1864 – A “Bosom” Friend

“A  Bosom Friend” is a full-page book plate image, taken from “Animal Sagacity”, edited by Mrs S.C.Hall, and published by S.W.Partridge, circa 1866. The accompanying anecdote which was reported in “The Sportman’s Cabinet” was that of a farmer, Mr.H.Hawkes, residing in Halling, in Kent. On returning one night with his dog, he took himself by a different way and when the snow fell fast, he lost his way and fell down exhausted. Turning onto his back, he was soon overpowered with either sleep or cold. His faithful dependent, first scratched away at the snow, so as to throw up a protecting wall around the helpless master, then mounted upon the exposed body, rolled around and laid upon his masters bosom, for which the shaggy coat proved a most seasonable covering. The following morning, a person who was out with his gun, spotted the uncommon sight and ventured to approach. The dog got off the body and encouraged the sportsman by his actions. He immediately recognised the farmer, and sought assistance to move the body, which he could not tell if alive or dead. But a pulse was found and in due time the farmer was sufficiently recovered to relate the story. A local medic offered the farmer ten guineas for the dog, to which the farmer replied “so long as I have a bone to my meat, and or a crust to my bread, I will divide it with the faithful friend who has preserved my life.” Image available in A4, A3 and A2 sizing options.