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The Dallas Morning News
Sunday, August 1, 1915

THIS DOG HAS MADE A PLACE FOR HIMSELF
"Boomer," the Railroad Man's Friend
by Richard Gray

It isn't often that a "boomer" alights in a town and settles down to remain there, and when such a thing does happen is is worthy of mention and should go down in the annals of railroad history.
Just such a thing has occurred in Denison, Texas, and although the principal has long ceased his wandering habit, he is known to the yardmen and depot employes as "Boomer."
How "Boomer" came to land in Denison is more than can be determined and as he steadfastly refuses to divulge any of his family secrets, it probably never will be known just what his lineage is. Suffice it to say he is a favorite among the railroaders, and is a familiar character about the Union Depot, where he is known to employes and passengers.
While "Boomer" has retired from road service and spends most of his time watching the depot, he occasionally makes a short trip on the Bonham passenger train, returning home in time for his evening meal, which he invariably "mooches" from some of the trainmen, who are ever ready and willing to give their comrade a "lift." In his various short tripes, however, this favorite of the boys never ventures out on any of the main-line trains, for he knows full well that to do so would place him in the precarious condition of being a "stranger in a strange land." with no friendly hands to fee him, no one to furnish him a bed.
But, before we go any further, let us explain that "Boomer" is a dog.
He arrived in Denison one wintry night about 4 years ago, showing up first at the old yard office, where he was brought in and placed near the stove by a kind-hearted switchman. Relishing the kind of treatment he received at the hands of the railroad men, who immediately adopted him as the yard mascot, dubbing him "Boomer", the animal soon learned to know each and every member of the various yard crews, and, of course, became a universal favorite. His has been a notable career.
About 2 years ago, when he was walking along the tracks near the depot, an employe who was a stranger to Denison happened along on a railroad motor car. Seeing the dog and anticipating, as he thought, the sport of knocking if off the right of way, he speeded up his car and struck the dog squarely. When the man lifted his speeder from the rails a few minutes later he was facing the superintendent, who stated that his resignation had been accepted. Many friends of the Boomer rushed to his assistance and he was taken to a surgeon, who set his broken shoulder and, at the expense of the Union Station employes and the other railroad men, "Boomer" was kept in a local livery barn until his shoulder grew strong enough to allow him to go back on the job. The dog still walks with a limp, and claim attorneys say that he has never made a settlement with the company for the hurt; yet he is back on the job and is still being taken care of. The injury, of course, necessitated his remaining more quiet and doing less riding around on the yard engines, so the greater part of his time is now spent about the Union Station, where he puts it in eating and sleeping.
"Boomer" has proved his sterling worth to the company by keeping all stray dogs out of the waiting rooms. He will not venture inside the "sacred" place himself, nor will he permit any other dog of the family "canis familiaris" to enter the sanctum sanctorum. While the stationmaster and travelers' aid look after the passengers, "Boomer" takes care of all stray dogs. He also spends the afternoon playing with small children who are often kept in waiting hours with their tired parents from train connections.
Now and then the dog gets a touch of the wanderlust, and at these times he longs for the old days when he rode the yard engines with his pals. He will catch the "hurdy" that carries men to and from the Ray yards in west Denison, and, riding the car or footboard of the engines, will visit Ray. A number of his friends are employed at Ray, and if he happens to meet them he will remain at Ray all day or night, riding the engines and loafing around the offices with his friends; but he will return to the station in time for a good "feed" which is always waiting for him.
"Boomer" meets all passenger trains, where he greets the weary traveler who has spent possibly days on the train, and when they alight for a short walk about the station between trains he will entertain them by chasing rocks that are thrown for him, and though efforts have been put forward many times by train crews to get him on a main-line train for a trip, he refuses to board any trains other than those that will bring him back to Denison before nightfall.
While working with the coach crew of the Katy that handles all passenger trains in the Denison terminal, "Boomer" recently had another accident. He was riding the head end of the yard engine and, dropping from t he footboard of the engine, he failed to observe a speeding automobile which crossed Main street as the engine passed. The car struck him, causing several injuries, and it was again necessary for him to return to the hospital for treatment. He was kept inside for 10 days. During the time he was under treatment railroad men visited him daily and always took a good "feed" with them. "Boomer" greeted his friends with a bark and seemed to beg to be back with them again. A collection was taken among his friends and all bills were squared up by the railroad men. When he recovered sufficiently to walk all efforts on the part of the physician to keep him still were unavailing. He wanted to get back on the job, and do it he did, despite his weakened condition. Tom Dobbs, a switchman pal, called to see him one morning and ordered his release. "Boomer" made one run for the Union Station, not stopping en route, and arrived at the station, visited all employes in every office of the building, barking his approval of the treatment accorded him, then making a run for the different yardmen, he seemed to return thanks with his insistent barking for their kindness to him.
To date "Boomer" has made no settlement with the driver of the automobile, but it is quite generally believed that a settlement will be made out of court, as it is feared the evidence might show contributory negligence on his part in not watching out for the machine when he jumped from the engine.
In the spring of each year, when dog taxes are due, the dog's friends take up a collection for a tag and collar. He must have a new collar each year with a bright, shining tag, and there is never the least bit of trouble in collecting several dollars for "Boomer's" taxes and a fine collar.
He is a favorite among the railroad officials as well as all classes of employes, and to do harm to "Boomer" means that the person hurting him must fight or make a quick get-away. During the cold winter months he rests under the desks of the station offices. Any old desk suits "Boomer" and he is welcome at any of them. Some months ago a stranger undertook to kick "Boomer" as he lay in the stairway. A brakeman who assists in looking after his welfare took up the trouble and immediately landed a Willard punch to the jaw, and the argument was soon settled.
The Denison station dog has become known to many travelers, who have learned to like him, and though he "lit" in the Gate City unknown several years ago, he now numbers his friends by the hundreds, and will never find it necessary to roam again.