A Lasting Tribute to Old Drum, a Very Good Boy

The marker above has only small excerpts of a speech that has since been called Eulogy of the Dog. It was delivered by attorney George G. Vest in 1870 during a lawsuit over a dog that had been killed. It was, in fact, the fourth trial of a lawsuit between the dog's owner and his brother-in-law over who shot his favorite hunting dog Old Drum. The biggest dispute in the lawsuit was over the amount of damages one should be paid for the loss of a dog. What is the life of a dog worth? During closing arguments, Vest delivered an emotional justification that swayed the jury and no doubt drew a few tears in the courtroom. It has since been published and republished, and led to the erection of two monuments to Old Drum in addition to the historical marker. You should read the statement in full, as well as the story of Old Drum's death and the lawsuits that followed, and then go hug your loyal dog. -via Strange Company

(Image credit: Carldaniel)