As the labour would be too great for a single Dog, it was usual to keep at least two animals for the purpose, and to make them relieve each other at regular intervals. The dogs were quite able to appreciate the lapse of time, and, if not relieved from their toils at the proper hour, would leap out of the wheel without orders, and force their companions to take their place, and complete their portion of the daily toil.
The dogs were also taken to church to serve as foot warmers. One story says that during service at a church in Bath, the Bishop of Gloucester gave a sermon and uttered the line “It was then that Ezekiel saw the wheel…”. At the mention of the word “wheel” several turnspit dogs, who had been brought to church as foot warmers, ran for the door.[6]
It’s so true, though. So much of ordinary life we have little information on in the past. Because why write it down? Everyone knows it! Just like our little turnspit dog.
Explanation: In the Early Modern Period, a particular breed of small dog was bred for the purpose of… running in a wheel.
The purpose of that wheel?
To spin meat around on a spit to make sure it’s evenly roasted.
Biotech weird af, man.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turnspit_dog
Running time, you say!?
You need to post the video Milo made too!
I’m afraid I haven’t seen it! If you post it, it’ll be new to me too!
I got you, fam. https://youtu.be/9X8rJsYn1ZY
“Spitroast dog”
Hm. Hm…
A bit suspect I think!
It’s so true, though. So much of ordinary life we have little information on in the past. Because why write it down? Everyone knows it! Just like our little turnspit dog.
They’re called meatspin dogs.
Spitroast dog*