These are the inspiring stories of dogs who have made a lasting impact on history. From an English Pointer honored for bravery in World War II to a loyal Newfoundland who joined the Lewis and Clark expedition, these canines have become legends in their own right. Balto, the sled dog who helped save Nome, Alaska, during a diphtheria outbreak, stands out among them. Zanjeer, an Indian bomb-sniffing dog, is also remembered for his heroic efforts during the 1993 Mumbai terrorist attacks. Judy and Sergeant Stubby are celebrated for their courage during wartime. Dogs like Greyfriars Bobby and Hachikō became famous for their unwavering loyalty to their owners. Discover the fascinating stories of these famous canines, including the real Toto from The Wizard of Oz and Buddy, the pioneering first American seeing eye dog. Each dog’s tale is a testament to the incredible bond between humans and their furry companions.
Balto: The Legendary Dog Hero Who Rescued a Whole Town
Balto, the famed sled dog, weighed just 45 pounds and was likely a mix of Siberian Husky, Malamute, and wolf. He became a national hero during a critical time in January 1925 when Nome, Alaska, faced a diphtheria outbreak. The city was isolated by the Arctic winter, with dog sleds being the only means of transportation. To deliver the life-saving serum from Fairbanks to Nome, a relay of sled dog teams was organized, covering a challenging 674-mile journey. Battling harsh conditions like minus 30-degree Fahrenheit temperatures and strong winds, Balto played a crucial role. In the final 55-mile stretch, with his driver almost frozen and blind, Balto led the way, arriving in Nome on February 2, 1925, with the serum. While in Los Angeles in February 1927, Cleveland businessman George Kimble discovered Balto and his team being exhibited in a “dime museum.” Outraged by the animals’ poor condition and degradation, Kimble negotiated to purchase the dogs for $2,000. The dogs arrived in Cleveland on 19 March, greeted by a parade and a hero’s welcome. They were eventually housed at the Brookside Park Zoo. Balto passed away on 14 March 1933, but his legacy lives on. His preserved body is on display at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, where it continues to inspire. A bronze statue of Balto, crafted by sculptor Frederick Roth in 1925, stands proudly in New York’s Central Park, a testament to his enduring courage and the bond between humans and animals.
Greyfriars Bobby: The Most Famous Dog in Scotland
Visitors to Edinburgh, Scotland, are often struck by a small statue of a dog located at the corner of Candlemaker Row and George IV Bridge. This statue pays tribute to Greyfriars Bobby, renowned as the city’s most faithful dog. Born around 1855, Bobby was a Skye Terrier who spent his early years under the care of a local nightwatchman named John Gray, affectionately known as “Auld Jock.” Their bond was deep, but tragedy struck in 1858 when Gray passed away from tuberculosis. Following Gray’s funeral, Bobby reportedly led the procession to Greyfriars Cemetery and steadfastly remained by his grave, resisting all efforts to remove him. For the next 14 years, Bobby, also known as Greyfriars Bobby, maintained his vigil. He would briefly leave the cemetery at 1 p.m. daily to eat upon hearing the guns fired from Edinburgh Castle, returning promptly thereafter. Word of Bobby’s loyalty spread, drawing visitors to the cemetery. Residents of Edinburgh cared for him, even constructing a small shelter for his comfort. In 1867, when a law mandated licensing for all dogs in the city, the Lord Provost of Edinburgh presented Bobby with a special collar bearing a brass plate inscribed: “Greyfriars Bobby – from the Lord Provost, 1867, licensed.” Despite being just two years old when Gray died, Bobby continued his routine until his passing on January 14, 1872. He was laid to rest near his beloved owner, and the city unveiled a statue in his honor the following year.
Judy: The Loyal Dog That Became Prisoner of War
Judy served as a ship’s dog on HMS Gnat and Grasshopper in the Yangtze before and during World War II, where she excelled at detecting incoming aircraft. During the Battle of Singapore, Grasshopper was sunk, and Judy, nearly killed, was rescued by a returning crewman. Stranded on a deserted island with the surviving crew, Judy found a water source, saving them. After a harrowing 200-mile trek through the jungle, including surviving a crocodile attack, they arrived late and became prisoners of war (POWs) of the Japanese. Judy was smuggled into the Gloegoer POW camp in Medan, where she met Leading Aircraftsman Frank Williams, her lifelong companion. Williams convinced the camp Commandant to register her as an official prisoner of war, with the number ’81A Gloegoer Medan’. She was the only dog to be registered as a prisoner of war during the Second World War. Judy was liberated at the end of the war in 1945. The following year, she was awarded the Dickin Medal, often referred to as the “animals’ Victoria Cross,” for her bravery.
Hachiko: The Dog Who Never Stopped Waiting For the Return of His Owner
Hachikō, a Japanese Akita dog, is remembered for his incredible loyalty to his owner, Hidesaburō Ueno. Born on November 10, 1923, near Ōdate, Akita Prefecture, Hachikō was brought to live in Shibuya, Tokyo, by Ueno in 1924. Ueno, a professor at Tokyo Imperial University, and Hachikō developed a daily routine where the dog would wait for Ueno at Shibuya Station after his workday. This routine continued until May 21, 1925, when Ueno passed away from a cerebral hemorrhage while at work. Despite Ueno’s absence, Hachikō faithfully returned to Shibuya Station every day, waiting for his owner’s return. Throughout his life, Hachikō symbolized loyalty and fidelity in Japanese culture. Even after his death on March 8, 1935, he remains a beloved figure, remembered worldwide in popular culture through statues, movies, and books.
Sergeant Stubby: The World War I Canine Hero Who Became a Legend
Sergeant Stubby was a dog and the unofficial mascot of the 102nd Infantry Regiment, assigned to the 26th (Yankee) Division in World War I. He served for 18 months and took part in 17 battles and four offensives on the Western Front. Stubby played a crucial role in saving his regiment from surprise mustard gas attacks, locating and comforting the wounded, and reportedly apprehending a German soldier by the seat of his pants until American soldiers arrived. His remarkable deeds were extensively covered in contemporary American newspapers. Stubby is often hailed as the most decorated war dog of the Great War and holds the distinction of being the only dog to be nominated and promoted to the rank of sergeant through combat. His remains are now housed in the Smithsonian Institution, commemorating his extraordinary service and bravery during World War I.
Terry: The Terrier Who Played Toto in The Wizard of Oz
Toto from The Wizard of Oz (1939) is a beloved canine icon in the history of cinema, and the Cairn Terrier who brought him to life, Terry, has a fascinating story of her own. Born in 1933, Terry was raised by Carl Spitz, a former military and police dog trainer from Germany who had found a new calling in Hollywood. Terry’s talent caught the attention of none other than Hollywood legend Clark Gable, who, along with other industry bigwigs, visited Spitz’s Hollywood Dog Training School. Impressed by Terry’s abilities, Gable helped her kickstart her acting career. Terry quickly became a sought-after star, appearing in films alongside Hollywood royalty like Shirley Temple, Spencer Tracy, and Mickey Rooney. However, her most iconic role came at the end of the 1930s when she won the part of Toto in the film adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, beating out hundreds of other dogs for the role. For her role as Toto, Terry earned an impressive $125 per week, equivalent to over $2,500 today, surpassing the earnings of some human actors. Despite her success, Terry remained humble, though she did have a habit of seeking refuge behind other actors when the wind machines were turned on. When Terry passed away at the age of 11 in 1944, she had appeared in an impressive 17 feature films, solidifying her status as one of the most famous dogs in cinematic history.
Seaman: Dog Who Explored The American West With Lewis And Clark
Seaman, a brave Newfoundland dog, joined the Lewis and Clark Expedition, the first journey from the Mississippi River to the Pacific coast and back. He holds the distinction of being the only animal to complete the entire three-year expedition. Captain Meriwether Lewis bought Seaman in 1803 specifically for the expedition while in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He paid a high price of $20 (equivalent to $400 in 2022), which was half a month’s pay for an Army captain. Lewis chose a Newfoundland, weighing around 150 pounds (68 kg), for his strength and ease of handling. He described Seaman as “docile.” Newfoundlands were chosen for their ability to do well on boats, swim effectively, and assist in water rescues. Though there are no clear descriptions of Seaman’s color or appearance, he is typically depicted as black or dark brown, similar to modern Newfoundlands. Historical paintings from the early nineteenth century show that all-black Newfoundlands were rare, with most depictions showing white Newfoundlands with black or dark areas and freckles.
Buddy: The First American Seeing Eye Dog
Morris Frank, a blind man, played an important role in introducing guide dogs to America, with his faithful companion Buddy becoming the country’s first seeing-eye dog. The story began in 1927 when Frank, a 20-year-old student at Vanderbilt University, grew tired of relying on others for mobility. Inspired by an article by Dorothy Eustis about guide dogs in Switzerland, Frank traveled to Europe to train with a specially bred dog. After rigorous training, Frank and Buddy returned to America, where they became a sensation. Buddy’s ability to safely guide Frank through busy streets, showcased in front of journalists in New York, captured the nation’s attention. When Frank returned to Nashville, people were amazed at the sight of the blind man and his dog successfully navigating busy sidewalks. “Now strangers spoke freely to me,” Frank wrote years later. “In the old days, I often envied two sighted persons, who obviously did not know each other, their ease in striking up a conversation. With Buddy there, however, it was the easiest and most natural thing in the world for them to say, ‘What a lovely dog you have!’” Buddy remained a national hero for the rest of his life. When the dog died in May 1938, the event was noted with obituaries that were published all over the country.
Zanjeer: The Indian Bomb-Sniffing Dog
Zanjeer, a Labrador Retriever, served as a detection dog with the Bombay Police (later Mumbai Police) in Maharashtra, India. Known for his impeccable service, especially during the 1993 Bombay bombings, Zanjeer was honored with a full state funeral upon his passing on November 16, 2000. Born on January 7, 1992, Zanjeer’s name was inspired by the 1973 Hindi film “Zanjeer,” although he was also affectionately called “Ginger” because of his coat color. In addition to his heroics during the bombings, Zanjeer played a crucial role in detecting 11 military bombs, 57 country-made bombs, 175 petrol bombs, and 600 detonators, showcasing his exceptional skills as a detection dog and his unwavering commitment to his duties. (Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons / Britannica / Pinterest). Notify me of new posts by email.
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