In addition to Harry Potter and the hauntings, Greyfriar's other claim to media fame is BOBBY! A DOG! And if you are actually reading my blog, there's a good chance you know how I feel about dogs. One of my top three favorite things in this world! (Of which I have been unfairly deprived of the last 20 years of my life - but this blog isn't for one of my everlong dog rants - be happy for that MOM). And this is not just any dog, probably the most loyal dog EVER. So loyal that many movies have been made about him - the most recent/famous from 2006.
Bobby belonged to John Gray, who worked for the Edinburgh City Police as a night watchman, and the two were inseparable for the surprisingly short period of two years. In 1858, Gray died of tuberculosis. He was buried in Greyfriars Kirkyard. Bobby, who survived Gray by FOURTEEN years, is said to have spent the rest of his life sitting on his master's grave. Other accounts have said that he spent a great deal of time at Gray's grave, but that he left regularly for meals at a restaurant beside the graveyard (which is appropriately called Greyfriar Bobby's Bar now) , and may have spent colder winters in nearby houses.
Bobby died in 1872 and could not be buried within the cemetery itself, since it was and remains consecrated ground. He was buried instead just inside the gate of Greyfriars Kirkyard, not far from John Gray's grave.
There's gotta be something about Scottish dogs. They really are unbelievably trained and loyal. Probably 80% of the dogs you see here (and there are oh so many) are never on leashes - partly because I don't think there are leash laws - but also because they are SO loyal to their owners. They never stray away! Ugh. It's not fair. I need one. NEED!
Alexi Murdoch - All My Days
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