Antique Christmas postcards with dogs: Dachshunds at play
A Christmas party for dogs: Fun for their masters, and joy for the dogs (1911)
From the New Castle Herald (New Castle, Pennsylvania) December 26, 1911
The most fun-provoking celebration took place in a private stable last Christmas. Several boys determined that their dogs should not go unremembered on the gift day.
Their scheme grew out of a story one of the boys heard about a family whose big dog Fritz was regularly a member of the Christmas party.
Fritz was an interesting dog. On Christmas day, Fritz was always dignified. When the family gathered around the tree, he used to sit up straight near the fireplace and watch the proceedings gravely.
There was always something for him on the tree, and Fritz didn’t mind if every Christmas brought the same thing, for it was a titbit exceedingly tasteful to him — chicken or turkey bones. These were put in a paper-covered parcel loosely tied with ribbon.
When Fritz’s name was called, he would rise promptly, cross the room slowly with a respectful wagging of his tail, receive the parcel in his mouth and return with it to his place.
There, without undue haste or exhibition of greed, he would tear away ribbon and paper and crunch the bones contentedly during the rest of the evening.
ALSO SEE: 10 Victorian Christmas side dishes from the 1800s – most of which actually sound pretty good
The youngsters who elaborated on this plan did not meet with the liveliest encouragement from their parents. There was probably a doubt whether all the pets of the neighborhood would have the sagacious dignity of Fritz. After pleading, the boys obtained permission to have a special celebration for their dogs in the stable.
Accordingly, there was a tree, and, besides presents of bones, there were new collars, blankets, harness, and such other affairs as dogs are supposed to admire or need. Not only their own pets, but those of their friends were invited to the dogs’ Christmas tree.
Prizes were given to the animals who excelled in running races, for jumping and other canine tricks. It was a jolly party, and it is doubtful whether boys or dogs enjoyed it most.
Christmas postcards with dogs: A bigger dog walks the little pup
Best wishes for a Merry Christmas
Postcard shows a mama Collie and her two puppies
Christmas greetings
A Collie and a lamb — part of the herd
Best wishes, from three puppies
May you have a Merry Christmas
Vintage postcard: A joyful Christmas
Christmas postcards with dogs: A cute puppy helping on a snowy day
ALSO SEE: 100 vintage Christmas scenes so sweet and old-fashioned, you’ll wish you had a time machine
