Horace
1982-1998
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 property, in health and in sickness. He will sleep on the gold ground where the winter 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 wing and reputation falls to pieces he is as constant in his love as the sun in it's 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 it's 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.
Senator George Graham Vest, 1870
Horace as a young pup waiting for me to come home from work
Ooops! He spotted me. He's ready to spring into action
The new pup on the premises 1982
Me and Horace, our first Christmas card picture 1985
A mature Horace, this Christmas card picture taking is hold hat now - 1988
Old Horace, near the end 1998
My Mom, Horace and me - Horace doesn't want no one else holding him except me
Me and my buddy and constant companion, Horace
Horace's favorite activity - going for a ride - the way I will always remember him
