Vintage Views: Our beloved family dogs

Our beloved Coton de Tulear. Basil is a constant companion and loving member of our family.

Our beloved Coton de Tulear. Basil is a constant companion and loving member of our family. WENDY C. SPAIN—Courtesy

By JAMES W. SPAIN II

For the Monitor

Published: 01-11-2025 10:00 AM

“There are three faithful friends - an old wife, an old dog and ready money.” ~ Benjamin Franklin

It this cold winter eve I reflect on all that is comforting here within my home in Concord, New Hampshire. I am fortunate to have a home that provides much comfort and a life that affords me the necessities to survive quite well. As I sit and write todays story I enjoy the warmth from my fireplace, a comfortable chair, a fine cup of green tea and a very content dog sleeping at my feet.

His name is Basil and he is a very important part of our family, regarded as a loving member in fact. It is with this kind thought of Basil in mind I will share some thought-provoking stories relating to our beloved Concord dogs that lived well in our little town. There are countless tales of interesting stories and the more I searched the more I found. With the thought of time being of the essence I will share some dog tales (tails) that involve the New Hampshire State Hospital, New Hampshire State Prison, a Concord Mayor and a little pup that lived over on Charles Street near Whites Park many years ago.

My story could venture back thousands of years and provide intricate details of the history of our canine friends, from wolves to domesticated best friends. There are countless stories relating to dogs and their involvement with people dating back many thousands of years, but the intent of my story relates to some local stories that are both interesting and heartwarming. Heart warming stories that provide inner peace and tranquility as we remain comfortably in our homes on cold January days.

It was in the late 1800s when the New Hampshire State Prison on North State Street was a relatively new establishment. Having been relocated from the old prison a few miles south between Tremont and Beacon Streets it provided more space, more security and modern conveniences the old prison did not. As the prisoners worked in the prison yard alongside North State Street one afternoon there came a screech and commotion from the front of the prison yard.

It was certainly alarming and a commotion near a prison quickly gains the attention of the guards. As the commotion continued alongside the unpaved road both the guards and prisoners ventured to the front to investigate. A horse drawn wagon struck a small dog, no more than a pup. The poor dog was badly injured and thought to be dead from the accident, a sad event indeed. As the guards instructed the prisoners to retrieve the body of the small dog, they were glad to see it was still alive, though just barely. A wooden box was retrieved from the prison and lined with soft cloth. The puppy was gently placed in the box by the prisoners and brought back to the area behind the guard houses. Burly men shed tears as the poor puppy was made comfortable, fed and gently patted. It was thought the small dog would not last the night, but last he did. The prison warden approved the dog for temporary housing with the prisoners. A name was affectionately given to the small pup and the days started to pass. As each season arrived the affection was evident and both the prisons and staff became very close as the puppy grew to a mature dog. The months became years and the dog remained and became very attached to his new family. Hardened criminals became loving caregivers and embraced the moments they spent with their prison dog.

As time passed an unknown visitor arrived at the New Hampshire State Prison one day, showing much interest in the interaction of the prisoners and their prison dog. Notes were taken and it was soon learned the visitor was researching and writing a publication about prisoner rehabilitation. It was widely reported across the country in newspapers that the New Hampshire State Prison Warden had successfully implemented a prisoner rehabilitation program utilizing a full-time prison dog. The warden was very pleased with his notable success with rehabilitation and the prisoners were allowed to keep their canine friend with them for the rest of his years.

I next venture over to the New Hampshire State Hospital in Concord. A similar experience occurred in the early 1900’s. A stray dog ventured onto the grounds of the New Hampshire State Hospital one day. A friendly and loving dog he quickly became best friends with each and every patient. The hospital dog established a routine visiting each and every patient every day. Some patients that were once non responsive were suddenly socializing once again, great strides were being made and it was supported by all that encountered this New Hampshire Hospital canine.

The dog stayed for many years and routine was his friend until an episode involving the New Hampshire State Hospital Administrator. A visitor from another hospital near Boston spent some time observing the success the New Hampshire State Hospital enjoyed with the therapy the dog provided to the patients. The mood was obviously very improved with the patients and remarkable progress was being made. The visitor from Boston was so pleased he asked the New Hampshire State Hospital Superintendent if he could purchase the dog and bring it with him when he traveled by train back to Boston.

It was a sad day when the patients awoke and found their beloved hospital dog missing. It seems the dog was sold without consideration and the staff and patients assumed the dog wandered off.

As days passed word leaked to the hospital community about the sale of their loving dog.

Patients and staff were furious and the temperament quickly became very negative at the hospital. In time the Superintendent was convinced he made a very poor decision and contacted the doctor from Boston that purchased the dog. He pleaded for the return again and again. The Boston doctor understood but sadly said he could not accommodate this request because he no longer had the dog at the Boston hospital. The dog was good natured but only stayed a couple of weeks in Boston. One day the dog disappeared and never returned. Yes, a sad event indeed, a dog with the ability to provide loving therapy had gone missing.

As the warmth of spring visited the New Hampshire State Hospital the patients and orderlies were enjoying life outdoors. The flowers were starting to bloom and the warmth of the sun upon their faces was simply wonderful. It was this warm spring day when dozens of patients and staff sat in the hospital yard and witnessed a scrawny animal limping towards them. It was alarming and fearful for those outside, attendants gathered in front of the patients and made an amazing discovery. There hospital dog had returned home. It was thought the dog traveled to Boston with the visiting doctor, stayed for a brief period with the Boston hospital patients and then started the long journey back to his family living at the New Hampshire State Hospital. He was groomed, fed and certainly embraced by both the patients and the staff. He spent the rest of his years at the New Hampshire State Hospital, guarded by one and all.

I now venture back to local Concord politics of 1923. Willis H. Flint was campaigning for Mayor of Concord. A respected gentleman he absolutely loved his pet Airedale. They would venture about the streets of Concord every day and spent much time together. Willis was out playing with his Airedale in Concord when the two became separated, days passed without a sighting. The dog disappeared on a Friday and Willis Flint decided to place an advertisement in the Concord Monitor in hope that somebody might have seen him. Editor Langley at the Concord Monitor wrote down the advertisement dictated by Willis Flint. As the discussion continued Willis told the Editor that he would rather find his dog than be the next Mayor of Concord, New Hampshire.

Editor Langley was so touched by the comment he placed the “missing dog” advertisement on the front page of the Evening Monitor. A local nurse called Mr. Flint and told him an injured dog was just brought to the Concord S.P.C.A. with a broken leg. Flint immediately went to the S.P.C.A. and was united with his loving dog.

This story, especially during a political campaign was just too good to end with the political candidate and his dog being reunited. The Boston Post ran the entire story and it was widely read, very widely read. As the election day arrived the people of Concord stated time and again, if Willis Flint cared as much for his dog as he obviously did, he would make a fine Mayor. Willis H. Flint and his Airedale Dog won the election that day.

I now visit the north end of Concord in the year 1950 and share a heartwarming story about a little Springer Spaniel named Sally. It was just across the street from the house where I grew up that Sally lived with her owners, Mr. and Mrs. Sullivan. She was an extremely helpful pet and enjoyed running local errands for the Sullivan family. Sally was born in 1946 and the family quickly learned she was very intelligent. Mr. Sullivan would call his order in to the corner store down the street, Sally would hear the familiar store owners voice over the telephone and immediately stand near the front door waiting to go to the store. The routine continued until eventually Sally decided she was just old enough to travel from the corner of Charles Street down Beacon Street to the small market. Mr. Sullivan supported her independence and affixed a small purse containing money along with his list. Sally being a small dog required Mr. Sullivan to keep the list limited to smaller items such as a newspaper or assorted small cans and a loaf of bread. This new independent routine continued for years with Sally visiting the store and returning with her receipt in the small purse and grocery items clenched in a small paper bag.

It is late this winter eve I must conclude this edition of Vintage Views. The hour has grown late and Basil contently sits closely beside me. Basil joined our family just nine years ago, his breed is Conton de Tulear and his family came from Madagascar. Bred to keep rodents off the old sailing ships of many centuries ago he is the most kind and loving dog. He holds no ill feelings towards the squirrels that visit with us each morn and loves to do his many tricks for all. Yes, our family dogs are special members of our families and life long friends.