According to Irish lore, Glen of Imaal Terriers were also used as turnspit dogs to turn meat over fires for cooking. (dailypuppy.com)
In the 1850s, the use of turnspits in large commercial kitchens in America inspired the foundation of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA). (priceonomics.com)
At the mention of the word «wheel» several turnspit dogs, who had been brought to church as foot warmers, ran for the door. (dogingtonpost.com)