Sgt. Stubby, AKC Museum of the Dog, NY, NY

"Stubby Salutes," was unveiled on May 23rd at the AKC Museum of the Dog in Manhattan. Stubby is considered to be the first US military dog. He reached the rank of Sergeant during WWI. Photo: AMNY

Earlier this week, in honor of Memorial Day in the United States, a statue of a hero was unveiled in New York. Of course there are a lot of statues of military heroes in New York, but this one is different: it's a bulldog. And not just any bulldog, Sgt. Stubby is generally considered to be the first official service-dog in the US military. He began as a stray and earned the rank of Segrant through his bravery and dedication to the men he served with. He's a truly inspiring pup.

In the midst of WWI a bulldog wandered onto the base of the 102 Infantry Regiment in the 26th Yankee Division at Yale. He quickly befriended an infantryman named Robert Conroy. Conroy named the short-legged bulldog Stubby, and used his overcoat to smuggle him onto the ship when he was deployed. 

Stubby remained in France for 18 months, participating in 17 battles during that time. While stationed in France Stubby made a name for himself. He acted bravely and contributed to the war effort. He warned his unit of incoming mustard gas attacks and located and comforted wounded soldiers on the battlefield, remaining at their side until human help could arrive. He is probably remembered most for assisting in the capture of a German spy while in the Argonne by grabbing the seat of the man's pants, stopping him from escaping. Following this act Stubby received a promotion to Sergeant.

Sgt. Stubby in "uniform," a custom vest in olive drab was sewn for the pup to display his medals and rank. Photo: AMNY

Like many of the men Stubby served alongside he didn't escape the horrors of war unscathed. Stubby was injured by flak from a grenade, and inhaled mustard gas. These dangers and others killed many in WWI, but neither had long term health impacts for the dog. Following his first exposure to poison gas the men in his unit modified a gas mask to cover his little muzzle.

Stubby's heroic actions made him incredibly popular, not only among the servicemen, but at home too. When Stubby returned home he was hailed as a hero alongside the young men who returned. In his retirement Stubby was given a medal by General Pershing and three US presidents (Wilson, Coolidge, and Harding). When he was staying in New York the Grand Majestic hotel in Manhattan relaxed it's "No Dog" policy so that the war hero could stay there. The dog even acted as the mascot of Georgetown University. He used to push a football across the field during the team's halftime shows. The University has since changed the name of it's mascot to Jack, but it remains a bulldog in honor of Stubby.

Georgetown's current mascot "Jack." Photo: Georgetown University

Stubby died in 1926, but he hasn't been forgotten. A year ago a children's move by the name "Sgt. Stubby: An American Hero," was released by FAM Media (link at the bottom of this blog). The movie received great reviews. This year a statue, "Stubby Salutes," dedicated to the war hero was placed at the Museum of the Dog, which is run by the American Kennel Club in New York City. It was unveiled on May 23rd, exactly 100 years after the bulldog returned to US soil, and was greeted as a hero. The family of Robert Conroy (now deceased) originally commissioned the statue and attended the unveiling at the AKC Museum.

“We are very excited to welcome “Stubby Salutes” to our Museum collection,” said Alan Fausel, Executive Director of the AKC Museum of the Dog. “His courage and dedication to our country has laid the foundation for today’s military working dogs and we look forward to sharing him with the public and educating them about his place in history.” Another casting of Stubby's statue is on display at the Veteran's Memorial Park in Middleton, CT.

The vest of Stubby's statue is detailed with the medals and rank he received while he served.
Photos: Asbury Park Press

"Stubby Salutes" was commissioned by the family of Stubby's owner and handler.
Photo: AMNY

The artist Susan Bahary also crafted the "Always Faithful' memorial that commemorates American War dogs who died in Guam is located in the same museum in which Stubby is commemorated. Stubby is depicted in his vest, with his right paw raised in a salute, his left extended. According to Bahary, “His right paw represents his deeds for our country and his left paw represents his friendly and giving nature. His contributions to our military, along with his loyalty and bravery are symbolic of all the wonderful working dogs that protect us and service animals that benefit and enrich our lives today.”

Bahary's statue "Always Faithful" commemorates Marine
dogs who died in Guam. Photo: Bahary Studio

Stubby's role in the history of US war dogs is an important one. Following his role in capturing the German spy, Stubby earned the  rank of Sergeant. Stubby is actually the only dog to earn a rank through his heroic actions but he set a tradition. All service dogs now join the military with the rank of Sergeant. It's a tradition that helps to reinforce the respect that the dogs should receive from their fellow servicemen. And it started with Stubby.

If you'd like to learn more about Stubby, I'd recommend this book by Ann Bausum. I have to admit that I haven't read it. I've been incredibly busy lately with a new job and some other personal projects (which I hope explains not only why I didn't read the book, but why this blog is shorter than average, and why it's been SOOO long since my last post).

Special thanks to Mike Heneghan (my cousin) for bringing the new sculpture of Stubby to the attention of Herding Bronze Cats just in time for me to put together this Memorial Day blog.

Sources:
https://www.akc.org/press-releases/bronze-sculpture-americas-first-war-dog-housed-akc-museum-dog/
https://www.amny.com/things-to-do/sgt-stubby-statue-museum-of-the-dog-1.30816343
http://guhoyas.com/sports/2018/6/6/trads-gu-hoya-html.aspx
https://www.app.com/story/life/pets/2019/05/15/museum-dog-nyc-honors-sgt-stubby-armys-first-service-dog/3665532002/