Never Judge Courage by the Size 💙
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Walk the trails at Rocky River Reservation outside Cleveland, Ohio and you’ll find an unexpected memorial... |
... it’s a small bronze statue of a tiny Yorkie curled inside a World War II GI helmet.
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The statue marks the final resting place of Smoky - WWII combat veteran and, by many accounts, the world’s first therapy dog. |
Smoky’s story starts far from Ohio, in a New Guinea foxhole in 1944 during WWII. |
A tiny, four-pound stray with alert eyes, she was taken in by Corporal Bill Wynne.
Bill described the little dog as, “uncommonly adventurous, tough, and smart.” Smoky would need to be as she traveled with Bill’s unit through 18 months of war.
Smoky learned over 200 hand signals and dozens of tricks. She operated and traveled as part of the unit.
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Smoky slept in a tent, rode in a rucksack, survived on Spam and endured 150 air raids, typhoons, even kamikaze attacks. |
Bill even credited Smoky with saving his life, warning him just before an incoming attack, which he obeyed and took cover while 8 men around him lost their lives.
Between missions she worked the most important job of all: morale.
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Laughter followed this tiny dog like a shadow. |
And her presence inspired hope: if this tiny, 4-pound Yorkshire dog can survive an air raid, and still want to get up and play, unafraid, then the men must commit to the same.
Sadly, at this time the armed forces didn’t realize the role these animals played, and the loyalty due them.
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When the war ended, orders were given to leave all animals behind. |
Corporate Bill Wynne looked at his little teammate who had followed him through the chaos and disaster of war...
... and decided no member of the unit was being left behind. He chose loyalty, and a little mischief, over strictly following orders.
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He tucked Smoky into an oxygen-mask carry bag, and she stayed perfectly still and silent as he flew her home. |
Later, back in the States, Bill once again called on Smoky to serve... this time in veterans’ hospitals.
She put on shows for the wounded, visit after visit, trick after trick, helping invent what we now call therapy dogs.
Because Smoky was never “just a dog.” She was part of the unit.
Much later, after Smoky’s death at age 14, she would finally be recognized for her service, becoming one of the first dogs to be awarded the Animals in War & Peace Distinguished Service Medal.
Take a look at your pup today, and if you think they follow you around and never leave your side... you just might be right.
With a little love (and occasional Spam) dogs have proven no matter the size, they'll courageously fight to stay by your side till the end.
Barks & meows,
Alpha Paw
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Let's celebrate the power of pets - because sometimes, they rescue us as much as we rescue them. |
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