UNEXPECTED HELP RENDERED BY A DOG NEPTUNE

THE late Lord M had a very fine large Newfoundland dog, called "Neptune", which used to be kept chained up in a courtyard outside castle. Now Neptune was very fond of mutton and pork, and used to worry the sheep and pigs when ever he had a chance. He was consequently seldom let loose or taken out, unless they were going to ride in some out-of the-way district. 

On one occasion in the Autumn of 1856. Lord M. and Mr H. were riding across the country, accompanied by Neptune, when coming to a high bank with a broad ditch on either side, Lord M's horse refused to take it, so Lord M. dismounted, and getting on to the bank, tried to lead him over it; but. while so standing on the bank. a gust of wind blew his hat off and in trying to save it the bridle slipped from his hand and the horse became loose.

As quick as lightning, Neptune, who had apparently been most interested in the endeavor to get the horse over, sprang after the hat,and, catching it, jumped with it on to the bank dropped it at his master's feet, and dashed after the horse, which  was trotting off, and before Mr H. could overtake it, he had seized the bridle with his teeth, and held on, checking it till Mr H. came up and took the bridle from him when he appeared to express his pleasure by little short barks and a variety of gambols.

What makes this a remarkable circumstance, is that Neptune had never been broken in to fetch and carry, and had never been used as a retriever, or was known or seen to do anything of the sort before that occasion.

The story happened in Good Old England in 1819 seems and the name of the horse was Blackberry. Since that day Neptune became one of the most popular names of the Newfoundland dogs in the Great Britain and The United States Of America.  

References:

1. Frank Leslie- Pleasant Hours NEW YORK FRANK LESLIE 337 PEARL STREET 1877 

2.ANIMAL PAINTERS OF ENGLAND FROM THE YEAR 1600 SECOND SERIES Illustrated with thirty specimens of their paintings COMPILED BY SIR WALTER GILBEY BART VOL III London VINTON & CO 8 BREAM'S BUILDINGS CHANCERY LANE EC 1911