Sergeant Stubby, as he would eventually be known, was born in Connetticut in 1917 and was found on or near Yale University by Private J. Robert Conroy. Conroy was a member of the 102nd Infantry, 26th Yankee Division. He brought Stubby along with him on his military training and before long Stubby had learned to respond to bugle calls, to follow drills, and even to salute! Stubby quickly became the pet and mascot of the entire division.
When the division headed for France to fight in WWI, Stubby came along. While fighting in the trenches, he became ill from exposure to toxic gas and had to be treated in a field hospital. Afterwards, Stubby learned to recognize the smell of gas and his superior canine sense of smell allowed him to warn the troops as soon as gas was present.
Stubby also used his sense of smell to locate wounded men, he would bark until medics arrive or lead them back to the safety of the trenches. Stubby's greatest military moment came when he captured a German Spy. Stubby barked and bit at the man until Allied troops arrived and captured him. For his bravery he was awarded the rank of Sergeant, becoming the most decorated dog in WWI
Stubby also worked as a therapy dog before there was a name for such a thing. He was injured in a grenade attack and treated in a field hospital. After he recovered he stayed in the hospital visiting with wounded soldiers and offering them comfort.
Later in life Stubby became the mascot of the Georgetown Hoyas
After his death in 1926 Stubby's remains where put on display in the Smithsonian in their war exhibit.
Sergeant Stubby also has a brick at the WWI Monument, Liberty Memorial.
It reads: "Sergeant Stubby Hero Dog of WWI A Brave Stray."
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