Edinburgh Dog Names

It has been over 160 years since the small terrier known to the locals of Edinburgh as Greyfriar's Bobby walked across the town's cobbled streets. However, the little dog still lives on in the hearts and imaginations of young and old. A lovely statue of Bobby sits outside Bobby's Pub and has become an iconic landmark. Thousands of people from around the world flock to the location to see the bust of the tiny dog known for his loyalty. In true Scot's fashion, there is a legend that surrounds the statue which says if you touch the dog's nose then you will experience good luck. Unfortunately, so many visitors have rubbed the pooch's nose that the artwork has had to be restored twice. People are asked to abstain from touching the snout or simply lightly graze it with their hands to prevent deterioration. 

Bobby was the companion of a resident named John Gray. Known as 'Auld Jock,' he was a sickly man who suffered from tuberculosis. John worked as a night watchman at the local police station. Bobby would always loyally accompany his master around town. The two were inseparable. 

John passed away, and Bobby was heartbroken. The forlorn dog walked with the funeral procession when they buried John in Greyfriars' cemetery. Even in death, Bobby refused to leave John's side. Family, friends, and townsfolk all felt sorry for Bobby, so they erected a makeshift shelter beside the cemetery grounds where the canine stayed out of the elements. 

Every afternoon, at precisely one o'clock, the cannon fires at the Edinburgh castle. Only at that time did the small dog leave the cemetery to walk to the local pub where he and his deceased owner had dined each day together. The proprietors of the pub felt sorry for Bobby, so they always gave him a warm meal. After eating, Bobby would return to the cemetery to stand guard over John's final resting place. 

Bobby became kind of a tourist attraction for Edinburgh. Crowds would gather to watch the small dog run through the city streets to grab a bite to eat and then return to his post. The town's Lord Provost even bestowed a special collar on Bobby to honor the pooch's loyalty. 

Bobby died in 1872 at the age of 16. He never veered away from his dedication to John Gray, and he always maintained his schedule each day. Bobby was also buried in Greyfriars' cemetery close to the location of his beloved owner. The townspeople even erected a headstone over the dog's grave.