People occasionally find the gift of comfort and true friendship in the form of a canine. The famous phrase, “A dog is man’s best friend,” is certainly true for many people even today. 

Many members of the Booth family had a variety of pets. Evangeline had a horse, dog and even a monkey. Ballington and Bramwell had dogs for their children. Yet no other friendship seemed more sincere than what the Founder had with his own beloved dog, Gyp. 

Beginning with photographs from August 1908, one can see the attachment that Booth had for his furry friend. Even with the very few photographs the International Heritage Centre has of Gyp, we know that he was a part of the Booth household up to the Founder’s Promotion to Glory on August 20, 1912. 

When looking at this dog, one wonders exactly what breed he was. According to some records, it was said that Gyp was a sheepdog, but other sources say he was a Cairn Terrier. These canines originally came from the Scottish Highlands and were used as the earliest working dogs for the Scottish. Of course, Gyp was William Booth’s best friend, and was not used as a working dog.

The name, which was quite unusual, was inspired by William Booth’s affection for a community of Romani people he had encountered in his early ministry. One can never know how great an impact Gyp had on the Founder, but by the pictures we can see, we know William Booth had great affection for him. Let us also thank God for the special pets that have a great place in our hearts, the ones who are loyal companions in our lives as we minister for the Creator of all good things. 

Editor’s Note: The term “gypsy” was commonly used for describing Romani people during William Booth’s lifetime.