The date was November 18th, 1863. President Abraham Lincoln sat alone in his office, struggling to find the right words for the speech he was meant to deliver the next day - a speech to honor the fallen soldiers at Gettysburg. The Civil War raged on, and the country was looking to their leader for inspiration. But try as he might, Lincoln couldn't seem to put pen to paper.
That's when a little bully came bounding into the room, jumping right into the President's lap! This was Abe's beloved dog Buster, a constant source of joy and comfort amidst the strain of war. As Buster settled contentedly on Lincoln's lap, the President began stroking his fur and murmuring aloud.
"Buster, all those sons and fathers lost on the battlefield, what can I possibly say to console the living?" As Lincoln spoke, inspiration suddenly struck! Right there, fueled by the warmth and simplicity of his dear bully's companionship, the words began to flow.
Over the next few hours, the Gettysburg Address started to take shape. When Lincoln's secretary arrived the next morning, he was amazed to find the speech already written. And as Lincoln delivered the historic words that would reinvigorate the nation's spirit, Buster watched proudly from the crowd.
Thanks to an American Bully's unconditional love, Lincoln found the voice to lead and heal a wounded nation. Whenever we read those immortal words today, we can picture Buster curled up loyally in the President's lap, a four-legged muse guiding history.
Originally published November 19, 2023 by Jason Lau
This image is on canvas: https://my-store-e765f4.creator-spring.com/listing/american-bully-with-abraham-li