Guard Dogs: Also known as sentries, scouts and watchdogs, they would sit alongside a soldier who was on guard, and would alert him when trouble was near. With keen senses of sight, hearing and smell, they were trained to raise alerts quietly. Rather than bark loudly like a domestic dog would, they growled quietly or stood to attention. This gave soldiers the much needed time to get ready for their enemy. These dogs also guarded railways, munitions and supplies, barracks, trenches and prisoners of war. They often prevented the enemy from getting close enough to throw grenades. When the Germans introduced gas warfare, dogs were trained to detect it. When alerted to gas, the troops could put on their gas masks. Dogs were also issued with gas masks for protection.
Red Cross Dogs: Also known as "mercy dogs" wore Red Cross collars or coats. These dogs carried medical supplies to the men, so that they could treat themselves if they were able. These supplies were contained in saddle bags worn by the dogs. They had one of the most dangerous tasks of finding and assisting wounded men in "no-man's land". If a soldier was unconscious or unable to move, the dog would run back to it's handler carrying a cap, glove, or torn scrap of clothing as evidence that the soldier was in need of aid. The resourceful dog would then lead a stretcher party straight back to the injured party. These amazing dogs could also distinguish between the dead and unconscious. If someone was dead, they moved on to the next man in need of assistance. If a soldier was dying, the dog would stay with him, providing much needed comfort during their final moments on earth.
A Red Cross dog providing a soldier with medical supplies.
Rat Catchers: Rats were a big problem in the trenches of WW1. Not only were they annoying, but they appeared in vast quantities, carrying potentially harmful diseases. Dogs, in particular the terrier mixes, would rid the trenches of these harmful pests.
A terrier poses with some of his kill.
Messengers: Communication was important between the trenches in WW1. It was often dangerous for soldiers to pass messages along the battlefield due to their size and slow movement. Dogs were deployed for the task, due to the fact that they could cross many terrains not only with ease, but with a lot of speed. Messages were put in tins around the dogs' necks and they were identified by a scarlet collar or tally. Some dogs were trained to trail telephone wires between locations.
A soldier places a message in a messenger dog's tin.
As well, as carrying out their much needed duties, the dogs of WW1 also provided comfort, companionship and a positive effect on the morale of soldiers. They were a much needed psychological comfort to the men enduring the bleak horrors of trench warfare.
Sergeant Stubby:
Probably the most famous dog of WW1, Sergeant Stubby was an American dog who served as the mascot of America's 102nd Infantry Regiment. Stubby was believed to be a Boston Terrier/Pit Bull Mix, with a short stature, barrel shape and friendly temperament. He was found wandering around across an army training session in Connecticut U.S.A. in 1917. He got his name from Corporal Robert Conroy, due to his short tail. When Conroy had to go and fight, he did not want to leave Stubby behind, so he smuggled him on to the ship to France with him. Conroy taught Stubby to salute, by putting his right paw on his right eyebrow, securing his place as the official mascot of the division.
Stubby was hit in the leg by a grenade in early 1918. He kept other injured soldiers company as he recovered. Not long after his leg healed he returned to the trenches, only to be sprayed with mustard gas. He never forgot the scent and barked to warn the soldiers of subsequent gas attacks. Stubby was also aware of the whine of the artillery shells before the soldiers could hear it, again his bark would alert them. His exceptional sense of smell and hearing saved many lives.
His short stature gave him the ability to scoot under barbed wire in "no man's land" and bring supplies to wounded soldiers. Once, he heard a German spy sneaking into the camp late at night and captured the man, by biting him firmly on the leg.
Stubby has been called the most decorated dog war dog of WW1. He is also the only dog to be nominated for rank and then promoted to sergeant through combat. At the end of the war, Conroy smuggled Stubby back to the United States, where he received a well deserved hero's welcome. He became something of a celebrity and he met two presidents (Warren G. Harding and Calvin Coolidge. He was a lifetime member of the Red Cross and the American Legion. The YMCA gave him a room and three bones a day for the rest of his life and he marched in military parades around the country.
Sergeant Stubby leading a military parade.
Sergeant Stubby died peacefully in 1926, he was around 10 years old. Since 1956. Stubby's stuffed remains have been on display at the Smithsonian museum in Washington DC.
Sergeant Stubby at the Smithsonian National Museum (Washington DC.)
Thousands of dogs sacrificed their lives in order to ensure the safety of countless numbers of soldiers. " A dog is the only thing on earth, that loves you more than he loves himself" (Josh Billings). These extraordinary canines are a testament to this quote. It is important that we take a moment to remember and honour these often forgotten and unsung heroes. During the First World War, they truly were man's best friend.
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Rudolph Valentino, also known in Hollywood as the "Latin Lover" was a movie actor in the 1920s. Valentino was given an Alsatian Doberman puppy as a gift from a Belgian diplomat and fan. He named the dog Kabar. Valentino was immediately smitten with Kabar. The two formed a deep bond and were inseparable. They went everywhere together and where ever they were staying they slept in the same room.
Valentino died in New York in 1926. It is said that at the time of his death, Kabar who was 3,000 miles away, let out a horrible howl. Kabar died in 1929 and was laid to rest at the Los Angeles Pet Cemetery. Since then visitors to the cemetery report hearing barking and panting near Kabar's grave. Some say they have even been licked on the hand!
Valentino and his beloved Kabar.
Poogan the Porch Dog
In Charleston, South Carolina in the 1970s, a street dog named Poogan would wander from house to house eating whatever food he was given. He napped on any porch he pleased, but his favourite porch was that of a mansion at 72 Queen Street. He loved the owners there, as they fed and treated him well. However, one day they sold up and moved on. Poogan continued to sleep on the porch. Eventually, the mansion became a restaurant and Poogan was allowed to continue napping there. He took on the job of greeting the customers as they entered the restaurant. Poogan died in 1979, however many diners have reported hearing barking as they enter the restaurant and the feeling of a small dog brush against their legs as they eat.
Some employees say that on hot sunny afternoons, they have seen Poogan sleeping in his spot on the porch!
The Ghost of the Black Dog
Tales of the Black Dog are found in the folklore of both Ireland and the British Isles. The Black Dog is a nocturnal apparition best described as a ghost or supernatural hellhound. It's appearance is regarded as a portent of death. It is generally supposed to be larger than a normal dog and often has large glowing eyes.
The Black Dog is generally regarded as sinister or malevolent and is said to be directly harmful. However, some Black Dogs are said to behave benevolently. Some, known as guardian dogs guide travellers at night onto the right path or guard them from danger.
In Irish folklore, the Black Dog is regarded as a "frequenter and protector" of fairy sites. The same dog, though not always a danger to people if left alone, can be seen over several generations in the same location and is often immobile and massive in size but just watches menacingly!
Fifty years ago, in a Nashville neighbourhood on Halloween night, Preston the boxer, was out walking with a group of trick or treaters. One young boy dropped some sweets as he was crossing the road. As he bent down to pick them up, a car came speeding towards him. Preston dashed into the road and knocked the boy out of harm's way, saving his life. Unfortunately, Preston got hit by the car. The high speed impact threw the Boxer high in the air and it seemed at the time, that he had landed in a nearby garden. However, after much searching, the body of Preston was mysteriously never found.
Now, locals report that every Halloween there have been sightings of Preston, gently bumping any trick or treater who wander too close to the road, back onto the safety of the foot path!
The Blue Dog Legend
The Blue Dog Legend dates back to the 1700s in Port Tobacco, Maryland and is said to be the oldest ghost story in America.
Soldier Charles Sims had just come into some wealth. He and his faithful dog, a Blue Tick Hound, went to one of the local watering holes to celebrate. After copious amounts of alcohol, Sims began to boast of his riches. As Sims and his dog left the establishment, they were followed by a man named Henry Hanos, who wanted to rob Sims of his fortune. A fight ensued on Rose Hill Road and sadly Sims and his Blue Dog were killed.
Hanos took the fortune and buried it beneath a nearby holly tree. When he returned a few days later to dig it up, he was met by the ghost of The Blue Dog. Petrified by this sight, he fled the scene.
To this day, locals say that every February 8th, on the anniversary of the robbery, The Blue Dog can be heard howling by the tree, waiting for his master to return for his treasure!
HAPPY HALLOWEEN ONE AND ALL!!!!!
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1. A dog’s heart beats between 70 and 120 times a minute, compared with the human heart which beats 70 to 80 times a minute.
2. An African wolf dog called The basenji is the only dog that cannot bark.
3. Dalmatians are white when they are born and develop their spots as they age.
4. Dogs can detect cancer in humans.
5. Dogs sweat through the pads in their feet.
6. In 1957, a Russian dog called Laika became the first living being in space via an earth satellite.
7. John F. Kennedy’s dog Charlie fathered four puppies with Laika’s daughter.
8. There are over 700 breeds of purebred dogs.
9. Dogs have twice as many muscles as humans to move their ears.
10. All dogs are direct descendants of wolves.
11. Nose prints are used to identify dogs, just as fingerprints are used to identify humans.
12. Like humans, dogs are either right handed or left handed.
13. Humans have kept dogs for pets for over 12,000 years.
14. It was in 17th century England that the phrase “It’s raining cats and dogs” originated, as it was believed that many cats and dogs drowned in heavy periods of rain.
15. The longest living dog was an Australian Cattle Dog called Bluey, who lived to be 29.
16. Chocolate contains a substance called Theobromine (similar to caffeine) which can kill or dogs or at least make them violently illl.
17. A dog’s pregnancy lasts 60 days.
18. The most intelligent breed of dog is the Border Collie.
19. Dogs are the first animals domesticated by people.
20. Only dogs and humans have prostates.
21. A dog’s smell is over a 100,000 times more sensitive than that of a human.
22. The Irish Wolfhound is the largest dog.
23. Dogs have 42 permanent teeth.
24. George Washington had 36 Foxhounds, one named Sweetlips.
25. Dogs do not have appendix.
26. A dog’s normal body temperature is 100.5 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit.
27. The greyhound is the fastest breed of dog and can reach a speed of 45 miles per hour.
28. Each year more money is spent on dog food than baby food.
29. Bear, An eleven year old Golden Retriever was the first search and rescue dog on the scene of the World Trade Center Disaster on September 11th 2001. He began recovery efforts immediately, working eighteen hour days in the beginning.
30. The Great Dane breed of dog originates from Germany.
31. The Great Dane is the tallest dog.
32. Two dogs survived the sinking of The Titanic. A Pomeranian belonging to Miss Margaret Hayes and a Peckinese belonging to Henry Sleeper Harper.
33. Dogs have three eyelids. They have an upper and lower eyelid and a third one inside of the other two. It helps protect the eye from dirt and dust and is called the “haw”.
34. The least intelligent breed is the Afghan Hound.
35. All dogs are identical in anatomy.
36. Dogs have 321 bones.
37. The dumbest dog is believed to be an Afghan Hound.
38. Louis Doberman created the Doberman breed around 1890. The dog was used as a form of protection during his job as a tax collector in Apolda, Germany.
39. At the end of the Beatles song “A Day in the Life”, an ultrasonic whistle, audible only to dogs, was recorded by Paul McCartney for the enjoyment of his Shetland Sheepdog.
40. Dogs are mentioned in the Bible fourteen times.
41. The Chow Chow dog has a black tongue.
42. The only dog to appear in a Shakespearean play was Crab in “The Two Gentlemen Of Verona”.
43. Newfoundlands have webbed feet, making them great swimmers and divers.
44. Bassets can’t swim. Their legs are too short to keep their heavy, long bodies afloat.
45. The cartoon character dog Snoopy is a Beagle.
46. Dogs are natural pack animals.
47. The heaviest breed of dog is the St.Bernard.
48. Rin Tin Tin was the first Hollywood dog star.
49. Some dogs can detect cancer by smelling a person’s breath.
50. Different smells in a dog’s urine can tell other dogs whether the dog leaving the message is female or male, old or young, sick or healthy, happy or angry.
51. Zorba, an English Mastiff, is the biggest dog ever recorded. He weighed 343 pounds and measured 8’3″ from his nose to his tail.
52. Countess Karlotta Libenstein of Germany left approximately $106 million to her Alsatian Gunther III, when she died in 1992.
53. Cerberus, the three-headed dog of Greek mythology, guarded the gates to the underworld.
54. The Chihuahua is the smallest dog.
55. The term “Dog Days” dates back to Roman times, when it was believed that Sirius, the Dog Star, added it’s heat to that of the sun from July 3 to August 11 and created exceptionally high temperatures. The Romans called the period ” dies caniculares” or “Days of the Dog”.
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