Military Dogs

Military Dogs have always been an important part of soldier’s lives on the front.

Library of Congress, Harris & Ewing Photograph Collection, LC-H27- A-3126 [P&P]

Sgt Stubby, a stray Boston Terrier mix, became the mascot for the 102nd regiment, 26th (Yankee) Division in World War I. He warned the soldiers of gas attacks in the trenches, found wounded soldiers, and singlehandedly caught a German spy!

Stubby was promoted to a Sergeant for his heroism in the trenches and became a favorite feature of veterans’ parades when he and his owner, Cpl. James Conroy, returned home. On the left, Gen. John J. Pershing presents Sgt. Stubby with a gold medal from the Humane Education Society in 1921. Stubby’s owner, Cpl. James Conroy, stands at attention on the right.

When Stubby and his owner, James Conroy, returned home, Stubby became the first mascot of the Georgetown University football team when Conroy began law school.

Massachusetts National Guard Photo

Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Wrigley is one of the many military working dogs assisting Massachusetts National Guard soldiers in their duties.

LTC Wrigley’s big brown eyes and very scratchable ears make him a perfect combat and operational stress control dog, working in the Behavioral Health Team to provide animal assisted therapy.