Rover a faithful watch dog belonging to Mr. A.M. JOHNSTON is dead.  This valuable dog has been a pet and safeguard to the family and property at “Roseneath” farm for 16 years, his affectionate and docile disposition won the hearts of the entire family who mourn his death as if it were a human friend, for indeed through the long, dark nights of the past years he has kept watch over the plantation more faithfully than any human friend could have done.

Source: Roanoke Beacon, 22 August 1890. Available online at digitalnc.org.