“Dogs often seem to understand what is said about them,” replied Grandpapa; “but he would be very foolish to object to being taken to such a pleasant place. He will have the kindest care until a good home is found for him.”
“Will they let him play?” asked Sam, greatly interested, and continuing to keep a strong hold upon the struggling Toby.
“Certainly they will, and he will find other dogs there too. I don’t doubt he will have a fine time.”
Foolish Toby kept up his struggles at intervals, for he couldn’t bear the thought of being taken to the Home. “A dog’s poorhouse, that is what it is,” he said to himself.
“I wonder how they happened to think of making a home for dogs that are lost,” said Sam.
“I can tell you what I know about it,” said Grandpapa. “A very tender-hearted lady who loves dogs and cats, thought there should be some place in the city where lost and neglected animals could be sent. So she went about to see people, and wrote letters about it until she got people sufficiently interested to give money towards it. Then they hired a house in the middle of the city, and all the stray dogs and cats people find are taken there and kindly cared for.”
“That lady must be very kind,” said Sam, thoughtfully. “I should like to see her.”
“Perhaps you will some day. They had a Christmas-tree for the dogs and cats last year, and I’m told they all had a fine time.”
Sam burst out laughing, and Billy laughed too, to think of a Christmas-tree for dogs and cats.