Look up the PDSA Dickin Medal at some point. The ‘Animal Victoria Cross’, awarded to Animals that have gone above and beyond in service around the world. 36 Dogs, 32 Pigeons, 4 Horses and 1 Cat (Simon the HMS Amethyst cat during the Yangtse incident and BOY is his a heck of a story) have been awarded it.
That photo of Smoky in the GI helmet became very famous. Her career was even more amazing than what I was able to fit into the comic. When she died in 1957 her owner went to a remote location and buried her in an ammo case. A bronze monument was installed on her grave in 2005, in a park in Cleveland, Ohio. A duplicate sculpture is in the Air Force Museum. I think that Smoky deserved to be interred in a military cemetery.
The best material on the “Yorkie Doodle Dandy” and how she got into that foxhole in the first place, can be found by Googling this title since I can’t link to it. “War Dogs Come in Different Sizes: The WWII Story of a Yorkshire Terrier Named Smoky”
Smoky’s owner was taken to a military hospital with a high fever and his buddies brought Smoky to visit. This became a regular occurrence and nurses would carry Smoky to visit other sick and wounded soldiers. That is the story of the first Therapy Dog.
What a wonderful story. All rescue dogs are heroes. We’ve been rescuing Dobermans for 40+ years and our current has the worst story of abuse we’ve rescued yet. They all come from so many different backgrounds and Smokey was a true testament to the wonderful fearlessness of them all.
Our mutt Barney was also a therapy dog. He and my mummy would visit an old people’s home. There was a lady there who had lost her speech due to a severe stroke. After three months of visiting, she spoke " Barney". Her daughter was there at the time. Everybody was in tears.
“The little dog was afraid of nothing” Looks over at my bi colored Yorkie… Yup, that’s 100% Yorkie! When she was 9 weeks old she would attempt to launch herself into the air off the couch! She was paws-a-tivily sure she could fly.
What a wonderful story about Smoky you shared in today’s Furbabies, Nancy! I really enjoyed reading the article titled “War Dogs Come in Different Sizes: The WWII Story of a Yorkshire Terrier Named Smoky” at the site ww2history DOT org.
The Mexican Navy has a tradition of training rescue dogs to help find victims of natural (and other) disasters, both in Mexico and around the world. In 2017, Mexico City suffered the effects of a terrible earthquake, and Frida, a member of this corps of canine heroes, became very famous for her valiant work. She passed away in 2022 after ten years of service and 3 years in retirement. I have a Frida doggie, made with care and love by a local artisan.
How cool. Things happen fir a reason and it was meant to be when he was found by the soldier. So proud of all the rescue dogs who have found a purpose in their lives!
I read today’s comic after having my dog at the hospital today. She does amazing work, and then to come home and read about Smoky – I am without words. Dogs are incredible.
We had a storm and so much rain earlier that I think my sump pump is burned out. That means tomorrow I have to get a new one, and my basement will be very wet. People wonder why I don’t get such a nice large basement finished off. The pump should have been good for another 5 years, at least. I no longer can install them myself.
I don’t know if I mentioned this before, but one of our therapy dogs at the hospital is a Yorkie mix. Very tiny little boy. Good at his work. I call him a hamster and enjoy cuddling with him.
FreyjaRN Premium Member about 1 month ago
Nice!
My monitor is blurring again.
WelshRat Premium Member about 1 month ago
Excellent little fellow.
Look up the PDSA Dickin Medal at some point. The ‘Animal Victoria Cross’, awarded to Animals that have gone above and beyond in service around the world. 36 Dogs, 32 Pigeons, 4 Horses and 1 Cat (Simon the HMS Amethyst cat during the Yangtse incident and BOY is his a heck of a story) have been awarded it.
Sue Ellen about 1 month ago
Thank you for your service, Smoky!
stairsteppublishing about 1 month ago
All dogs are rescue dogs. They make life so much nicer.
jmworacle about 1 month ago
Excuse me while I dry my eyes. Allergies you know.
mccollunsky about 1 month ago
Thank you Smoky.
GovernorOfCalisota {LoveBozobyFoxo} Premium Member about 1 month ago
Kidon Ha-Shomer about 1 month ago
this 1’s a keeper
arolarson Premium Member about 1 month ago
Wonderful story, Smokey was a very good girl!
nancyb creator about 1 month ago
That photo of Smoky in the GI helmet became very famous. Her career was even more amazing than what I was able to fit into the comic. When she died in 1957 her owner went to a remote location and buried her in an ammo case. A bronze monument was installed on her grave in 2005, in a park in Cleveland, Ohio. A duplicate sculpture is in the Air Force Museum. I think that Smoky deserved to be interred in a military cemetery.
nancyb creator about 1 month ago
The best material on the “Yorkie Doodle Dandy” and how she got into that foxhole in the first place, can be found by Googling this title since I can’t link to it. “War Dogs Come in Different Sizes: The WWII Story of a Yorkshire Terrier Named Smoky”
BLUEBONNETS Premium Member about 1 month ago
Or any other day.
goboboyd about 1 month ago
All those that serve.
nancyb creator about 1 month ago
Smoky’s owner was taken to a military hospital with a high fever and his buddies brought Smoky to visit. This became a regular occurrence and nurses would carry Smoky to visit other sick and wounded soldiers. That is the story of the first Therapy Dog.
Tigrisan Premium Member about 1 month ago
What a wonderful story. All rescue dogs are heroes. We’ve been rescuing Dobermans for 40+ years and our current has the worst story of abuse we’ve rescued yet. They all come from so many different backgrounds and Smokey was a true testament to the wonderful fearlessness of them all.
sarahbowl1 Premium Member about 1 month ago
So neat! I learn something new every day!
ladykat about 1 month ago
What an inspiring little pup.
NewBurgundy about 1 month ago
A beautiful story! Thanks!
RonBerg13 Premium Member about 1 month ago
❤️
tammyspeakslife Premium Member about 1 month ago
I have a lump in my throat and tears. (❁´◡`❁)
tammyspeakslife Premium Member about 1 month ago
She’s even mentioned in IMDb
feefers_ about 1 month ago
Our mutt Barney was also a therapy dog. He and my mummy would visit an old people’s home. There was a lady there who had lost her speech due to a severe stroke. After three months of visiting, she spoke " Barney". Her daughter was there at the time. Everybody was in tears.
Rista about 1 month ago
“The little dog was afraid of nothing” Looks over at my bi colored Yorkie… Yup, that’s 100% Yorkie! When she was 9 weeks old she would attempt to launch herself into the air off the couch! She was paws-a-tivily sure she could fly.
Surly Squirrel Premium Member about 1 month ago
This is great! I wouldn’t mind seeing more Sundays like this strip.
GSD Mom Premium Member about 1 month ago
Blessed be all animal rescuers, as well as the animals they have rescued … who often return the favor many times over.
mousefumanchu Premium Member about 1 month ago
If you’re in Cleveland and want to see her statue, it’s in the ROCKY RIVER RESERVATION. it’s not huge, but it’s almost life size for her.
daleandkristen about 1 month ago
I’m going to be choked up all day…..or more. Thanks, Nancy, for today’s special strip.
jmworacle about 1 month ago
This is one of the scripts EVER!
slelareader about 1 month ago
Interesting and fun to know.
Aladar30 Premium Member about 1 month ago
Beautiful story. She was a very brave soldier and a very special friend.
Teto85 Premium Member about 1 month ago
What a great dog. Thank you for the story.
Love the Funnies about 1 month ago
What a wonderful story about Smoky you shared in today’s Furbabies, Nancy! I really enjoyed reading the article titled “War Dogs Come in Different Sizes: The WWII Story of a Yorkshire Terrier Named Smoky” at the site ww2history DOT org.
MarshaOstroff about 1 month ago
The Mexican Navy has a tradition of training rescue dogs to help find victims of natural (and other) disasters, both in Mexico and around the world. In 2017, Mexico City suffered the effects of a terrible earthquake, and Frida, a member of this corps of canine heroes, became very famous for her valiant work. She passed away in 2022 after ten years of service and 3 years in retirement. I have a Frida doggie, made with care and love by a local artisan.
Chris Sherlock about 1 month ago
This is a wonderful story, Nancy! Thanks for sharing it here. Saving today’s Fur Babies to my favorites!
j.l.farmer about 1 month ago
How cool. Things happen fir a reason and it was meant to be when he was found by the soldier. So proud of all the rescue dogs who have found a purpose in their lives!
Moonkey Premium Member about 1 month ago
I read today’s comic after having my dog at the hospital today. She does amazing work, and then to come home and read about Smoky – I am without words. Dogs are incredible.
Moonkey Premium Member about 1 month ago
We had a storm and so much rain earlier that I think my sump pump is burned out. That means tomorrow I have to get a new one, and my basement will be very wet. People wonder why I don’t get such a nice large basement finished off. The pump should have been good for another 5 years, at least. I no longer can install them myself.
darcyandsimon about 1 month ago
Awww…sweet! Thanks for sharing!
Moonkey Premium Member about 1 month ago
I don’t know if I mentioned this before, but one of our therapy dogs at the hospital is a Yorkie mix. Very tiny little boy. Good at his work. I call him a hamster and enjoy cuddling with him.