Remembering Val

The one absolutely unselfish friend that a man can have in this selfish world, the one that never deserts him, the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous, is his dog.  A man’s dog stands by him in prosperity and in poverty, in health and in sickness.   He will sleep on the cold ground where the wintery 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, he will lick the sores and wounds that come in encounter with the roughness of the world.   He guards the sleep of his Pauper master as if he were a prince.  When all other friends desert, he remains.  When riches take wings and reputation falls to pieces, he is as constant in his love as the sun in its journey through the heavens.  If misfortune drives the master forth an outcast in the world, friendless and homeless, the faithful dog asks no higher privilege than that of accompanying him to guard against danger, to fight against his enemies.  And when the last scene of all comes, and death takes the master in its embrace, and his body is laid away in the cold ground, no matter if all other friends pursue their way, there by the graveside will the noble dog be found, his head between his paws, his eyes sad, but open in alert watchfulness, faithful and true, even in death.
—   Former Senator George Graham Vest of Missouri
1870,  Vest was acting as a lawyer in a suit against a man who had killed the dog of his client.
Vest’s client won the case.
[I saw this in my journal and it reminded me that one year ago we lost our Val.  Here is the link to my posting on our loss:   Good-Bye, Val which includes the 10 Canine Commandments.     —    kmab]
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On This Day In:
2023	Between Us And Darkness
2022	Or Simple Truths You Don’t Want To Believe
2021	I Never Could Keep A Secret
	A Half A Mile Or So (Sail On)
2020	Facing The Truth
2019	How Much Is Your Education Worth?
	Is America Ready: Mayor Pete – 2020!!
2018	Disruptive Definition
2017	A History Of Small Insights
2016	Be Uncommon
2015	Ooops!
2014	What Price Freedom?
2013	Remembering Val
2012	Good-bye, Val
	Survival Value
2011	Traitors In Our Midst
	Life Ain’t Easy

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