Sheffield Independent – Friday 16 September 1927
The ‘‘Phantom” Whippet.
Prefers Freedom To The Course.
Wombwell is in a state of mild excitment through the antics of a whippet, which possesses a wonderful instinct for evading capture, and rivals the famous “Rin Tin Tin” of the films in its exploits.
The dog is a black whippet and according to the information in the possession of the police, an animal of considerable value. He should answer to the name “Pat,” but does not.
Pat has been at a loose end so to speak, for the past six months and exhibits no inclination to relinquish his queer habits. He appears thoroughly to enjoy the nomad life.
Pat was brought to Wombwell in March by a man named Ernest Briggs, of 17 Paradine Street, Goole, whose intention was to run him in a whippet racing handicap on the Station lane grounds at New Scarborough.
For pome unaccountable reason the dog decided to shake a loose leg and leaving Mr. Briggs he dashed from the sports field and made off in the direction of Wombwell.
From that dav to this the dog has been roaming the district, and though the owner has offered substantial reward to anyone who takes him alive he has always managed to evade capture.
Quite Harmless.
A man who is supposed to have had experience of trapping animals tried his hand at rounding him up, but the dog proved smarter than the hunter. Then, as a subterfuge, another dog was employed the hunt, but the sex appeal proved equally futile.
There is something uncanny about Pat’s behaviour, and superstitious people are beginning to wonder if it is real dog they have seen or a black phantom.
People have often seen him, but it is only a fleeting glimpse they get before he vanishes into thin air, as it were.
In all sorts of odd ways and places he bobs up, causing the timid to jump with apprehension. Pat is getting on peoples nerves. He appears and disappears like shadow.
Seldom is lie seen until after sunset. One thing he must be said in Pat’s favour—he it is perfectly harmless. Householders upon whom he may call are asked to detain him—if possible.
Pat is officially described as “a black Whippet, white tip to tail and white paws. Collar studded with silver plated hearts with name plate “John Ernest Briggs. 17, Paradine street, Goole”