Smoky the War Hero: How a Tiny Yorkshire Terrier Saved Lives During WWII

 

 

 

Smoky in a helmet.

During the chaos of World War II, a four-pound Yorkshire Terrier named Smoky became an unlikely hero, winning the hearts of soldiers and saving lives. Discovered in a foxhole in the New Guinea jungle in 1944, Smoky quickly became a symbol of resilience and courage. Purchased by Corporal William A. Wynne, Smoky would go on to perform incredible feats, including the mission that cemented her legacy as a war hero.

One of Smoky’s most remarkable accomplishments came during the Allied campaign in the Philippines. The Signal Corps needed to run a telegraph wire through a 70-foot-long pipe under an airstrip. The task would normally require digging up the airstrip, putting soldiers and aircraft at risk. But Smoky was sent through the narrow pipe, dragging the wire behind her, saving countless lives by keeping the airfield operational and the men safe from enemy bombings.

Beyond her heroism on the battlefield, Smoky brought comfort to wounded soldiers in hospitals, becoming the world’s first known therapy dog. Her playful spirit lifted the morale of troops from Australia to Korea. After the war, she became a national sensation, performing her impressive tricks on live TV and inspiring millions with her story.

Today, Smoky's bravery is remembered through statues and memorials, including a bronze statue of Smoky sitting in a helmet at the Cleveland Metroparks, where she was buried after her passing in 1957.

Read more about Smoky’s incredible life and legacy at these sources:

• Smoky on Wikipedia
• The Vintage News article on Smoky

From Neglect to Heroism: Harper, the 2024 ASPCA Dog of the Year

Harper, ASPCA's Dog of the Year!

Harper, a Black Labrador mix, went from a life of neglect to becoming a disaster search dog, earning her the ASPCA 2024 Dog of the Year award. Rescued from a hoarding situation, she was trained by the Search Dog Foundation and now helps first responders find survivors in disaster zones. Harper's story is one of resilience and dedication, as she worked through Hurricane Ian and the Lahaina wildfire, proving the transformative power of rescue dogs.

Read more about Harper's inspiring journey!

Visit ASPCA 

Search Dog Foundation

---

Harper’s Heroic Journey: From Rescue to Saving Lives

In 2020, Harper was rescued from a neglectful hoarding case and taken to the Humane Society of the Black Hills. Out of 22 rescued dogs, Harper stood out and was chosen for a pilot program with the Search Dog Foundation (SDF). Her training was rigorous, preparing her to work alongside firefighters and other first responders as a disaster search dog.

By 2022, Harper achieved FEMA certification, a prestigious accomplishment that signaled she was ready for real-world missions. Paired with firefighter Edward Ruiz, the two became an unstoppable team. Their deployments included critical operations during Hurricane Ian and the devastating Lahaina wildfire. Harper’s skills helped bring closure to families and saved countless lives, showcasing the incredible abilities of disaster search canines.

Her recognition as the ASPCA 2024 Dog of the Year honors this tireless work. Harper is an example of the strength and potential hidden in rescue dogs, proving that, with the right care and training, they can go from neglected to extraordinary.

Why Harper's Story Matters

Harper's story serves as a reminder of the impact of rescue dogs and the life-changing work they can do. Her transformation from a neglected dog to a highly skilled disaster search canine shows that every dog deserves a second chance. Harper’s journey is not just about her accomplishments but about the thousands of rescue dogs who have the potential to contribute to society in meaningful ways.

By highlighting Harper’s journey, we celebrate the resilience of animals and the importance of giving them a chance to thrive. Harper embodies the dedication, intelligence, and loyalty of rescue dogs, and her story will continue to inspire those who work with and adopt animals.

---

---

How You Can Help

1. Adopt, Don’t Shop: Many dogs like Harper are waiting in shelters for a chance at a better life.
2. Support Rescue Foundations: Organizations like the Search Dog Foundation work tirelessly to train dogs for life-saving missions.
3. Spread the Word: Share Harper’s story with others to raise awareness of the impact rescue dogs can make.

 

This is Trooper

Dog found tied to pole in Florida during Hurricane Milton has a fitting new name, rescue facility says

Read more at wfla.com.

 

Choo Choo Goodest Boy..

New 'The Dogist' Book Shares the Story of Thousands of Dogs: 'Dogs Improve Us. They Save Us' (Exclusive)

 

Elias Weiss Friedman, known as "The Dogist," will release a new book titled This Dog Will Change Your Life in June 2025. The book will feature stories about the many dogs he has encountered throughout his career, as well as his personal reflections on how dogs impact human lives. Drawing on his experiences as a street photographer of dogs, Friedman shares the idea that dogs not only enhance our lives but also make us better people. The book is available for preorder now.

For more details, visit People.

One day archeologists will uncover this Corgi treasure
byu/branvancity3000 inEyebleach

Man's best friend
byu/Wreck_6 inMadeMeSmile