Every afternoon he could be seen returning on horseback, with his hunting dogs, and his double-barreled shotgun and a string of rabbits hanging from his saddle.
Much as we love furry companions today, the dogs of yore tended to be hunting dogs or guard dogs rather than house pets and were often considered vicious or unpleasant.
Accordingly, seals are quite capable of being educated; they make good pets, and together with certain other naturalists, I think these animals can be properly trained to perform yeoman service as hunting dogs for fishermen.
And although the hunting dogs tethered to nearby trees had been fed their evening meal, they smelled the good smells of man's victuals, and tugged at their leashes, and whined for a tid-bit extra.
Only a hunting dog or a cat can share man's love of the open fire, and if I had a whole kennel full of dogs, on winter nights I should let them all come in to enjoy mine with me.