They’re referred to as man’s best friend, known for being loyal, and have even risked their lives to save others. In this installment, we’re going to look at some truly memorable pooches throughout history. These aren’t your morning cartoon canines, either; these are true tales of unforgettable hounds, and whether their story is heroic, tragic, or intriguing, they all earned their place in this video! Bust out the box of tissues, you might be blubbering at the end of this one!
1. Smoky
This tiny Yorkshire Terrier is considered a hero by many after serving alongside American troops in World War II. Smoky was found in February 1944 hiding in a foxhole in New Guinea. As she didn’t respond to Japanese or English commands, the Americans that picked her up knew nothing of her origins and eventually sold her to corporal William A. Wynne.
By the end of the war the Corporal credited Smoky with having flown in 12 air and sea rescue and photo reconnaissance missions, survived 150 air raids and even acted as Wynne’s own guardian angel during a bombardment of an LST they were on, guiding him away from incoming fire.
But Smoky greatest feat was aiding in the construction of an airfield by running a telegraphed wire through dense soil potentially saving the lives of 250 men. What could have been a dangerous three-day ordeal of digging, was cut down to minutes due to Smoky’s efforts.
In 1957, many happy years after her heroism during the war, “Corporal” Smokey died at the age of 14. Wynne and his family buried Smoky in a World War II .30 caliber ammo box in Lakewood, Ohio
Nearly 50 years later, on Veterans Day, November 11, 2005, a bronze life-size sculpture, by Susan Bahary, of Smoky sitting in a GI helmet, atop a two-ton blue granite base, was unveiled there. It is placed above the very spot that Smoky was laid at her final resting place. This monument is dedicated to “Smoky, the Yorkie Doodle Dandy, and the “Dog of All Wars”
