SHIP’S CAPTAIN KEEPS ALSATIAN DOG AS PET

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27443, 17 July 1950, Page 6

SHIP’S CAPTAIN KEEPS ALSATIAN DOG AS PET

Seamen in the visiting freighter Duke of Athens take little notice when they see a large dog chasing a cat in and out the cabins of the ship. To them it merely means that Judy, a young Alsatian dog and companion of the captain, is trying to play with Tiger, the sole survivor of a family of seven cats which once lived in the ship. Tiger is doubtful about Judy, and evidently prefers to be alone.

Judy has lived in the ship ever since she was bought as a pup by her master, Captain John G. Lomas, at Sydney, two years ago. Now an acknowledged member of the crew, she has the full freedom of the ship. Like most of her kind, she has a voracious appetite, and is also a stickler for comfort. Consequently, her favourite haunt during the day is the galley, and at night the captain’s cabin. “She is soft. She will bark at you, but run away if you show aggression,” remarked r Apprentice Seaman D. Montague. The Daily Times reporter had just moved away from the dog, with something akin to apprehension in his eyes. Second Officer Louis Labistour: I am not so sure. Remember West Africa. As the story went, the natives on the coast in West Africa always boarded visiting ships to sell their wares or to offer to do some washing for the seamen. As they were constantly passing in and out of the quarters in the ship, there was a danger of stealing, and consequently Captain Lomas would give them an hour to go about their business. When the time was up Judy would be let loose among the natives, who within seconds would all be scrambling over the sidemf the ship. "Judy hates the sight of West Africans,” explained Mr Labistour. “Nevertheless, she is a good dog.” Several seamen think that Judy is being spoiled and that she does not get enough exercise in the confined spaces of the ship. Apart from pursuing Tiger, the cat, her only recreation •is swimming. Whenever is swimming. Whatever are the criticisms of Judy, however, she is at least a proficient swimmer, and will howl incessantly if not included in water games with the men.

On her present trip from London, Judy had other canine company, a Welsh Corgi being consigned to Suva and a spaniel to Dunedin. According to the seamen, the dogs “did not get on well together.” The Welsh dog, in particular, was antagonistic, and bit a piede out of Judy’s head. Had Judy been aroused, however, said the seamen, there would have been nothing left of the Welsh dog.