As a fire-dog － yes, 1946 － I’m perhaps less inclined to worry than you say you are, Judith. Much of what I’ve read about the fire-dog rings true, although there are some points on which I could wish for a greater measure 
That other sort of fire-dog, the andiron, amuses me: according to Wikipedia, “intended to hold logs above the hearth in order to improve air circulation for better burning.”