Democratic Sentinel, Volume 16, Number 49, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 23 December 1892 — Dogs of Constantinople. [ARTICLE]

Dogs of Constantinople.

The dogs of Constantinople form a class of as much importance as other Asiatic races. The Europeans have used their influence, backed by money, to destroy these dogs either by killing or by banishing them; but the Turks—from the humblest servant who divides his crust with them, to the Imperial Sultan who has them fed from his palace —shows an affection for them which is surprising. The dogs live in communities of six, eight, or ten, and each set appropriates to itself a certain section of from one to three squares. The most intelligent dog seems to be the president or commander of the group. They are very friendly with all the inhabitants who live in their special locality, while they show no recognition to those who pass along their highway if they- do not reside there. They guard their ground, and do not allow any other dog to intrude. I noticed one stray dog who came around the corner, thereby infringing on the other dog’s territory; he was attacked at once, and barely escaped with his life. These dogs have no special owner—each block or square having its own group of dogs. They seem to know every man, woman and child w’ho lives in their neighborhood, and their tails wag whenever any of these make their apjjearance. I remember coming through one of the narrow streets late one night, and as it was quite warm I suddenly took off my coat and hat; one dog commenced to bark, then another and another followed suit. The guide told me I must put on my hat, as the dogs recognized that 1 was a foreigner, and that they were evidently displeased at my attempt to go through their principality in my shirtsleeves. I took the advice of the guide and the howl of the dogs ceased. ° '