The Chinese whispers of Greyfriars Bobby

Greyfriars Bobby, Edinburgh

    There are stories, whether true, or myth that pull at our heartstrings. One such story that does it for me every time is that of, Greyfriars Bobby. Boxes of Kleenex in abundance are needed when settling down in front of the 1961, Disney movie, Greyfriars Bobby and the 2006 film, The Adventures of Greyfriars Bobby. Both based on, Eleanor Atkinson's, book of the same name it tells the said to be true story of a Skye Terrier who watched over his master's grave for fourteen-years.

    Like any story that is passed down through the ages initially by word of mouth and then Atkinson's book in 1912, the story varies. His master, John Gray, in one version was said to be a local, Edinburgh policeman, or bobby an informal name used for the police in the UK and in another he was, John Gray a shepherd.  

Greyfriars Bobby Bar, Candlemaker Row, Edinburgh.

   
    In Edinburgh's, Candlemaker Row a statue was erected in 1873 opposite, Greyfriars Kirkyard where his master was buried in 1858 and then Bobby, fourteen-years later. True, or myth I don't really care. I believe it's a story that will last forever and of course this little Skye Terrier can watch over his master for eternity too.