In memory of Greyfriar's Bobby

[Pat and Traveler]

In the early 1800's a man called John Gray, a gardener, arrived in Edinburgh with his wife and son looking for work. The weather was cold, however, and the ground was hard, so there were no gardening jobs available. He took what work he could find, and became a member of the Edinburgh Police Force - a Constable.

As a condition of his job, John Gray was required to have a dog. He bought a Skye Terrier and named him Bobby (Bobby was the nickname for Constables in the Police Force). Bobby became a beloved and loyal companion.

Unfortunately, after a few years as a policeman, John Gray became ill with tuberculosis, and died in February 1958. He was buried in old Greyfriars Kirkyard (Churchyard) in an unremarkable grave with no gravestone.

For the next fourteen years, Bobby sat and kept guard over his master's grave. He left the grave only for food, waiting patiently until the one o'clock gun was sounded, when he visited the cafe at 5/6 Greyfriar's Place which he used to frequent with his master. There the owners (who changed over the years) would feed him his dinner. The last owner to feed Bobby, John Traill, had a special dish made for him (engraved "Bobby's Dinner Dish"), which can be seen in the Museum of Edinburgh.

The gardener and keeper of Greyfriars, James Brown, tried often to remove Bobby from the Kirkyard, but finally gave up and provided a shelter instead, by placing sacking beneath two tablestones at the side of John Gray’s grave.

Bobby’s fame spread throughout Edinburgh. On a daily basis the crowds would gather at the entrance of the Kirkyard waiting for the one o'clock gun and a glimpse of Bobby leaving for his meal.

In 1867 a bye-law was passed that required dogs to be licensed or destroyed. Sir William Chambers (The Lord Provost of Edinburgh) paid Bobby's licence himself, and presented him with a collar with the brass inscription "Greyfriars Bobby from the Lord Provost 1867 licensed". This can also be seen at the Museum of Edinburgh.

The people of Edinburgh looked after the faithful Bobby while he watched over his master. to his master. Bobby died in 1972.    (Info from website Find Out About Dogs.com)

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

There a movie about Greyfriar's Bobby that was one of my favorites years ago.

At the cemetery where my parents are buried, I regularly see a couple who bring their German Shepherd to visit a grave. I don't want to intrude on their privacy by asking questions, but it always moves me deeply to see that dog sitting at the graveside.

[ej]

I first heard this story from my colleague, he is a Scottish from Edinburgh.  We were sharing stories about our dogs and my neighbor's dog (a West Highland Terrier), when he asked if I have heard about Grayfriars Bobby.  This story reminds me of a Japanese story about an Akita named Hachiko.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hachiko

 

And by the way -- "In the early 1800's a man called John Gray, a gardener, arrived in Edinburgh with his wife and son looking for work.....John Gray became ill with tuberculosis, and died in February 1958."  I think it should read "and died in February 1858"

 

 

 

 

[Pat and Traveler]

Then there's the story of Bum and Shorty, the burro...

Bum
This story begins not with a dog, but with a burro named Shorty. After years of service in the mines around town, Shorty turned into the "beloved town mooch" in Fairplay, Colorado. When he died, it seemed only natural to bury him on the courthouse lawn. Enter Bum. Bum was a stray and, apparently, Shorty's best friend. Bum was so broken-hearted at the loss of his friend that he laid down on Shorty's grave. For days, he refused to move or eat, no matter what the townspeople did. Finally, Bum died as well. The townspeople were so moved by this act of devotion that they buried Bum next to Shorty and resurrected a monument to the two that still stands to this day.

[F, Calla & Luca]

It certainly makes one think.

[Pat and Traveler]

Bobby and the dog in Nina's story knew where their masters were buried.  Bobby was in the funeral parade for his master.  Very few dogs whose masters die know where the graves are.  I wonder if more dogs would behave this way if they knew?  (Don't mean for this to sound morbid--just think it's a fascinating behavior.) 

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Animals, and for me dogs in particular, have so much to teach us.  This is an inspiring story....I have never heard it before.  Thanks, Pat.

[BG and Gavin]

We have a dear, wonderful neighbour across the road (his Scottish brogue is so prominent, I sometimes don't understand what he is saying).  He is from Bobby's home town.  He loves Gavin - calls he a "wee beautiful lad" (despite the fact that he ain't so wee).  He always remarks about his wonderful eyes and shaggy appearance and that he reminds him of Grayfriar's Bobby.  One day he knocked on the door and presented me with the dvd movie - the story of Grayfriars Bobby.  I watched it and cryed.  It was such a truly sweet gift.  He says Gavin is the best dog he's ever seen, but Gavin (and Gavin's mom) think he is the best neighbour we have ever seen!  Thanks for reminding me.

[F, Calla & Luca]

This and the story posted by Nina are so moving.

[Pat and Traveler]

These stories are all so touching.  Makes me wonder about memory vs conditioning for dogs, loyalty, love--so many things.  

[Nina, Phil, Harlow & Lacey]

I read this news article (http://blogs.dogtime.com/editors-notepad/2011/01/dog-refuses-to-lea...) just this morning.  It made me think of Greyfriar's Bobby.