Meet the parachuting Yorkshire Terrier, Smoky who saved countless lives during WW2.

Meet the parachuting Yorkshire Terrier, Smoky who saved countless lives during WW2. 



Weighing only four pounds and standing at just seven inches tall, this Yorkshire Terrier backpacked her way through the jungle terrain of New Guinea with the American soldier who found her.

Smoky's very first assignment involved her helping to string communication lines. This three-day mission saw Smoky digging herself through culverts in order to lay telephone wires beneath an airstrip highly targeted by the Japanese. Smoky's efforts saved the lives of over 250 men and over 40 planes.

Smoky's newly established owner, Bill Wynne, then began teaching her to perform tricks, including more complex tricks such as 'playing dead', walking a tightrope and even riding a handmade scooter. Unbeknownst to her owner, these tricks would mark the first step in her therapy career.

When Wynne, developed jungle fever, the hospital's commanding officer, Dr Charles Mayo, gave the green light for Smoky to lie on Wynne's bed and even accompany the nurses on their rounds.

This immediately had a remedial effect on the other sick and injured soldiers, as her presence raised their morale, lightened the mood and kept spirits high. Her healing effect was instantly recognisable and she became one of the very first therapy dogs, a method which is now commonly used to treat people today.

In total, Smoky served as a therapy dog for twelve years, both during and after WWII. Her efforts during the war also aided in informing others about the healing nature of dogs and by 1947, over 700 dogs had been donated by civilians.

Smoky died peacefully in her sleep in 1957, two years after her retirement.

What a truly remarkable story. 
Lest we forget 🌺 

Source: Yorkshirepost.co.uk


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