a dog proves useful for a russian christmas tradition

"Here is a hint for English young ladies next Christmas. In Russia, we take little loaves of bread. On the little loaves of bread we write young ladies' and gentlemen's names, and then we call in a brisk little hungry dog to gobble them up. Those whose names are written on the loaves which the little dog has gobbled up, will be married before the year is out: the rest must wait for a more favourable opportunity. Oh, what bright eyes follow the little dog!"
- from All the Year Round, the magazine edited by Charles Dickens (issue of January 10, 1863) p. 424.