American History Museum

A short while ago, I read about an amazing dog from WW1. Sergeant Stubby wasn't any old dog. This dog learned how to salute, march with soldiers, recognize bugle calls & had his own dog tags. But Sgt Stubby wasn't done there. He hadn't even gotten to the war yet. Once arriving in mainland Europe, this Sergeant fought in 17 battles, over 4 major campaigns. And you think Sgt. Stubby was done? Think again. Stubby would warn soldiers of impending gas attacks, shell fire, & advancing Germans (somehow he knew the difference). Stubby would dash around no mans land finding wounded soldiers and would bark until help arrived or lead the guy back if he was disoriented. Now this dog knows what's up. But he's still not done. In September 1918, Stubby was tromping through the forest he caught the smell of a German spy. Barking furiously wasn't bringing back up fast enough so Stubby launched himself at the spy, pinning him down and chomping into his butt until help arrived. But Stubby still wasn't done, following this he was ACTUALLY promoted to Sergeant, received the purple heart, the Republic of France Grande War Medal, & the Medal of Verdun. Upon returning home, Stubby's owner went to Georgetown where he became the official mascot (still to this day) & invented the halftime show. Talk about one sweet dog. And to top it all off, I got to see him behind only 1/4" of glass.