MILTON'S LOVE OF ANIMALS


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Milton was very fond of animals. He owned several dogs and when they died they were buried in the garden at Cliffe House, each with their own headstone marking the grave.
In his will Milton left bequests to many animal charities:
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
The Home of Rest for Horses, the National Council for the Abolition of Decrepit Horse Traffic
The Rome Society for the Protection of Animals
The People's Dispensary for Sick Animals of the Poor (Tangiers branch)
The Naples Society for the Protection of Animals.

He also stipulated that "my Trustees shall give all necessary instructions to have my body cremated. After cremation my ashes shall be place in a small metal urn and buried in the garden of Cliffe House where lie several of my favourite dogs". According to many obituaries, his wishes were followed to the letter.

One of Milton's hobbies was pigeon flying. "He wintered abroad a good deal and was a well-known personality at Monte Carlo. The practice of shooting pigeons released from a trap, which was in vogue in Monte Carlo, found in him a strong opponent, and he erected a pigeon fountain in the garden so that the birds might always have a drinking place. He took great pleasure in feeding them in the morning and in seeing them alight at the fountain". According to Clarkson Rose this fountain was "outside the Casino".

The following letter appeared in The Guardian newspaper on June 17th 1914:
"PERFORMING ANIMALS - Miss L. Hewitt, hon. secretary of the Humanitarian League (Manchester and District Branch), writes from Acre lane, Bramhall:-Your critic, in speaking of the kicking mule at the Palace Theatre, shows appreciation of the side other than comic in this performance. Is it not time that the theatre-going public made some investigation in this matter of performing animals? The exhibitions are condemned by all who have given the subject consideration, including G.B. Shaw, John Galsworthy, J.K. Jerome, Thomas Hardy, Milton Bode, Weedon Grossmith and other. This exploitation of animals is unnecessary and degrading."

The following poem appeared in the 23rd edition of "Veterinary practice at home", published in 1924 by Day, Son & Hewitt Ltd, and was attributed to Milton Bode, Esq, Reading:

THE PRAYER OF A HORSE
To thee, my master, I offer my prayer:

Feed me, water and care for me, and when the day's work is done provide me with shelter, a clean dry bed and a stall wide enough for me to lie down in comfort. Talke to me. Your voice often means as much to me as the reins. Pet me sometimes, that I may serve you the more gladly and learn to love you. Do not jerk the reins, and do not whip me when going up hill. Never strike, beat, or kick me when I do not understand what you mean, but give me a chance to understand you. Watch me, and if I fail to do your bidding see if something is not wrong withmy harness or feet.

Examine my teeth when I do not eat, I may have an ulcerated tooth, and that, you know, is very painful. Do not tie my head in an unnatural position or take away my best defence against flies or mosquitoes by cutting off my tail.

An finally, oh! my master, when my useful strength is gone do not turn me out to starve or freeze or sell me to some cruel owner, to be slowly tortured and starved to death; but do thou, my master, take muy life in the kindest way, and your God will reward you here and hereafter.

You may not consider me irreverent if I ask this in the name of Him who was born in a stable.

Amen