Chronicle of the Phrase "THE DOG IS THE BEST FRIEND OF MAN"

We have all heard the phrase "the dog is the best friend of man". This phrase was first uttered on September 23, 1870 at a trial in the United States by the lawyer George Graham Vest.

Charles Burden's dog, a greyhound named "Old Drum" was killed by a neighbor, Leonidas Horndby in cold blood. At first the neighbor said it had been in self-defense, but Burden found out and did not report it. During the trial the lawyer George Graham Vest gave a speech that left everyone excited. Burden won the trial and Hornsby paid a $ 550 fine.

The speech he delivered was as follows:

"Knights of the jury: The best friend a man can have can turn against him and become his enemy.

His own son or daughter, whom he brought up with love and infinite attention, can show him ingratitude. Those who are closest to our hearts, those to whom we entrust our happiness and good name, can become traitors. The money that a man may have can also lose it, vanish when he needs it most.

The only, absolute and best friend that man has in this selfish world, the only one who will not betray or deny it, is his DOG.

If the misfortune leaves the owner without a house or friends, the dog only asks for the privilege of accompanying its owner to defend it against its enemies. And when the last act arrives, and death makes its appearance and the body is buried in the cold earth, it does not matter that all the friends have left. There next to the grave, the noble animal will remain, its head between its legs, the eyes sad but open and alert, noble and sincere, beyond death ".