[Dedication]

To
George Thorndike Angell
President Of The American Humane Education Society
The Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals,
and the Parent American Band of Mercy
19 Milk St., Boston
This Book is Respectfully Dedicated
by the Author

[Contents]

[Preface]

Beautiful Joe is a real dog, and "Beautiful Joe" is his real name. He belonged during the first part of his life to a cruel master, who mutilated him in the manner described in the story. He was rescued from him, and is now living in a happy home with pleasant surroundings, and enjoys a wide local celebrity.

The character of Laura is drawn from life, and to the smallest detail is truthfully depicted. The Morris family has its counterparts in real life, and nearly all of the incidents of the story are founded on fact.

The Author

.