Just a short distance from the Refuge for War Dogs in Neuilly, is located the Soldiers’ Home for the Blind. This is a spacious building surrounded by ample grounds containing shrubbery, trees and flowers. Under the spreading trees are comfortable benches for the accommodation of the occupants of the Home. Hundreds of soldiers, rendered totally blind during the war, are cared for, and spend the days wandering through the grounds and enjoying the comforts that such conditions afford.

For two years, Dick, the subject of this sketch, has served as a guide for these soldiers. He is a fine specimen of the French poodle, large in size, gentle in disposition and perfectly familiar with the duties expected of him. Early in the morning he reports for duty, and from then on until the close of day he carefully leads and cares for the sightless subjects delegated to his charge. It is no unusual sight to see two men or more, arm in arm, being guided by Dick through various parts of the grounds. Sometimes you meet them picking their way through the adjacent streets, Dick always on the alert for their safety.

I had on frequent occasions to pass Dick on my way to and from the dog hospital on Rue Chauveau, and in time we became great friends. Just before leaving for my home in America, I paid a final visit to my dog friends in Neuilly, and was surprised to find Dick in the hospital recovering from some temporary dog ailment. He joyfully welcomed me as an old friend, and I expressed a wish to the Countess that I might bring him to America. She replied that Dick had certainly done his bit for his country and that it was high time he enjoyed a little of real dog life, and willingly consented that I should have him. The short time until my departure prevented me from obtaining the necessary permit to land him in the United States. The Countess generously offered to care for him until such time as proper arrangements could be made for his trip from Paris to New York. Before leaving I requested the Countess’ lady secretary to instruct Dick in the English language, so that he would be familiar with the speech of his adopted country. Shortly afterwards I received the following card from this young lady: “I told Dick a few days ago that his master in America wished him to learn English, and Dick replied, ‘Tell my master to learn French, as I am a French dog.’”—a very clever reply from either lady or dog.