Pal, a Working Dog
From Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Dog Really Did That?
By Marie Latta

There is no faith which has never yet been broken except that of a truly faithful dog.
~Konrad Lorenz

"Better to shoot him and be done with it," Gramps said. He hadn't much use for dogs, and even less for people who dropped them off on country roads. This dog had just come to their farm from nowhere, apparently. Whoever abandoned him must have done it Saturday night because the next morning, Sunday, he was there by the back door, wagging his tail, letting Gram know he'd be pleased to have any breakfast scraps she might wish to toss his way.

As far as Gramps was concerned, an animal had to earn its keep by producing meat, milk, or eggs, or by pulling a plow or killing mice. A dog did none of those.
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