Greyfriars Bobby was a small dog with a big heart. He lived in Edinburgh, Scotland, in the 19th century and became famous for his loyalty to his owner.
Bobby was a Skye Terrier, a small breed with long hair and a friendly nature. He was very close to his owner, a man named John Gray. Bobby and John were always together, whether walking through the streets of Edinburgh or sitting by the fireplace at home.
When John Gray passed away in 1858, he was buried in Greyfriars Kirkyard, a cemetery in Edinburgh. Bobby was heartbroken, but he didn’t forget his owner. For the next 14 years, Bobby stayed by John’s grave. Every day, he would sit by the grave, keeping watch over his beloved owner. The people of Edinburgh noticed Bobby’s loyalty and began to care for him, bringing him food and making sure he was safe.
Bobby’s dedication touched the hearts of many people. He became a local legend, and his story spread far and wide. Even after Bobby passed away in 1872, he was remembered as a symbol of loyalty and devotion. A statue of Greyfriars Bobby was placed near the entrance of Greyfriars Kirkyard, where it still stands today.
In addition to becoming a local legend, Bobby's story was so touching that it inspired several films. One of the most famous is *Greyfriars Bobby: The True Story of a Dog*, released by Disney in 1961. Bobby's loyalty and devotion also became the subject of other movies and books, ensuring that his story will continue to be shared with new generations. Today, visitors to Edinburgh can still see the statue of Greyfriars Bobby, a reminder of his incredible bond with his owner.
Vocabulary
Cemetery - A place where people are buried after they die.
Synonyms: Graveyard, Burial ground
Example Sentences:
Bobby stayed by his owner's grave in the cemetery for 14 years.
The cemetery was quiet and peaceful, surrounded by trees.
Question: Have you ever visited a cemetery? What was it like?
Breed - A specific type of animal within a species, especially a type of dog.
Synonyms: Type, Variety
Example Sentences:
Bobby was a Skye Terrier, a small breed of dog.
Labrador Retrievers are a popular breed because they are friendly and loyal.
Question: What is your favorite breed of dog, and why?
Devotion - Strong love, loyalty, or dedication to someone or something.
Synonyms: Commitment, Loyalty
Example Sentences:
Bobby's devotion to his owner made him famous.
Her devotion to her family was clear in everything she did.
Question: Can you think of someone or something you have a strong devotion to?
Statue - A sculpture representing a person or animal, typically made of stone or metal.
Synonyms: Sculpture, Monument
Example Sentences:
A statue of Greyfriars Bobby was placed near the entrance of the cemetery.
The statue in the park was carved from marble and stood tall.
Question: Do you know of any famous statues in your country?
Symbol - A thing that represents or stands for something else, especially a material object representing something abstract.
Synonyms: Emblem, Sign
Example Sentences:
Bobby became a symbol of loyalty and devotion.
The dove is a symbol of peace in many cultures.
Question: What symbols are important in your culture or country?
Grammar Focus
Past Continuous Tense
Example Sentences:
Bobby was sitting by the grave when people noticed his loyalty.
People were bringing him food to make sure he was safe.
Bobby was staying close to his owner even after he passed away.
Questions:
What were you doing yesterday at this time?
Can you describe something that was happening while you were on your way to school or work recently?
Discussion Questions
What would you do if you saw a dog waiting by its owner’s grave?
Have you ever had a pet that was very loyal to you?
Why do you think people in Edinburgh took care of Bobby after his owner died?
How do you feel about the statue of Bobby? Do you think it’s important to remember animals in this way?
Why do you think Bobby’s story became so famous?
Do you know any other stories about loyal animals?
Have you ever seen any movies about real animals? What were they about?
Have you ever visited a place with a famous statue? What was it like?
How important is loyalty in friendships or relationships?
What are some other animals that are known for being loyal?
What is the most loyal thing someone has ever done for you?
What qualities do you value most in a friend?
How do you think loyalty between people and pets is different from loyalty between humans?