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The LiteraryLife
DOG DAYS
The well-meaning soul who wrote of the dog's enduring devotion is somewhat delu- ded, in my opinion. Imagine a dog waiting around a graveyard for his deceased mastert I contend that this is highly improbable. Good, unsentimental, morbid common sense would immediately deduce that the dog was simply unable to leave under his own power, because he knew of the enticing boneyard beneath him.
Impressions given to young puppies are never forgotten. With the proper patience you can mould a dog's mind to your own will. Such is the belief held by some fanatics. If I am to believe this, I take it that you should never, ne- ver crawl on your hands and knees in front of a very young puppy. He will won- der if he is expected to walk onhis hind legs, smoke cigar-s, drink beer and beat his wife.
This dog would also develop an inferiority compl~x about his lack of cloth- ing and it would be a gigantic task to provide him with a complete wardrobe and restore his self-respect.
Dogs must be pampered without restraint. When a dog reaches the adolescent age, be extremely careful not to offend or frustrate him in any way, or you will blight the happiest years of his dear little life. When he begins to have oc- casional dates, always have the coal chute open for him to make a quiet entry. Never make any pointed remarks about his blackness at the breakfast table next morning. Pretend not to notice the blond cocker hairs on his shoulder, and do not pry into his affairs. In this way he will gradually aquire confidence in you and willingly tell you all his secrets.
If your dog persists in wandering about and using the aforementioned coal chute too frequently, this will present a problem. To answer this, of course,is to analyze his home life. Make his home a pleasant place to live. Play his type of music on the record-player and radio. Encourage him to bring friends home. If he persists in overeating, do not worry if it is not all sweets.
Opcasionally, if a dog becomes socially insecure, he will become a chronic garbage kleptomaniac. Do not criticize these unfortunates, as they have no con- trol over their actions.
Most dogs are totally devoid of racial discrimination. If you don't be- lieve this, I have a living example in my dog, who is a dubious cross between a Great Dane and a Chihuahua.
(First Prize, intermediate essay) WITH NIMBLER HANDS
I took the clay between my hands And carefully shaped a gentle leaf; And then another, five in all --
Bob Robinson, Grade XII
''rill from the clay the flower breaks forth. I think of the Almighty God,
Who shaped the lilies of the field
With other clay than what I wield,
And nimbler hands than I.
His hands were gentle as they shaped the flower, And gentle as they made the lamb.
'Twas He who shaped the towering mounts With rugged beauty but no caress;
'Twas He who made the mighty beasts
And formed their strong and supple limbs. But did He spend more thought on these Than on a fragile flower?
(First prize,
junior poetry) Rosemary Rupert,XB
Rosemary also won first prize in the junior contest with her essay, "The Fruit of Toil". We regret that there was not enough space to publish it.
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