Soon or late, every dog’s master’s memory becomes a graveyard; peopled by wistful little furry ghosts that creep back unbidden, at times, to a semblance of their olden lives.

Win without boasting. Lose without excuse.

Any man with money to make the purchase may become a dog’s owner. But no man –spend he ever so much coin and food and tact in the effort– may become a dog’s Master without...