Beautiful Joe: The Book From a Dog's Point of View

1. The Cruel Milkman

I am an Airedale type dog, one of six pups born in a stable in Meaford in the 1880's. My mother, Jess, tried to take care of us but our owner, Jenkins, killed the other pups and treated her terribly. Despite his cruelty, my mother dutifully followed him on his rounds delivering milk each morning until she became too ill from neglect and died. It was at this time Jenkins cut off my ears and tail with an axe, after I tried to defend my mother.

2. How I Got My Name

Little did I know the adversity I had experienced would lead to a good life with a warm and caring family. I was rescued by a passer-by and taken to a nearby home. There, the Morris family tended my wounds with great care and gentleness. My favourite was the daughter Laura, but her four brothers and parents treated me and each other with kindness and respect.

I was really such an awful sight, thick bandages front and back. Someone thought my name was Joe; another wanted to call me Ugly Joe, but the Morris family decided on Beautiful Joe. What a nice name; I think I'm going to like it here.

3. House Full of Pets

This family liked animals. I had lots to play with: two other dogs called Jim and Billy, Malta the cat, fifteen or twenty rabbits, Davy the rat, about a dozen canaries, two dozen goldfish, some pigeons, chickens, one guinea pig and Fleetfoot the horse.

4. Taking Care of Pets

I learned how pets should be treated. A pet is like a child. If you want it clean and pleasant, you must keep it so. With Jenkins, I was always sullen and obstinate - he thought I was stupid. If he had shown me some kindness, I would have done anything for him.

5. My Adventures

Learn how Bella the parrot catches a burglar. I crashed through a glass window to save Malta the cat from being attacked by strange dogs. One of my rewards was catching my old master Jenkins while he was robbing a neighbour's house. My barking and persistence allowed the police to catch and arrest him. Another incident occurred during afternoon tea when I jumped up amongst the cakes and goodies to protect Laura from a green snake. It was quite messy.

6. Summer Vacation with Laura

We had a great summer at Dingley farm in the country; my first ride by railway. There I met even more friends and learned how to care for and treat the animals. Laura joined a group of other children who met to tell stories about animals. We shared the rudiments of ecology and how animals and humans interact and affect each other. Laura and I discovered a barn of neglected animals and helped them to recover.

7. Fire at Home

It was nice to return home to Meaford in the fall during apple picking season. Unfortunately, a troop of performing animals was lost in a local hotel fire shortly thereafter. The Morris family felt so bad; they gave the animal trainer their dog Billy.

8. My Story

So there you have a year of my life in a nutshell. I invite you to read my book and practice the humane treatment of pets and all animals.

If you would like to read the full story of Beautiful Joe, the book can be obtained locally at in Meaford, Ontario at our office, the Chamber of Commerce, Grandma Lamb's and local book stores. It can also be obtained from these fine online book stores:

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