advertisement
23 December 2024
The iconic phrase “man’s best friend” has long been associated with dogs, but few know the origin of the term—and the powerful story that gave it life. This beloved expression can be traced back to a hound dog named Old Drum and the events that unfolded following his tragic death.
Old Drum was a hound dog, who lived in the late 19th century. Old Drum was shot and killed by a neighbor, leading to a court case that gave us our famous quote. The case became a landmark in both legal and cultural history.
Old Drum’s owner, a man named Charles Burden, sought justice after the shooting, and the trial was held in the town of Warrensburg, Missouri. Burden took the neighbor to court, and what followed was a speech so powerful that it has been immortalized in American history. The speech, delivered by Burden’s lawyer, was not only a plea for justice for Old Drum but a heartfelt tribute to the loyalty of dogs.
The speech went as follows:
“Gentlemen of the Jury, the best friend a man has in the world may turn against him and become his enemy. His son or daughter, whom he has reared with loving care, may prove ungrateful. Those who are nearest and dearest to us, those whom we trust with our happiness and our good name, may become traitors to their faith. The money that a man has, he may lose. It flies away from him, perhaps when he needs it the most. A man’s reputation may be sacrificed in a moment of ill-considered action. The people who are prone to fall on their knees to do us honor when success is with us may be the first to throw the stone of malice when failure settles its cloud upon our heads.”
“The one absolutely unselfish friend that man can have in this selfish world, the one that never deserts him, and the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous is his dog.”
For Vest, the argument was clear: in a world full of human betrayal and hardship, a dog remains loyal, steadfast, and selflessly devoted.
After delivering this powerful speech, the jury found in favor of Charles Burden. The neighbor who had killed Old Drum was ordered to pay a monetary settlement.
Today, a statue of Old Drum stands in front of the courthouse in Warrensburg, Missouri. The words from George Graham Vest’s speech are inscribed on a plaque near the statue.
The heartfelt tribute to Old Drum is still true today. The relationship between dogs and their human companions has only deepened over time. Dogs have proven themselves as more than just pets—they are family members, loyal protectors, and unwavering friends. Whether serving as guide dogs for the blind, therapy animals for the sick, or simply offering comfort and companionship at home. Dogs continue to embody the ideals of loyalty and devotion that Vest so eloquently described.
As the saying goes, “A dog is a man’s best friend.”
advertisement
advertisement
