded again. Then he was led away, leaving the boys and girls with delightful memories.