National Dog Week was started in 1928 by Captain Will Judy, a noted dog judge and former publisher of Dog World Magazine. The purpose of National Dog Week is to remind everyone that owning a dog is a responsibility that we must uphold. The theme of this years’ National Dog Week is “Mans’ Best Friend” a saying we hear over and over again and I think we forget just how true that statement is. The concept that mans’ best friend is his dog, is believed to originated in the courtroom of a trial way back in 1869. Sen. George Graham Vest, of Missouri was defending a man who was seeking damages from his brother in law for killing his dog, a foxhound called Old Drum. During the closing arguments of the trial he gave a speech that is now referred to as "Tribute to the American Dog." Here is a portion of the speech.
"The best friend a man has in the world may turn against him and become his enemy. His son or daughter that he has reared with loving care may prove ungrateful. Those who are nearest and dearest to us, those whom we trust with our happiness and our good name may become traitors to their faith ... "The one absolutely unselfish friend that man can have in this selfish world, the one that never deserts him, the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous, is his dog. ... He will sleep on the cold ground, where the wintry winds blow and the snow drives fiercely, if only he may be near his master's side. He will kiss the hand that has no food to offer. ... If fortune drives the master forth, an outcast in the world, friendless and homeless, the faithful dog asks no higher privilege than that of accompanying him. ..."
Old Drum now has his own monument in Warrensburg, Missouri with the famous speech inscribed below. Oh and they won the case by the way!
A recent story reminds me of the meaning of Mans’ Best Friend. The story of the U.S. Navy Seal Jon T. Tumilson who lost his life during service on August 6 this year, who was mourned by his loyal dog Hawkeye. The photo brought tears to my eyes before I even read the story.
During this upcoming week, that this year runs September 26-28, lets all remember how wonderful dogs really are and how much we owe it to them to do all we can to help them.
I didn't know National Dog Week Existed, so I'm very glad you posted this!
ReplyDeletePoor Hawkeye, his picture just made me want to bawl. I hope he's okay, at his new owner's house (my understanding is the new household is where Hawkeye stayed when Tumilson was deployed).
It's funny, I know about an Old Drum in Missouri, but they're a Doberman breeder! I guess the historic Old Drum is why they picked that name, what a fantastic choice.