"This sketch shows an arrangement for making use of the dog for carrying water. It simply consists of a wheel 8 feet in diameter and 18 inches wide, with room enough inside for the dog to walk around, where he acts as a tread power, which causes the pump to revolve. In southern California there are a number of these dog-power pumps, which cost less than $15. A good-sized dog can easily earn his living in an arrangement of this kind."
Rolfe Cobleigh, Handy Farm Devices and How to Make Them (1910)
Evidently SoCal was the dog-pump capital of the US in 1910.
A stroll through an historic village in Faust Park outside of St. Louis, MO included a related device: the dog-powered butter churn.
ReplyDeleteIf no dog, children will do.
ReplyDeleteIf the dog is reluctant, set your cat up with a gun and the dog will get with the program.
ReplyDeleteIf you give your cat a firearm, I wouldn't be surprised if YOU end up on the wheel.
Delete