BOATSWAIN MONUMENT,
Newstead Abbey, Nottinghamshire, England
Near this spot
are deposited the remains of one
who possessed Beauty without Vanity
Strength without Insolence
Courage without Ferocity
and all the virtues of man without his vices
This praise which would be unmeaning flattery
if inscribed over human ashes
is but a just tribute to the memory of
BOATSWAIN, a DOG
who was born in Newfoundland May 1803
and died at Newstead Nov 18 1808
"When some proud Son of Man returns to Earth
Unknown by glory, but upheld by Birth
The sculptor's art exhausts the pomp of woe
And storied urns record who rests below
When all is done upon the tomb is seen
Not what he was but what he should have been
But the poor dog in life the firmest friend
The first to welcome, foremost to defend
Whose honest heart is still his Master's own
Who labours, fights, lives, breathes for him alone
Unhonoured falls unnoticed all his worth
Denied in heaven the Soul he held on Earth-
While man, vain insect! hopes to be forgiven
And claims himself a soul exclusive Heaven
Oh man! thou feeble tenant of an hour
Debased by slavery, or corrupt by power-
Who knows thee well must quit thee with disgust
Degraded mass of animated dust!
Thy love is lust, thy friendship all a cheat
Thy tongue hypocrisy, thy words deceit
By nature vile, enobled but by name
Each kindred brute might bid thee blush for shame
Ye, who perchance behold this simple urn
Pass on - it honours none you wish to mourn
To mark a friends remains these stones arise
I never knew but one - and here he lies"
LORD BYRON 1808
21 April 1963 - 20 March 1987
"Towser the famous cat who lived in the still house Glenturret Distillery for almost 24 years. She caught 28,899 mice in her lifetime. World Mousing Champion. Guiness Book of Records"
DASH EPITAPH
Windsor Castle, Windsor, England
"His attachment was without selfishness;
His playfulness without malice;
His fidelity without deceit.
Reader, if you would live beloved, and die regretted, profit by the example of Dash"
QUEEN VICTORIA
RED RUM EPITAPH
Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool, England
"Respect this place, this hallowed ground
A legend here, his rest has found
His feet would fly, our spirits soar
He earned our love for evermore"
THE ANIMALS IN WAR MEMORIAL
Brook Gate, Park Lane, London, W1, U.K
Unveiled in 2004 by HRH Princess Royal.
This is a powerful and moving tribute to all the serving animals who suffered and died alongside the British, Commonwealth and Allied forces, during wars and conflicts of the 20th century.
Sculpted by David Backhouse in portland stone and bronze. The monument is 58 feet wide and 55 feet deep. It consists of two pack mules walking towards a gash in a large curved wall and on the other side a dog and a prancing horse leave the wall. It involves the viewer as they can walk in and through the wall and around the two bronze pack mules, a bronze horse and the bronze dog.
GREYFRIARS BOBBY EPITAPH
Edinburgh, Scotland. UK
"A tribute to the affectionate fidelity of Greyfriars Bobby. In 1858 this faithful dog followed the remains of his master to Greyfriars Churchyard and lingered near the spot until his death in 1872.
With permission erected by Baroness Burdett Coutts"
HACHIKO STATUE
Shibuya Railway Station, Tokyo, Japan
A bronze statue was erected to HACHIKO in 1933. Hachiko was guest of honour at its unveiling. Unfortunately it was melted down in the 1940's for the war effort.
After the war, Takeshi Ando, the original artists son was commisioned to create a second statue. This bronze statue was erected in 1948 outside Shibuya railway station where it still stands to this day.
Each year on the 8th April there is an annual ceremony held at the statue. HACHIKOS devotion is honoured with a solemn Ceremony of Remembrance. Hundreds of dog lovers turn out to honour his memory and loyalty.
Newfies & Owners gather at Boatswains Monument 2008 to mark his 200th Anniversary
