A Unique Hero For Veterans Day

Dear Cat and Dog Loving Friends,

On Veterans Day we celebrate the end of World War I and honor all U.S. veterans who served — in wartime and peacetime. I would like to share with you the story of a very special veteran, a dog named Stubby who was the unofficial mascot of the 102^nd Infantry Regiment, during World War I. Stubby saved many American lives.

Sergeant Stubby wearing his coat, dog tag and medals

Stubby was a stray, mixed breed bull terrier dog who was living on the grounds of Yale University where the 102^nd Infantry were training in 1916. Stubby hung around with the men during their daily drills. Corporal James Robert Conroy developed a strong fondness for Stubby.  In October 1917, when Conroy’s unit was shipped out to France aboard the S.S Minnesota, Stubby went with them. Corporal Conroy wrapped Stubby inside his overcoat and smuggled the dog aboard.  Eventually the canine stowaway was found by Conroy’s commanding officer. Stubby sat up on his haunches and saluted the officer as he had been trained to do by Conroy and Stubby was allowed to stay. 

“Stubby Salutes” created by Susan Bahary can be found at the Trees of Honor Veterans’ Park in Middletown, Connecticut and at the Museum of the Dog in New York City.

Stubby served along with the 102nd Infantry Regiment in the trenches of France for 18 months.  During that time, he participated in four offensives and 17 battles.

In his first year of battle, Stubby was injured by mustard gas. After that exposure, Stubby was able to detect even small amounts of the poisonous gas. When his division was under a gas attack, Stubby immediately recognized the smell and ran through the trenches, barking to alert them, and in doing so protecting the soldiers from serious harm.  A specially designed gas mask was created for Stubby to wear during gas attacks. 

A French sergeant and a dog, both wearing gas masks, on their way to the front line

Stubby was also able to locate wounded men lying in the fields between the trenches. He would then bark to alert the searchers who brought the wounded to safety. His acute hearing could detect the whining of incoming artillery shells long before a human’s hearing could, and he alerted the unit to duck for cover.   Stubby was wounded several times.  He sustained serious injuries to his foreleg and chest when he was struck by a German grenade.  During his convalescence alongside the wounded soldiers, he was a constant morale booster.

His most heroic feat occurred when he caught a German spy who was secretly mapping out Allied trench locations. Stubby was on guard duty and he recognized that this man did not belong in the camp. Stubby ran after the spy and held him down by biting his legs and backside as the spy tried to escape.  He kept hold of him until the American soldiers arrived and the German spy was officially captured. For this heroic effort, Stubby was promoted to the rank of sergeant, the first dog to be officially promoted to this rank. Stubby's "rank" of Sergeant was more honorary than official.  His bravery and heroic acts earned him this title in spirit, and it became widely recognized among soldiers and the public.

After the war, Sergeant Stubby and Corporal Conroy returned together to the United States where they were regarded as national heroes. James Conroy enrolled in law school at Georgetown University and Stubby was made the official mascot of Georgetown’s football team. 

Stubby was an honored guest at the grand victory parade in Washington D.C. where he rode inside the jeep with General John J. Pershing. Stubby appeared at war bond drives and veteran’s events. Stubby was honored several times at the White House, where he met Presidents Woodrow Wilson, Calvin Coolidge and Warren G. Harding.

Sergeant Stubby was associated with the Humane Society, where he helped promote animal welfare and compassion. Given his fame as a war hero, Stubby brought attention to the welfare of animals, both domesticated and those who served in the military.

General John J. Pershing awarded Sergeant Stubby a gold medal from the Humane Education Society in 1921

The Humane Society used Stubby as a symbol of loyalty, bravery, and the critical roles animals could play when treated with respect and kindness. He appeared at events to support the society’s mission, helping to inspire greater awareness about the humane treatment of animals.

Stubby was a real hero.

And to all veterans, thank you for your service!

Chow, chow, chow for now.

Dr. Amy

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