Subject: Dogs and Postmen
Quote: “I don’t know why dogs always go for postmen, I’m sure,” continued our guide.
“It’s a matter of reasoning,” said Poirot. “The dog, he argues from reason. He is intelligent; he makes his deductions according to his point of view. There are people who may enter a house and there are people who may not—that a dog soon learns. Eh bien, who is the person who most persistently tries to gain admission, rattling on the door twice or three times a day—and who is never by any chance admitted? The postman. Clearly, then, an undesirable guest from the point of view of the master of the house. He is always sent about his business, but he persistently returns and tries again. Then a dog’s duty is clear, to aid in driving this undesirable man away, and to bite him if possible. A most reasonable proceeding.”
Character: M. Hercule Poirot
Chapter/Story: 8
Book Title/Copyright: Poirot Loses a Client, 1937 Subject: Dogs
Quote: Don was very sad when it [the bath] was all over. That disgusting smell of soap again—just when he had found a really nice perfume such as any other dog would envy. Oh, well, it was always the same with humans—they had no decent sense of smell.
Character: Don, the dog
Chapter/Story: “A Fine Italian Hand—XIII”
Book Title/Copyright: Towards Zero, 1944
