Brotherhood of Dogs

EDINBURGH’S GREYFRIARS BOBBY & SAN DIEGO’S BUM

People of San Diego and in particular the resident Scottish Community wanted to honour their Town Dog Bum, who made history over 100 years ago when he was adopted by the residents of Old Town. In 1989 Mayor Maureen O’Conner and Lord Provost Eleanor McLaughlin designated Bum and Greyfriars Bobby as ‘Brother Dogs.’ This proclamation was to bring together two historical dogs of the Sister Cities of San Diego and Edinburgh, which were twinned in 1977.

Greyfriars Bobby was honoured in 1873 by the erection of a statue adjacent to Greyfriars Kirkyard where for 14 years he lay close to his master’s grave. This inspired the legend that lives today in films and books. In 1998 mainly due to the energetic work of Bob Watt, at that time president of the Association in Edinburgh, funds were collected to create an exact copy of the original Bobby statue which was presented as a gift to San Diego. The San Diego/Edinburgh Sister City Society then determined to return the favour by creating two statues of their beloved dog Bum so that these important historic symbols could be together in both San Diego and Edinburgh as a testament to the friendship between the two cities.

For a number of years Bobby had pride of place within the Mayor’s office whilst awaiting his permanent location next to Bum. As 2007 was the 30th anniversary of the twinning link it seemed appropriate that the life-sized bronze statues be placed side by side in the garden of the William Heath Davis House Park at San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter. The Gaslamp Quarter Historical Foundation will watch over the memorial to Bobby & Bum, as with other substantial contributors they have made it possible to achieve this fitting tribute to the Brother Dogs

There was a sneak preview for contributors and Society members on Saturday 6th October and a grand unveiling ceremony on Sunday 7th October, with the Cameron Highlanders Pipe Band of San Diego County, and the San Diego School of Highland Dancing providing the entertainment. The celebration included dignitaries from San Diego and John Wilson the Edinburgh President was present as a guest of the San Diego Association.

Greyfriars Bobby and Bum have different but equally compelling stories…..

‘Bum’ A St Bernard/Spaniel mixed breed puppy, arrived as a stowaway aboard the steamship ‘Santa Rosa’ in 1886 and was soon adopted by the town of San Diego. Though cared for off and on by a Chinese businessman, Bum preferred a free and independent life. Because he belonged to no one, he became everybody’s dog. Bum enjoyed many adventures during his life, including racing alongside the horses pulling the fire engines on the way to a fire. Acting as an observer at parades, greeting visiting dignitaries, including President Benjamin Harrison, and overcoming a bout of alcoholism (yes Bum did enjoy his tipple). Bum was so respected that he would have an afternoon nap in the middle of the street and wagons would drive carefully round him. Restaurants would attest to the quality of their food by placing signs in the window announcing that ‘Bum Eats Here.’

Bum was a survivor, he was struck by a train in 1887 on the Santa Fe Railway when he was severely injured and lost his forepaw and part of his tail. He also survived a broken leg after being kicked by a horse. He was so loved by the citizens that the City Fathers bestowed upon Bum a special order, a ‘Life-time Dog Tag’ exempting him from requiring a dog license. He was also declared ‘San Diego’s Town Dog’ and his likeness was put on Dog Tax receipts of 1891. When Bum died aged 12 years on November 10th 1898, the children collected pennies for a proper funeral.

‘Greyfriars Bobby’ A little Sky Terrier, was the embodiment of an animals sense of loyalty to his master. Bobby belonged to John Gray, a policeman in Edinburgh’s Old Town district in 1856.When his master unexpectedly died he accompanied the funeral procession to Greyfriars Kirkyard where his master is buried. Bobby refused to leave his master’s grave, choosing to sleep under the gravestone nearby to keep guard. Bobby made the Kirkyard his home for the next 14 years. He made many friends, in particular the poor children from the properties adjoining the cemetery and the boys from the local Heriots school.

The patrons and owners of nearby eating houses offered Bobby scraps of food, and each day when he heard the one o’clock cannon from Edinburgh castle, he would set off for a meal at those eating establishments. Bobby was a stray and when the Lord Provost heard his story, he was touched and paid for him to have a personalised dog license for life. When Bobby died he was buried close to the Kirkyard, his image was cast in bronze and placed on a pedestal on the pavement near the cemetery. Today his collar, bowl, and photo can be seen in the Huntly House Museum on the Royal Mile.

The stories of these two wonderful animals symbolise the very best qualities that we strive to achieve as human beings; loyalty, friendliness, independence and survival. The fierce loyalty of Greyfriars Bobby brought the people of Edinburgh together, and Bum’s personality, survival skills and independence brought San Diego together. Now, the statues honouring these important historical characters will do the same, strengthening the link and bringing the two cities closer, in unity with each other.

On Saturday 19th July 2008 we hope to install a life size statue of Bum as close as possible to Greyfriars Bobby at a ceremony that will be attended by a large turnout of local residents with representation from MSPs, MPs, City of Edinburgh Council and a considerable number of Association members from San Diego.

John C Wilson
President Edinburgh/San Diego Sister City Association