31-01-2013, 08:38 PM
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We've all heard the phrase that a dog is Man's Best Friend.
We've all heard the phrase that a dog is Man's Best Friend.(Nowadays this phrase should be applied equally to both men and women)
Many believe the phrase a Man's Best Friend, originated from Senator George Graham Vest of Missouri, during a closing argument he presented to a jury back in 1870.
His client, was a grief-stricken man who was suing his neighbour for damages, for having shot and killed his beloved hunting dog, Old Drum, the previous year.
Not only did Senator Vest win the case for his client, there wasn't a dry eye in the courtroom after his closing argument.
To this day, a statue of the foxhound Old Drum remains standing in front of the Warrensburg, Missouri courthouse.
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Man's Best Friend - Excerpts from Senator Graham Vest's closing argument:
Gentlemen of the jury:
The best friend a man has in this world may turn against him and become his enemy.
His son or daughter that he has reared with loving care may prove ungrateful.
Those who are nearest and dearest to us, those whom we trust with our happiness and our good name, may become traitors to their faith.
The money that a man has, he may lose. It flies away from him, perhaps when he needs it the most.
A man’s reputation may be sacrificed in a moment of ill-considered action.
The people who are prone to fall on their knees to do us honor when success is with us may be the first to throw the stone of malice when failure
settles its cloud upon our heads.
The one absolutely unselfish friend that a man can have in this selfish world, the one that never deserts him and the one that never proves
ungrateful or treacherous is his dog.
Gentlemen of the jury:
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 wintry 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 wounds and sores that come in encounters 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.
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31-01-2013, 10:36 PM
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Re: We've all heard the phrase that a dog is Man's Best Friend.
That's a great thread, Michael, and I agree with everything said.Dogs are faithful to the end. Here's the Wiki on Greyfriars Bobby - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greyfriars_Bobby. There is a statue of him in Edinburgh and I always go to see it when I go there!
Thanks for sharing that, Michael. Brilliant.
Good one!
01-02-2013, 11:22 AM
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Re: We've all heard the phrase that a dog is Man's Best Friend.
Originally Posted by Brandykins
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That's a great thread, Michael, and I agree with everything said.Dogs are faithful to the end. Here's the Wiki on Greyfriars Bobby - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greyfriars_Bobby. There is a statue of him in Edinburgh and I always go to see it when I go there!
Thanks for sharing that, Michael. Brilliant.
01-02-2013, 11:27 AM
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Re: We've all heard the phrase that a dog is Man's Best Friend.
Originally Posted by Alan Cooke
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How does this square with those dogs that rip their owners to pieces ?
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This is very disturbing considering they are called man's best friend..
Some still retain their predatory instinct and if we display prey behaviour it could trigger an attack.
Other dog breeds display aggressive behaviour and attack without warning .
Pit Bull Terriers, Rotweillers and others are much more prone to attack people and young children with fatal consequences.
These pets have attacked and sometimes killed other dogs, other dog owners, and even their own owners.
Dogs generally are faithful companions, loyal, affectionate and ask very little in return other than food,water and a comfortable home
Most dogs accept their owner without question and if you love it and treat it right you are it's world.
They are very loyal and will protect their owner with everything they have regardless of their size.
Perhaps our government over here should take the lead (however painful to owners) and introduce a total ban on the more aggressive breeds.?
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01-02-2013, 01:35 PM
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Re: We've all heard the phrase that a dog is Man's Best Friend.
Originally Posted by sue_arnold
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Faithful as long as you keep feeding them.
Dogs are extremely faithful, even without food.
01-02-2013, 08:03 PM
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Re: We've all heard the phrase that a dog is Man's Best Friend.
Originally Posted by Brandykins
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Greyfriars Bobby had to be forced to leave and to eat!Dogs are extremely faithful, even without food.
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