Bummer and Lazarus: A Tale of Friendship and Survival in 19th Century San Francisco

Bummer and Lazarus, a duo of stray dogs, roamed the streets of 19th century San Francisco, surviving by their wits and cunning.

Their names, Bummer and Lazarus, were given to them by the city's residents, who saw them as a symbol of resilience in the face of hardship.

The two dogs became local celebrities, with people leaving food and other treats for them in alleys and on street corners.

Their story is a testament to the power of friendship and determination in the face of adversity.

For more insights, see: Lazarus the Dog

Bummer's kindness towards Lazarus began with a heroic act, where he chased away a bigger dog that was threatening Lazarus.

After the fight, Bummer let Lazarus limp to the safety of a protected doorway, where he would spend the first couple of days recovering.

Bummer brought back handouts for Lazarus, showing his concern for the dog's well-being.

At night, Lazarus would lie closest to the door, while Bummer curled up around him to keep him warm, a sleeping position they would maintain for a long time.

As Lazarus improved, he would limp along behind Bummer as he gathered food for both of them.

The name "Lazarus" stuck due to the miraculous nature of his recovery, as if he had risen from the dead.

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Lazarus had a rather dramatic and public death in October 1863, with two different accounts of how he met his end. He was either kicked by a fire engine's horse or poisoned by "ratbane" after biting a boy.

San Franciscans were shocked and saddened by Lazarus' death, with a $50 reward offered for the capture of the poisoner. They even joked about giving him a hero's burial alongside other great men of the city.

Bummer was devastated by Lazarus' passing, spending the day searching for him in their usual haunts.

Losing a pet is never easy, and it's clear that the death of Lazarus was a significant event in San Francisco.

Lazarus was killed in October 1863, and the circumstances of his death were a bit unusual. He was allegedly poisoned by being given meat laced with "ratbane" after biting a boy.

San Franciscans took the death of Lazarus seriously, putting up a $50 reward for the capture of the poisoner. A wit even suggested that Lazarus be buried in a place of honor alongside other great men of the city.

The dog's body was actually stuffed by a taxidermist and displayed behind the bar in Martin's saloon. According to one account, Martin paid the taxidermist $50 to turn the dog over, even though its remains had already been claimed by the city council.

Bummer, Lazarus's companion, was said to spend the rest of the day looking for him after his death.

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Bummer lived two more years after Lazarus' death, but reportedly wasn't the same afterwards.

The newspapers were in a frenzy to be the first to report Bummer's demise, which led to several false reports of his death and subsequent returns to life.

Bummer was kicked down a flight of stairs on Montgomery Street in 1865 by a man who had too much to drink, and he died two months later.

Mark Twain made a jaded remark about Bummer, saying he was "full of years, and honor, and disease and fleas".

A reader submitted a loving poem to The Alta California, titled "Exit Bummer", which was later reprinted in Mark Twain's collection of works.

Consider reading: Bummer and Lazarus Book

In the mid-nineteenth century, Bummer and Lazarus were not unique in western towns. They were part of a larger problem of stray animals that accompanied the growth of communities.

Los Angeles in the 1840s had a staggering number of dogs, outnumbering people by two to one. San Francisco's problem was less severe but still significant.

Bummer and Lazarus were destined for destruction, as the Board of Supervisors passed an ordinance in April 1862 authorizing a dog catcher to pick up and destroy all unclaimed dogs.

However, the pair had a strong support system, with merchants and restaurateurs vying to keep them around. They were seen as valuable assets, much like barn cats that eliminate mice.

A petition was started, and several hundred people signed, enough to get it introduced at a meeting of the Board of Supervisors.

Bummer and Lazarus's legacy extends beyond their time as San Francisco's unofficial mascots. They left a lasting impact on the city's culture.

Their antics and escapades were often reported in local newspapers, giving them a level of notoriety that continues to fascinate people today.

Emperor Norton was a peculiar figure in San Francisco's history. He was known as the "Emperor of the United States" and was quite eccentric.

The cartoonist Edward Jump frequently featured Norton in his cartoons, often with the two dogs Bummer and Lazarus by his side. This may have contributed to the popular legend that Norton was the owner of the dogs.

Norton was apparently outraged when he saw a cartoon of himself eating from a buffet table while the dogs waited for scraps. The cartoon was displayed in a shop-front window, and it seems to have affronted his imperial dignity.

Despite this, the close association between Norton and the dogs was still being claimed in the 1950s.

In 1992, a brass plaque was placed in Transamerica Redwood Park to commemorate Bummer and Lazarus, two stray dogs from the 1860s.

The plaque is a reminder of the special bond between these two dogs, who were known for their joint adventures and devotion to each other.

Their story was well-documented in the newspapers of the time, with reporters describing them as "two dogs with but a single bark, two tails that wagged as one."

Bummer and Lazarus were welcome regulars at popular eating and drinking establishments on Montgomery Street, and the city even allowed them to run free, a rare exception to the usual practice of destroying stray dogs.

A reporter for the "Bulletin" wrote a poignant description of the dogs after Lazarus died in 1863, and Bummer followed soon after in 1865.

Lazarus is a street-smart and resourceful character who often gets into trouble with his friend Bummer. He's a bit of a wild card, but he's also fiercely loyal.

Lazarus is known for his elaborate schemes and get-rich-quick plans, which often backfire. He's a master of talking his way out of sticky situations.

In the world of Bummer and Lazarus, Lazarus is often the one who comes up with wild ideas, while Bummer is the voice of reason. This dynamic creates some hilarious and unpredictable moments.

Lazarus's street smarts and quick thinking often help the duo get out of trouble, but it's also what gets them into trouble in the first place.

Bummer and Lazarus were two dogs that lived in the San Francisco Bay Area during the Gold Rush era. They became famous for their adventures and exploits.

Their owner, a prospector named Jim Davis, was a bit of a free spirit who let the dogs roam free in the city. They quickly became local celebrities.

The dogs were known for their ability to sniff out food and get into all sorts of trouble. They even had their own newspaper column written about them.

Bummer and Lazarus were also known for their love of food, particularly bread. They would often steal loaves from bakeries and markets.

Their antics were so well-known that they inspired a popular song in the 19th century. The song was called "Bummer and Lazarus" and it told the tale of the two dogs' adventures.