“Karl Marx was fond of dogs, and three small animals of no particular breed—of a mixture of many breeds indeed—formed important members of the household. They were all three sociable little beasts, ever ready for a romp, and very affectionate. One day, after an absence of six weeks in Scotland, I went to see Eleanor and found her with her father in the drawing-room, playing with Whisky. Whisky at
once transferred his attentions to me, greeting me with ebullient friendliness, but almost immediately he ran to the door and whined to have it opened for him. Eleanor said: ‘He has gone down to Toddy, who has just presented him with some puppies.’
She had hardly finished speaking before there was a scratching and scrambling in tile hall, and in bounded Whisky, shepherding Toddy. The little mother made straight for me, exchanged affabilities in friendly fashion, then hurried back to her family. Whisky meanwhile stood on the rug, wagging a proudly contented tail, and looking from one to the other, as who should say:
'See how well I know how to do the right thing.'
Dr. Marx was much impressed by this exhibition of canine intelligence.”
- Marian Comyn, a family friend recollecting on her encounters with the Marx family
