[2] His true railway career appears to have commenced not long after being consigned from Adelaide, along with fifty other dogs, to Quorn, to be used to exterminate rabbits near Carrieton.

He was swapped (though it has been suggested he "broke pack")[3] for another dog, obtained as a stray from the police in Port Augusta by William Seth Ferry, then working as a special guard at Petersburg as Peterborough was then known.

Bob was known to venture to and from Petersburg often sitting in the front of the coal space in the locomotive tender, travelling many thousands of miles.

According to the Petersburg Times[6] "His favourite place on a Yankee engine; the big whistle and belching smokestack seem(ed) to have an irresistible attraction for him... he lived on the fat of the land, and was not particular from whom he accepted his dinner.

"[7] Bob did not like suburban engines because of their cramped cabs, but was known to clear out third class compartments for his sole use by "vigorously barking at all stations, usually succeeding in convincing intending passengers that the coach had been reserved of his special benefit".

[14] The Petersburg Times[10] records that "only during one winter did he look miserable, when some employé (on probation) cut off all his hair except that of his neck and tip of his tail.

[15] One correspondent, Henry Hollamby of Macclesfield, claimed in the Southern Argus[2] that he was the breeder, and that "Bob's father was a German collie dog".

[16] The following poem was published in The Advertiser on 17 August 1895:[5][b] Home-keeping dogs have homely wits, Their notions tame and poor; I scorn the dog who humbly sits Before the cottage door, Or those who weary vigils keep, Or follow lowly kine; A dreary life midst stupid sheep Shall ne'er be lot of mine.

I have a cheery bark for all, No ties my travels clog; I hear the whistle, that's the call For Bob, the driver's dog.

The Chronicle notes that after his afternoon tea, Bob was "heard to bark at a passing dog, and then with a pitiful howl dropped dead".

[20] Others record that Bob lived out his days on the Silverton Tramway Company Ltd, which connected Broken Hill to the South Australian Railways, and Petersburg.

[25] The picture notes a similar couplet, "Stop me not but onward let me jog, for I am Bob, the London Firemans Dog.