MAIL CARRIED BY A DOG by Ohio Farmer

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jun 9, 1890

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 16, No. 22.

MAIL CARRIED BY A DOG.

By Ohio Farmer

ONE day the postmaster of a small suburb of Bismarck, S. D., wanted to send word to his brother in town, but did not want to make the trip. It occurred to him to try the dog. He wrote a letter and tied it around the dog's neck, pointing the dog's nose toward Bismarck, and then told him to go. He trotted off a short distance and then turned about to see what else was wanted. Some of the small boys showered stones at him, and he ran on to Bismarck. Next day he returned with an answer tied on his neck, and he showed that he had been well treated. The experiment was repeated, each time with success and additional dignity on the part of the dog.

As soon as it became known that Dorsey could be depended upon, requests were constantly made by the miners to send their mail by him. The loads soon increased, and it became evident that they could not tie on all the letters. The miners then ordered a handsome little mail-bag and fitted it to the dog's shoulders. It is fastened around his chest by one strap and around his body, back of the forelegs, by another. He has never

missed a trip for about three years or lost a letter. Now, when the stage comes in, he gets up, stretches himself, walks to the post-office, waits to have the mail strapped on him, and starts off as soon as he is told all is ready. He will go a long way around to avoid meeting a stranger, seeming to realize the importance of his mission.—Ohio Farmer.