The Useful Dog by Anonymous (1838)
Tom Price, a schoolboy, pauses on his way to school to observe a large, sunbathing dog outside a modest home. The dog, initially welcoming to Tom, reacts with a defensive growl when a gruff passerby approaches. Intrigued, Tom inquires with the dog’s owner about the dog's behavior. The owner explains that the dog is discerning, capable of identifying a wrongdoer. He recounts an incident when a man trespassed over his hedge and stole fruit; the dog apprehended the thief until the owner intervened. He further narrates how the dog once rescued a drowning girl near a mill stream by swimming after her and bringing her safely to land—a deed that sparked an endearing friendship between the dog and the girl. Tom, impressed by the dog’s loyalty and service, expresses his admiration and aspires to own such a remarkable companion in the future.
By Anonymous · First published 1838 · Genre: Children's Literature, Animal Fiction, Fable · 421 words
First lines
One day, as Tom Price was on his way to school, with his bag of books at his back, he stood still to look at a fine large dog which lay in the sun before the door of a poor man's house.
"Take care how you go near that fierce dog," said the gruff voice of a man who passed by just then.
What this Textopian page supports
The Useful Dog is listed on Textopian as a short story by Anonymous, dated 1838 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Anonymous
- Date: 1838 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Children's Literature, Animal Fiction, Fable, Adventure, Domestic Fiction
- Length: 421 words
- Structure: 1 section, 12 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Useful Dog by Anonymous
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Genres
- Children's Literature — The narrative is simple, moralistic, and suitable for a young audience.
- Animal Fiction — The dog plays a central role, showcasing loyalty and protection which drives the plot.
- Fable — The story conveys moral lessons through the actions of the characters, particularly the loyal dog.
- Adventure — Elements of danger and rescue add a sense of excitement and minor peril to the narrative.
Tags
dog · animal · loyalty · friendship · service · adventure · fable · inspirational · compassion · trust · resilience · journey