Could this Yorkie be the Biggest Little War Hero?

Yorkie Doodle Dandy…

Who would have imagined the life of this little Yorkshire Terrier unfolding as a World War II dog hero when an American Army Corporal first found her in New Guinea? Originally found by another soldier in a foxhole, Bill Wynne bought her for 2 pounds and said that her life would’ve been very different had she been sold to anyone else. With Smoky along on every mission, Bill grew very close to her.  Later when Bill was wounded and recovering in hospital Smoky was brought to his side where she raised not only his spirits but the spirits of others convalescing there. She followed a nurse around on her rounds.  With so many patients, there was a lot of visiting to do each day.  Some have referred to her as the first therapy dog on record.  

After 150 air raids and 12 combat missions in the Philippine Islands she was still by Bill’s side.  With her skill and size, Smoky was used to lay out telegraph wires in a 70ft pipe under an airstrip because the work was too dangerous for soldiers. She was so small she went undetected. They attached the wire to string attached to her and Bill called her from the other end of the tunnel.  She trusted him and made her way in the dark to his voice on the other side. Even after Bill’s army duties were over Smoky continued to be a medical therapy dog for the remaining years of her life. There was a TV shows made about her where she did tricks such as riding a scooter and all manner of entertainment.

Now she can be remembered with a sculpture by Susan Bahary in the Cleveland Metroparks. This is displayed on a monument dedicated to dogs of all wars.  Smoky is also the recipient of the Australia’s RSPCA Purple Cross.  How wonderful that William (Bill) Wynne was able to accept the award. You can find Smoky the Yorkie memorials in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Tennessee, Hawaii and here in Australia. That’s right; a sculpture of her can be found at the Royal Brisbane Women’s Hospital. Not a bad effort for a little 4 lb. dog that could fit inside an army helmet. Is it possible she could be the smallest war hero ever?
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Leah & Angela OMeara

Hound Dog Day Care (Specialists in Dog Minding & Dog Boarding, Pet Sitting Brisbane & Doggy Day Care Brisbane)