Part 2: Historic and Famous Dogs

By: Judy Lore, AVHS Volunteer columnist

In many different ways, dogs have played an important role in our history. We’ve already discussed some famous dogs, but here is part 2 of historical dogs and how they’ve become well-known.

Nipper. The model for the famous dog looking into a gramophone was Nipper, a terrier mix from Bristol, England. He was named Nipper because of his habit of biting at the ankles and legs of visitors to his home. Eventually this picture became the trademark of the RCA Records.

Lassie. Lassie was played by a male dog named Pal and was the original dog actor. He was in many, many Lassie movies and TV shows along with his “boy,” Timmy who many of us remember as falling down a well. Pal lived for 18 years and fathered multiple litters and lived a comfortable life. Many of his offspring went on to portray Lassie in later films.

Greyfriars Bobby. A Skye Terrier that lived in Scotland from 1855-1872. His owner was an Edinburgh city policeman named John Gray and Bobby was still young when Gray passed away. Bobby then took up guarding duty at Gray’s grace site and remained for most of each day. He was presented with a collar and a city license. After Bobby died, he was buried at the edge of the cemetery to continue his watch over Gray.
Nemo.  A hero dog of the Vietnam War (or whatever it was called back in 1966). He was stationed with his handler at Tan Son Nhut Air Base. On December 4, 1966, the base was attacked by the Viet Cong. Nemo received multiple wounds to his face resulting in damage to his snout and the loss of an eye. He continued to protect his handler until they were rescued.

Squeak. Zimbabwe. 2002. Squeak’s owner sadly died during a long-standing land feud. Squeak was discovered lying alongside his body. Hundreds attended his funeral. A photo of Squeak keeping watch over his farmer owner went viral worldwide. He was adopted by friends of the owner.

Cappy. Sometimes referred to as Cappy the Devil Dog, he was a sentry dog at the US Naval Base in Guam during WWII. He alerted to the presence of Japanese soldiers and saved the lives of 250 American soldiers. He, along with his handler,  were severely injured. Cappy’s handler waited to be evacuated until he knew Cappy was evacuated. Cappy died from his wounds, one of the 24 of 60 dogs who died in Guam during the war effort. There is a memorial to Cappy at the National War Dog Cemetery in Guam.

So many dogs served in wars and lost their lives. Like many horses that also served and lost their lives, we remember them to honor their bravery and loyalty to their humans. Some dogs are in the history books for being smart, trainable, and for their roles in Hollywood. Some are famous for their funny personalities. Dogs make history for many different reasons, but all deserve to be cherished and remembered.

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