Phillips County Museum News for April 21, 2021

Much has been written about cowboys and their horses, but this story is about a sheepherder and his dog. (The only dog to have been arrested in Malta).

Now a sheepherder was lonely and sometimes a bit loony. His only concern was his sheep. He fought coyotes, mosquitos, loco week, lack of good food, and loneliness. His only friend and companion was his loyal dog!

One of these men decided to take a week off before lambing started. He arrived in Malta with his bedroll and his dog. Checking into a hotel, he proceeded to get cleaned up.

Then remembering a nice restaurant he had eaten at, he and his faithful dog decided to get something to eat. After being seated the waitress took his order for two beef steaks.

When they were brought to him, he took one and placed it on the floor saying to his dog “here is your supper.” When they finished and went to exit there stood the sheriff and the sheriff had a warrant for his arrest.

“For what?” came his response.

The sheriff replied “the wasting of food you gave your dog a steak here in this restaurant”.

The sheepherder said, “Yes, we both had steaks, but I did not waste any food and neither did my dog.”

The sheriff said, “the County Attorney wants to see you and your dog.”

When the sheepherder asked to see the law stating you cannot feed your dog steaks he was released with an apology.

This story was written by Einar Veseth and is part of the Rosemary Veseth Collection at the Museum. Museum hours are Mon-Sat 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.