Bum (dog)

Bum (July 3, 1886 – November 10, 1898) was a free-ranging dog who lived on the streets of San Diego, California. His friendly reputation gained him significant local popularity. In 1891, the city used his image on its dog licenses, although he was personally exempted from needing one. He became a popular symbol of the city, where a statue of him stands in the Gaslamp Quarter. Supposedly born in San Francisco on July 3, 1886, Bum stowed away on a ship to reach San Diego in December. While regularly taken in by a man named Ah Wo Sue, he lived much of his life on the streets, leading to his name. A local journalist, James Edward Friend, wrote about Bum, helping build his public popularity. Within San Diego, Bum was known to travel by streetcar, join parades, give children rides, and sit with a judge in a courthouse. He was able to catch trains and ferries to other locations, although he always returned to San Diego. At one point he began drinking alcohol, although intervention by Ah Wo Sue ended the habit. Bum has retained popularity in San Diego, being mentioned by Dr. Seuss on what would have been Bum's 100th birthday, and remaining a mascot of the San Diego History Center's kids program. A statue of Bum has also been erected in Edinburgh, San Diego's twin city.

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