Henry Lawson’s “That There
Dog of Mine”
(Summary by Dr Suresh
Frederick)
Introduction
Henry Lawson (1867-1922) was
a prominent Australian writer, known for his realistic and poignant portrayal
of Australian bush life. His works often depict the hardships faced by ordinary
Australians, including miners, shearers, and drovers, capturing the struggles
of rural life and the resilience of the Australian spirit. He wrote short
stories, poems, and sketches, often employing a colloquial and accessible
style. Some of his most famous works include “The Drover's Wife”, “The Loaded
Dog”, and “That
There Dog of Mine”. Lawson’s writing is considered a
significant contribution to Australian literature, offering a valuable insight
into the social and cultural landscape of Australia at the turn of the 20th
century.
Henry Lawson’s “That There Dog of Mine” tells
the poignant story of Macquarie, a shearer, and his unwavering loyalty to his
dog, Tally. The narrative opens with Macquarie arriving at a hospital, battered
and bruised after a drunken brawl at a wayside shanty. He suffers from three
fractured ribs, a cracked head, and various minor injuries. Trailing behind him
is Tally, his faithful companion, also injured with a broken leg, a testament
to his participation in the brawl defending his master.
Despite his own pain, Macquarie’s primary
concern is Tally’s well-being. He has walked ten arduous miles to reach the
hospital, driven by the need for medical attention for both himself and his
dog. However, the hospital staff, adhering strictly to regulations, refuse to
admit Tally. Dogs are not permitted on the premises. This seemingly simple rule
sparks a conflict between Macquarie and the hospital authorities. Macquarie,
though weakened and in pain, stands firm. He refuses treatment for himself if
Tally is denied care. His resolve stems from a deep-seated bond with his dog, a
bond forged through years of shared hardship and unwavering companionship.
Macquarie’s passionate plea to the hospital
staff reveals the depth of his relationship with Tally. He recounts how Tally
has been his constant companion for twelve long years, the only creature who
has shown him unconditional love and loyalty. Tally has been present through
thick and thin, through floods and droughts, through good times and bad, mostly
bad. He has kept Macquarie from succumbing to despair on the lonely track,
watched over him during drunken stupors, and even saved his life on more than
one occasion.
Macquarie’s narrative paints a vivid picture
of Tally’s unwavering devotion. The dog has endured kicks and curses, yet his
loyalty remains unshaken. He has fought fiercely to protect Macquarie, even
against a “crawling push of curs” at the shanty where the brawl occurred.
Macquarie acknowledges Tally’s superior character, stating that the dog is a “better
dog than I’m a man” and a “better Christian”.
The hospital staff, unmoved by Macquarie's
emotional appeal, reiterate their refusal to admit Tally. Macquarie, faced with
this unwavering stance, makes a difficult decision. He chooses to leave the
hospital, prioritizing Tally's well-being over his own. He shoulders his swag,
his pain evident in every movement, and walks away, Tally limping faithfully
behind him.
The ending of “That There
Dog of Mine” is abrupt and powerful. The doctor himself chooses to fix the
broken leg of the dog. The story’s power lies in its portrayal of the profound bond between a
man and his dog. Macquarie’s act of defiance, though born out of necessity,
becomes a testament to the enduring power of love and loyalty.
Conclusion
“That There Dog of Mine”
poignantly illustrates the profound bond between man and animal, transcending
the transactional nature of ownership to reveal a deep, abiding loyalty.
Macquarie's steadfast refusal to abandon Tally, despite his own dire need for
medical attention, underscores the powerful connection they share. His
impassioned defense of Tally, highlighting the dog's unwavering faithfulness
and companionship, elevates the animal beyond mere pet to true companion and
friend. The story serves as a testament to the enduring power of loyalty and the
often-overlooked depth of human-animal relationships, reminding us that
sometimes, the greatest acts of love and sacrifice come from the most
unexpected sources.
