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Animal Quote by Oliver Goldsmith

“Elegy on the Death of a Mad Dog And in that town a dog was found, As many dogs there be, Both mongrel, puppy, whelp, and hound, And curs of low degree.” quote by Oliver Goldsmith
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“Elegy on the Death of a Mad Dog And in that town a dog was found, As many dogs there be, Both mongrel, puppy, whelp, and hound, And curs of low degree.”

Oliver Goldsmith

About This Quote

Source Poem: Elegy on the Death of a Mad Dog, 1765

The poem mourns a mixed‑breed dog, reflecting on the varied nature of dogs in a town.

In simple terms: A sad song about a town’s dogs.

Key Takeaway

Remember the value of all creatures, regardless of breed.

Themes

loss animals community

Mood

melancholic reflective

Type

elegiac literary

When to use this quote

  • memorial services
  • animal shelters
  • community gatherings

Key Concepts

poetry animal symbolism

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does the dog symbolize for the town?
  • How does breed affect our empathy?
A Different Perspective

The poem’s tone may romanticize suffering.

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