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Greyfriars Bobby: The Faithful Terrier of Scotland
Greyfriars Bobby was a Skye Terrier who lived in Edinburgh, Scotland, in the late 19th century. He became famous for his unwavering loyalty to his owner, John Gray, a local policeman.
After John Gray passed away in 1858, Greyfriars Bobby spent the next 14 years of his life guarding his owner’s grave in Greyfriars Kirkyard. He would only leave the grave for a few minutes each day to receive food from a nearby restaurant.
Bobby became a beloved figure in Edinburgh, and many people would come to visit him at the grave. He was eventually adopted by the city, and the Lord Provost
of Edinburgh, Sir William Chambers, had a collar made for him that read “Greyfriars Bobby, from the Lord Provost, 1867, licensed”.
Bobby’s devotion to his owner and his vigil at the gravesite continued until his own death in 1872. He was buried near his owner’s grave in Greyfriars Kirkyard, and a statue of him was erected in Edinburgh’s Old Town in his honor.
Greyfriars Bobby’s story has become a part of Scottish folklore and has been the subject of numerous books and movies. His loyalty and dedication have made him a beloved figure in Edinburgh and beyond