A sagacious dog – Aberdeen Herald and General Advertiser 2 November 1844:
A dog, of a mongrel breed, who is well known about Castle Street by the name of “the Doctor,” has been, for some time past, in the habit of begging halfpennies from all and sundry with whom he could claim the slightest acquaintance.
He is very partial to, and is a great favourite with the recruiting soldiers who usually parade in Castle Street, in many of whom he owes and boundless debt of gratitude for the many favours he has received at their hands.
The Doctor, however, does not foolishly throw away the money given to him, but spends it in the most judicious manner.
The shop he first patronizes with his custom was that of a baker, who only gave him a bap or a biscuit for his bawbee; but he was now changed his place of business – not on account of any difference in political or religious feeling, but simply because, in mercantile phraseology, “he can do better.”
The Doctor, who is becoming somewhat epicurean in his eating, now frequents a cook-shop, kept by a black man in Exchequer Row, who gives him good value for his money – one day, perhaps, a bit of potted-head; another, a slice of cold meat, or something dainty.
Last week, this animal struck up an acquaintance with several gentlemen who take their stand at the Athenaeum door, between the hours of nine and ten in the morning. While this acquaintanceship is amusing to the one party, who are glad to see that their charity is not thrown away or improperly spent, as is too frequently the case even when bestowed upon bipeds, it is very profitable to the other.
From the Doctor’s punctual habits of attendance and his good conduct, we have no doubt that he will soon get into favour with the major part of the subscribers to the Athenaeum.
We may also state, as a trait in his character, that, when not hungry, he has been known to give to children, who are favourites with him, the halfpennies given to himself.
In the course of one afternoon, he gave a little girl twopence which he obtained in small coin.
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