What pups made headlines and who were they?
Guest post by Angela Forsyth
GET TO KNOW THOSE FAMOUS DOGS….
1. LassieThe original Lassie character who we all know and love was originally played by a Collie named "Pal" in the 1943 film, "Lassie Come Home." This film was adapted from a short story written by Eric Knight. Since the film, other Collies from Pal's direct bloodline were used to portray Lassie in the succeeding Lassie films and famous television series called "Lassie."
2. Balto
Balto, a Siberian Husky sled dog, led his team from Nenana, Alaska, to Nome, Alaska, in a critical run transporting an antitoxin for diphtheria (an upper respiratory infection that was on the verge of an outbreak).Gunnar Kaasen, the sled dog driver, said he could barely see his own hand in front of his face during the last stretch of the intense run. That didn't stop Balto from completing the final push and delivering the much needed antitoxin. Kaasen accepted praise for the grueling trek but insisted that Balto receive credit as well. (this is a famous sculpture of this beloved hero in Central Park in Manhattan, NY)
3. Laika
Previously a stray dog roaming the streets of Moscow, Laika was chosen to be one of the first animals launched into space to orbit planet Earth. On November 3, 1957, Laika was sent into orbit on Soviet spacecraft "Sputnik 2" as part of the final observations of the effects on living creatures in space. Sadly, Laika died, most likely from overheating, a few hours into her trip. In her honor, Moscow now displays a statue of Laika near the military research facility: where she was prepared for her flight into space. 4.Smoky
"Size does not determine bravery!" Or at least we think that is what Smoky, the 4-pound Yorkshire terrier, would say. Smoky was found in the New Guinea jungle and became the right hand man (or dog) for Corporal William A. Wynne during World War II. She proved to be of great value to Wynne as well as the rest of the soldiers in his command. Smoky entertained soldiers with her many learned tricks, and she helped soldiers perform tactical tasks. In one incident, Smoky is said to have pulled a telegraph wire through a 70 foot long pipe that was only 8 inches wide. Without Smoky's undaunting bravery, it would have taken a large number of crewmen multiple days to place the wire in dangerous territory. Smoky also saved Wynne's life, at least once, by warning him of incoming shots on a transport ship. After the war, Wynne took Smoky to his home in Ohio, where she lived until the age of 14. 5.Bobbie
Now known as "Bobbie the Wonder Dog", this mixed breed Collie/Shepherd is famous for traveling over 2500 miles to be reunited with his family. It all started when a family from Silverton, Oregon, started on a road trip to Indiana. At some point during the trip, Bobbie was separated from his owners. The family searched for days for their beloved pup but he was no where to be found. Discouraged and heartbroken, the family returned home to Oregon. About 6 months later, Bobbie surprised his owners by showing up on their doorstep completely malnourished and with his paws worn down to the bone. It was obvious that the persistent dog had made his way home the whole 2500 miles by himself in the dead of winter. After the owners welcomed Bobbie home, the wonder dog became famous
6. Sergeant Stubby
After sneaking his way onto the battle field in France during WWI, a mixed breed pit bull, soon to be named "Stubby", became the mascot for the Armys's 103rd Infantry Regiment. Stubby soon became the guard dog for his unit. He aided his comrades by warning them before gas attacks from the enemy. Another save came from Stubby when he sniffed out a German spy and waited until his unit arrived to capture the enemy. This act alone was enough for Stubby to receive a military promotion to Sergeant - the first dog ever to receive a promotion in war. This brave and clever pup served for 18 months and was involved in 17 battles.7. Fido
Fido, whose name means "faithful one" in Latin, was an Italian street dog who lived to prove the true meaning of him name. Fido was rescued from the streets of Italy in November 1941 by a brick worker named Carlo Soriani. Soriani found the wounded dog and brought him home to nurse him back to health. Soriani and Fido spent many years together and grew quite fond of one another. At the end of every work day, Soriani would ride the bus home. At the bus stop near his house, his faithful dog Fido would always wait for him to return. One day Soriano tragically died while at work, never again to return to his home. After Soriani's death, Fido would still wait by the same bus stop at the end of every day. Day after day, for 14 years Fido waited for his friend. Fido was truly a "faithful one".
Picture sources:
Lassie: http://bit.ly/1SfVn1t
Balto: http://bit.ly/1JHLG9i
Laika: http://bit.ly/22XruGZ
Smokey: http://bit.ly/1ONo0AJ
Bobby: http://southworthjamesr.tripod.com/jean/bobby_edited.htm
St. Stubby: http://bit.ly/1Sg56ET
Comments
Post a Comment