"
"And why not?" demanded "Scotty." "There is not another dog-mother in
all Nome who can so intelligently care for a family." Which was true;
for added to her natural fondness for those dependent upon her, she had
wide experience in the ways of dogs and people, and was thoroughly
familiar with the dangers that beset the path of puppy-hood.
When young she had been a member of one of the Mail Teams and had worked
hard for her living. The run of over two hundred and thirty miles
between Nome and Unalakleet was covered many times during the winter;
and the Mail Carrier, who has the chance to observe carefully the
individual behavior of the dogs he uses, was much attracted to Mego. Her
patient industry was a happy contrast to the actions of some of the
others, who were unruly and quarrelsome, or disinclined to do their
share of the necessary labor; and it was with such a high
recommendation that "Scotty" had bought her.
"If she only had to care for her own puppies it would not be so bad,"
the Woman complained; "but every once in a while some light-minded
gad-about roams around at will, or runs away, and leaves her offspring
for Mego to raise. Why, sometimes you would think she was the matron of
a Puppies' Day Home."
To her credit it may be said that whether the puppies were hers or
another's, Mego was untiring in her gentle supervision of their minds
and manners. She taught them to be respectful and wag their tails
prettily when addressed; not to jump and place muddy paws on those who
came to see them, and not to wander away alone, nor associate with
strangers.
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