Scorned Boy Proves Hero By Catching Mad Canine

November 22, 1929

Son of “Dog Catcher” Holds Rabied Brute After It Bit 11 Students and Teacher at Austin High

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Flaunted because he was the son of the city dog catcher and nicknamed: “Doggie” by fellow students at the Austin High school, Herbert Baird, 15 year-old-son of Mr. And Mrs. W.W. Baird of 2221 Val Verde avenue, had his hour yesterday afternoon, when, with his naked hands he caught a rabied dog in a crowded school room after the canine had bitten 11 students, a teacher and had bared its snarling teeth to more than 20 other students who, on desks and tables, cowered before the frenzied, maddened animal.

Not for nothing had “Doggie” accompanied his father during the summer vacation, on jaunts over the city, picking up nondescript mongrels. Without heed to personal safety, “Doggie” hurled himself upon the animal and in a grip back of the cur’s ears which his father had taught him was the safest, most humane manner in dealing with carnivorous animals.

Coolly Holds Animal

He coolly held the animal while Eldridge McCracken, 14, tied a rope around the canine’s neck. The cur then was turned over to the school janitor, who afraid to take the dog in his hands, carried the animal from the room, dangling from the rope’s end. It was choked to death.

Previously the dog had invaded the school playground and bitten the 11 students and Miss Markgraff, instructor. The animal was confined in a closet, being loosed when the closet door was opened by a student in search of some material ordered in a manual training class.

It was then that Baird’s heroism became apparent.

An analysis of the dog’s head indicated it was infested with rabies. Dr. George Turner said last night. The case was turned over to Dr. Turner by Dr. P.R. Outlaw, city health officer, for examination.

Must Take Treatment

Dr. Outlaw said all persons who were bitten by the animal will have to take the Pasteur treatment or suffer the possibility of having hydrophobia themselves. Hydrophobia is incurable, Dr. Outlaw said.

Following are those bitten by the dog:

Marcial Lopez, 130 Hardaway avenue.

Kenneth King, 2020 Aurora street.

Ralph La Londe, 2131 East Yandell boulevard.

Eddington Tompkins, 3018 White Oaks street.

Robin Brown, 2504 San Diego street.

Wallace Benson, 2902 North Piedras.

Marie Kowal, 3519 Bisbee street.

R.D. Madland, 1251 Ohio street.

Grace Vasquez, 110 Martines.

Jeff Glaves, 301 Rand avenue.

Richard Musial, 400 La Luz street.

Miss Beatrice Markgraff, 1111 North Florence street.

Comments

[Will]

Another great entry.
This is my new favorite blog. Keep it up!

[Some BS]

What is the purpose of listing the victims home address. EP Times violates the rights of the victims once more. Just like the shooting victims of Gram's Central Station.

[El Chuco]

I was thinking the same thing on the addresses but then read that the article came out in 1929. Get over it Some BS.

[Trish Long]

Some BS,

Thanks for reading. Since the dog bites occurred 79 years ago I didn't think there was any harm in posting the addresses.

[Anthony]

BS - The date is 1929, not 2009. Concerned about privacy? You should take a look at a Polk Directory. Now, those tomes had good information!