Bob the Railway Dog: Early Life and Travels

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Questions and Answers

What led to Bob's life changing dramatically?

His owner took a new job in another state. (correct)

His owner became ill.

Bob decided to leave on his own.

Bob was adopted by another family.

How did the railway workers in South Australia respond to Bob's potential move?

They hid Bob to keep him from leaving. (correct)

They encouraged him to explore.

They offered him a new home.

They celebrated his departure.

What was the unique feature of Bob's collar?

It had a GPS tracker.

It had a picture of Bob on it.

It was made of gold.

It stated his identity as the driver's dog. (correct)

Where would Bob often spend his nights?

With the train drivers at their homes. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What type of trains did Bob prefer?

Those that smoked the blackest and belched the loudest. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How did Bob end up on a boat?

He was attracted by a ship's whistle. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was Bob's fate after a long trip to Broken Hill?

He passed away from heart failure. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Where can Bob's collar be seen today?

The National Railway Museum in Port Adelaide. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What prompted the loading of 200 dogs onto a train in South Australia?

To help control the rabbit population (A) Signup and view all the answers

How did William Ferry acquire Bob the sheepdog?

He traded a scruffy dog for Bob (A) Signup and view all the answers

What specific role did Bob the sheepdog perform on the train?

He delivered messages between the train's engine driver and guard (A) Signup and view all the answers

What change occurred in William's job status that affected Bob's activities?

William became an assistant stationmaster (A) Signup and view all the answers

How did Bob demonstrate his ability to navigate the train routes?

He found his way home after long journeys across states (D) Signup and view all the answers

What instinct did Bob rely on to notify William about work gangs along the train line?

His animal instincts to sense their presence (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was one of Bob's favorite activities as indicated in his story?

Riding trains across the countryside (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was a key characteristic of Bob that distinguished him from ordinary dogs?

He displayed clever behavior in his duties (A) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Bob's Early Life

Bob was a Smithfield cross sheepdog found by William Ferry
William Ferry was a railway guard
Bob quickly learned to carry messages between the train engine and the guard
He would also warn the guard about workers camped along the railway line
William Ferry was promoted, and Bob missed traveling on the train

Bob's Travels

Bob started traveling alone on trains
He traveled across various states, including Victoria and New South Wales
He preferred to ride in the engine on the coal wagon
He became known and respected by train drivers
William Ferry moved to Western Australia, but railway workers hid Bob, so he didn't move with him.

Bob's Life as a Railway Dog

Every train driver and station was his friend
Every night he'd sleep with the train driver and then follow them back to the station the next day
He loved trains with blackest smoke, loudest sounds, and loudest whistles
He once got on a ship because its whistle sounded like a train
He was given a collar marked, "Stop Me Not But Let Me Jog For I Am Bob The Driver's Dog."

Bob's Legacy

Bob was famous throughout Australia
He'd often be seen in Adelaide
He met his end at Evans' Butcher Shop on Hindley Street
He died at the age of seventeen
His collar is now at the National Railway Museum in Port Adelaide.

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Description

Explore the incredible adventures of Bob, the renowned Smithfield cross sheepdog who became a beloved figure among railway workers. This quiz covers his early life with William Ferry, his travels across states, and his experiences as a railway dog. Test your knowledge on Bob's unique bond with trains and the people he encountered.