"Sergeant Stubby and the Dog's of War"

This is a photo of the previously mentioned Rory (named after Rory from Gilmore Girls), my westie. I will never forget the day I found out we bought a dog. I was arriving home from a summer camp, when I saw my sister through the bus window. I remember turning to my friend Liz and saying "Oh my gosh, my sister dyed her hair!" And then, noticing the white ball of fur in my sisters arms, adding: "OH MY GOSH. WE GOT A PUPPY!"
My overwhelming love of dogs in general encouraged me to read the article "Sergeant Stubby and the Dog's of War" while wandering around McSweeney's webpage.

This article tells the story of the dog, Stubby (named for his tail) who was the first unofficial war dog. He was smuggled to France by his owner, Robert Conroy during WWI. The small mutt was discovered on the ship and was allegedly only saved because he raised his paw to his chin in salute to the commanding officer. Dogs are surprisingly very helpful in battle, described in detail by Robb Fritz. Stubby participated in seventeen battles himself. His superior abilities to hear and smell  proved to be an asset. In one instance he awoke, due to a strange smell. He started barking, awakening the soldiers, who quickly put their gas-masks on, saving their lives. Stubby was taken to a hospital and nursed back to health. He was named a Sergeant (the only dog in WWI to receive an actual military title) after he attacked a soldier who ended up being a German spy.

Stubby was a little inspiring hero, especially because he was one of the first American K-9 war dogs. It makes me think my dog is a little chunky and really lazy. But I doubt Stubby was a cute as Rory.

Okay. He's pretty cute.