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Thread: A Brave Little Stray

  1. #1
    Boolit Master Ithaca Gunner's Avatar
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    A Brave Little Stray

    Fellows, please forgive my poor writing skill, or the lack of. Many of you have heard of Sgt. Stubby and his heroic deeds during the First World War, I've searched a few books and came up with a condensed story of the Brave Little Stray who won the hearts of the nation. I hope those of you who read this enjoy it. April 2018 there will be an animated movie released of Stubby and his part in, "The Great War".


    No-one knows where the little stray came from or to whom he may have belonged. What his name may have been, or when he was born. The story goes, the brindle mixed breed American Bull/Boston Bull Terrier dog with a stubby tail was seen wandering around the athletic fields of Yale University, soon to be the training grounds of the 102nd. Infantry, (Conn. Nat. Guard) in the spring of 1917.




    When the Guardsmen arrived for training in the summer of 1917, the little dog greeted them with enthusiasm, after all where there are soldiers, there's food! He soon became the pal of the men of the 102nd Infantry. Sometime during the endless drill the dog chose a master, Private James Robert Conroy, a kindred spirit who was also short on family. The two bonded during the training and the dog took on the name, "Stubby" because of his stubby tail.




    Stubby began taking on the coat of a soldier, emulating their moves at drill and following Conroy's every move. The newly formed team would go on to fight a war had begun three years earlier in Europe with neither side gaining much toward victory. A German offensive in 1917 sent the British in the north backward toward the sea, 1918 they would turn their attention to the French. The Allies needed American divisions, and needed them soon.




    General Pershing would not allow American lives to be wasted piecemeal as replacements and held for the numbers to fight as an American Army. The fall of 1917, their training in America finished, the 102nd. Infantry was attached to the 26th, "Yankee" Division and boarded the ship, Minnesota to cross the Atlantic for France. Stubby was smuggled aboard with the boys of the 102nd and lived a concealed life as a stow-away.




    The Minnesota docked at St. Nazaire, France and Stubby was soon discovered by an officer. Before the officer could determine any consequences for smuggling Stubby aboard the ship to France, Stubby sat, raised his haunches and his right paw to his eye in the best salute a dog can provide an officer and held it until reciprocated by the officer. It was settled, Stubby was officially part of the 102nd. Infantry.




    Conroy and Stubby served in the headquarters company of the 102nd. Infantry in the intelligence section awaiting more American divisions for the fight. Whatever Conroy's duty, Stubby was beside him, carrying messages, guard duty, or furlough, the pair were together. In January, 1918 Col. John Henry, "Machinegun" Parker took command of the 102nd. Infantry Regiment and it was said, Stubby was the only soldier who could talk back to "Machinegun" and get away with it. When it came time for combat, Stubby was ordered front with the men, now Stubby was as much a soldier as any man in the 102nd.




    February 5, 1918 the Yankee Division reached the front, manning positions along a highway, the Chemin des Dames along side the French. During his stay at the front, Stubby was never tied and expected to remain under cover if he valued his life. Everywhere Conroy went, Stubby as alongside no matter what the circumstances. Stubby became sharp in he art of distinguishing artillery and who's it was. He could detect incoming German artillery with his canine hearing before the men could, giving them a bit of additional warning to seek cover. One concern Conroy had for his canine pal was poison gas, Stubby was fitted with his own gas mask which he carried around his neck wherever he went at the front. Stubby often alerted his human comrades to the danger with a unique sense of a gas attack. One grateful soldier even penned a poem to Stubby's sense which saved a great many men of the 102nd. "He always knew when to duck the shells, and buried his nose at the first gas smells..."




    April 1918 found the 102nd. near Seicheprey where tow companies of the regiment were cut off and nearly over-ran. Stubby searching the battlefield for wounded companions was wounded himself by a shell fragment to his chest under his left leg. Stubby howled and Conroy was said to crawl from the trench to rescue his friend. The wound was serious and Conroy administered first aid. When carrying his wounded comrade back to head quarters, the regimental surgeon treated Stubby and had him placed in an ambulance alongside wounded men. A lump developed in Conroy's throat as he watched the ambulance drive away in the darkness.




    Upon arrival at the hospital the men in the ambulance insisted Stubby be treated the same as any other wounded soldier. The medical staff did for Stubby the same as any man in the 102nd. and Stubby made a full recovery six weeks later and was discharged from the hospital where he cheered the wounded and became a ray of hope and inspiration for them.




    It was June 1918 when Stubby rejoined Conroy and the 102nd. Infantry and Stubby would have a part in his first major battle in July during the 2nd. Battle of the Marne counter-offensive. Stubby's keen senses led medics to many Allied wounded on the battlefield, ignoring German wounded, (throughout his time in the headquarters company Stubby had learned to sense the difference between German and Allied soldiers and would bark and growl when even shown German helmets). At times he would keep watch over a dying soldier providing companionship during the man's last moments on earth.




    During a period of rest for the 26th. Division Stubby received a gift from the grateful women of Chateau Thierry, a jacket made of soft chamois leather, light brown in color, designed to button around the dogs neck and belly, a braided cord forming the words, "Stubby" and "102nd U.S. INF." They sewed Yankee Division patches on the shoulders and a colorful emblem on the back of silk with flags of all the Allied nations under the war effort. Thus outfitted Conroy and Stubby set off on a ten day leave to Paris with documents carrying both their names, making them inseparable. Near the Arch de Triumph the pair attracted the attention of a pair of girls, the sisters were enamored with Stubby and took opportunity to pet him. When they turned to leave, Stubby nudged them, apparently for more attention. Had the girls continued on their way, they would have been run over by a runaway horse and buggy. Had Stubby seen this danger and saved the girls? We can't say for sure, but it seems he did!




    September found the pair back at the front, this time the 26th. Division was clearing Germans from the St. Mihiel area. Stubby was given plenty of opportunity to nip the pants legs of German soldiers, the 26th. Division was credited with capturing 15,000 in four days combat.




    The final Allied offensive of the war was at hand, the Meuse Argonne where a Tennessee soldier named, York won the Congressional Medal of Honor. The campaign was suppose to last a few days, instead it turned into more than six weeks of fighting. It was here Stubby captured a German soldier all on his own. It's debated weather the man was a spy or just a disoriented soldier separated from his unit, but the fact is Stubby made good a capture and held the man until his own men arrived to take possession of the fellow.




    Stubby earned great praise for his feat and some say was made an official sergeant in the army. On September 26, 1918 General Clarence Edwards, commander of the 26th. Division recognized Stubby for gallantry and Conroy became a corporal. Stubby's friends decorated his uniform with the Iron Cross found on his captive and pinned it on the back near his tail, hanging disrespectfully over the dogs rear end.




    Mid October the Meuse Argonne offensive was complete and commanders reorganized for the final push to end the war. On November 1 Conroy and Stubby were both slightly wounded by a German gas attack and remanded to a nearby hospital. Their return to duty found only when Germany would surrender, not if. On Sunday the 10th they learned of a truce to take effect at 11:00 the 11th. of November, the Armistice. Hundreds of friends crowded around Stubby at 11-11-11-1918 to celebrate the end and thank the little stray for his part in the victory.




    As a personal side car here, dad was 12 years old when the war ended with two brothers in France, one in training, and another two brothers in law in France. One did not return, having been killed in France. Grandma would not have dad leaving the house to celebrate the Armistice, she guarded him all the while. This puzzled me for a number of years until one of his sisters reminded me of the deadly Spanish flu epidemic of 1918. Keeping dad in the house may have saved his life. Mom's family fared even worse with two killed in France.




    Stubby was not the only American War Dog, but he is the most famous. The 1st. Division had, Rags. A dog said to be adept at sensing artillery and gas as well as Stubby. Dogs were common among the soldiers of WWI, but none as famous as Stubby, considered more than a mascot, Stubby is thought of as America's first War Dog and promoted to the rank of Sgt.




    Stubby's decorations include;




    Three bar service stripe. Honorable discharge stripe. 26th. Division patch. Verdun Medal. General service button. American Legion Badges, (from several states). New Haven WWI Veteran Medal. Medal for WWI service. French medal for service. Canadian, "Lindasy" Maple leaf. St. Mihiel Medal. Purple Heart. Chateau Thierry Medal. Foreign Service Medal. Marechal Foch Medal. Chatillon. Jeanne d' Arc Medal. Blue Cross of Lorraine. Ste. Genevieve pin. Victory Medal with five clasps, (Marne-Aisne Marne-St, Mihiel-Meuse Argonne-Defensive Sector). Humane Education Society Medal presented by Gen. Pershing 13 May, 1921. Wound Stripe, and many hand written mementos and buttons along with the captured Iron Cross at the tail of the coat.


    Peace on the Western Front, one soldier said, "The silence was deafening." The Germans fell back to their own border and divisions were put on a rotating watch. Christmas 1918 found Stubby and Conroy meeting Woodrow Wilson when he visited the 26th. Division. The president shook Stubby's paw in recognition of his service to the nation.




    In March 1919 the pair set off on their final leave in France, they didn't get far as Conroy contracted the Spanish Flu and had to be hospitalized. Despite regulations against dogs visiting the hospital, the duo was not separated for long. On learning of Stubby's loyalty and heroics the doctors decided Conroy and Stubby could bunk in a tent on hospital grounds. Conroy's humor was good and he told doctors that Stubby had reminded him they had used up eight days of their fourteen day leave and the pair were released on condition that Stubby take care of his friend. They toured the south of France and returned to the 102nd. on schedule. The regiment departed France on the ship Agamemnon.




    Stubby this time didn't have to be smuggled aboard, and several other dogs that served along side American troops also made the voyage. "Mademoiselle Fanny" traveled on the same ship and elsewhere a soldier named, Lee Duncan secured permission to bring back a pair of German Shepherd pups, one named, "Rin-Tin-Tin" who became a star in silent movies.




    On their return to Boston Harbor the division cleaned up for a victory parade through the streets of Boston before discharges were handed out. Stubby marched in a place of honor with the 102nd. Infantry's Color Guard. Wounded veterans rode in cars while the fit members marched past the review stand past Mass. Gov. Calvin Coolidge. Passing the review stand the command, ''Eyes right!" was given and Stubby turned his head along with the men of the regiment.




    Back in Conn. the 102nd. paraded again through Hartford, being that states National Guard and Stubby led the regiment right along side it's commander, "Machinegun" past an estimated 200,000 cheering citizens. After one final parade in New Britain, Conn. Conroy's home town the pair settled in temporary resident with Conroy's sister and family. "Nobody could mind Stubby." Conroy's sister told a curious news reporter, "He's a good beast and the baby loves him a great deal. They're regular chums." In 1920 Stubby won a dog show, a judge said after winning, "He's probably a mutt, but he's done more than all the rest put together!"




    Stubby's story didn't end there with a gracious retirement from the public eye. Conroy nurtured the dog's reputation like a proud father and Stubby gained popularity, it seemed everyone knew the brave little stray that became a war hero. Conroy entered law school at Georgetown and made the circuits around Washington. What would become The Humane Society of America featured Stubby in their national parade during "Be kind to animals" week along side President Harding's dog. Later General Pershing himself pinned a gold medal on Stubby's jacket. Stubby met President Harding and wife at the White House. Mrs. Harding held Stubby's leash for ten minutes and he would go on to meet a third president, Calvin Coolidge.




    Rumors and stories of Stubby's heroics whirled through the nation, (mostly false heroics, one of these stories had Stubby declaring a Christmas truce with the Germans including exchanging of gifts and playing sports. The real Christmas truce happened in 1914 along a sector of the British lines). The tall tales persisted though. One Veteran complained that Stubby got better treatment than the men, receiving a card from the YMCA good for three bones a day and a place to sleep. Another complained that if Stubby had won the war all by himself, "Next war just send an army of Bull-Pups!" A hotel desk clerk refused to allow Stubby accomidations pointing out the hotel did not allow dogs. Conroy retorted, "This ain't no dog! He's a war hero!" The manager heard the commotion and granted Stubby a room with Conroy. The pair attended meetings and parades with the newly founded, American Legion, Stubby being the guest of honor at the events.




    Through all the events and charity work Stubby was a part of, he was showing his age by the mid-1920's. He never slowed down when in the company of soldiers though, at his last American Legion meeting in 1926, Stubby seemed confused as he walked into the room packed with men. Upon seeing the color guard, he snapped to life, approached the men holding the flags and gave a last canine salute. Conroy sought one last honor for his friend, this one personal. Stubby had been an honorary member of the Eddy-Glover post of the American Legion for some years. Conroy submitted an application sealed with Stubby's paw print and $4.00 to the Legion, and Stubby became an official member. Stubby died in Conroy's arms on March 6, 1926. When "Machinegun" Parker heard the news of Stubby's death, he was deeply saddened and said, "He will be mourned as sincerely as any other of our comrades."




    The New York Times and Washington Post each ran a lengthy obituary on Stubby's death. Conroy had Stubby stuffed, his disposable remains cremated and placed in an urn. The stuffed Stubby traveled to Legion conventions until Conroy gifted the stuffed animal and all that went along with him to the Smithsonian. Stubby has been on display on and off since gifted and has currently been on display since 2004. Conroy never had another dog.




    Thanks to Ann Bausum and her books "Sergeant Stubby" published by National Geographic and Mary Elizabeth Thurston, "The Lost History of the Canine Race" and a special thanks to every dog I've ever known and had the pleasure of their company.


    Some photos of Stubby taken in France and back home after the war.
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  2. #2
    Boolit Master Ithaca Gunner's Avatar
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    Stubby's obituary which took a full half page in the "New York Times" April 4, 1926.

    This article was printed by the "New York Times", 4 April 1926

    STUBBY OF A.E.F. ENTERS VALHALLA

    Tramp Dog of No Pedigree Took Part In the Big Parade in France

    Stubby is dead. He was only a dog and unpedigreed at that, but he was the most famous mascot in the A.E.F. Stubby took part in four major offensives, was wounded and gassed. He captured a German Spy and won more medals than any other soldier dog. He led the American Legion parades and was know to three Presidents. He was, indisputably, a fighting dog. His Arlington is to be the Smithsonian Institution.

    Early in life Stubby longed for a career. Realizing the value of education, the brindle and white "bull terrier" abandoned his nomadic life for that of a student. Selecting Yale University as his alma mater, he was soon recognized there was a prodigy. His progress, however, was interrupted.

    America entered the war and the First Connecticut Regiment, later merged into the 102d Infantry, Twenty-sixth Division, was ordered to Yale field for training. Though delighted with his intellectual environment and his frolics in the huge Bowl, Stubby came to the conclusion that he ought to do his bit by his country. It was hard, after five peregrinating years, during which he had often been hungry and cold, to leave the only scene of peace and hospitality he had ever found. But in such a time, when men were parting from mothers and wives to defend the honor of Uncle Sam, was he, a mere wanderer without dependents, to think of self?

    Stubby joined up. One morning a bugle sounded the departure from camp. Crammed into a train loaded with equipment, he was started South. He knew not where he was speeding. His recent contacts with scholasticism, however, stood him in good stead. Tennyson had said something memorable--"His not to reason why, his but to do and die".

    At Newport News the soldiers were hustled aboard a transport. Here difficulties arose. Stubby was not on the roster. He had no enlistment card. The officers were stern and unknown to him.


    Corporal J. Robert Conroy perceived his hangdog look and was touched. Wrapping him into the greatcoat slung on his arm and admonishing him to be quiet, he smuggled him up the gangway. Stubby lay still, with bated breath, until released into a coal bunker. Without diminishing allegiance to all his comrades, Stubby from that moment adopted Conroy as his master.

    On Feb. 5, 1918, he entered the front lines of the Chemin des Dames sector, north of Soissons, where he was under fire night and day for more than a month. The noise and strain that shattered the nerves of many of his comrades did not impair Stubby's spirits. Not because he was unconscious of danger. His angry howl while a battle raged and his mad canter from one part of the lines to another indicated realization. But he seemed to know that the greatest service he could render was comfort and cheerfulness.

    When he deserted the front lines it was to keep a wounded soldier company in the corner of a dugout or in the deserted section of a trench. If the suffering doughboy fell asleep, Stubby stayed awake to watch.

    In the Chemin des Dames, Stubby captured a German spy and saved a doughboy from a gas attack. Hearing a sound in the stillness of the night, the dog, who guarded sleeplessly, stole out of the trenches and recognized--a German. Attempts by the German to deceive the dog were futile. Seizing his prisoner by the breeches, Stubby held on until help arrived.

    Stubby, on other leaves, visited Nice, Monte Carlo and Nancy. At Neufchateau, the home of Jeanne d'Arc, he was presented with the first of the many medals he subsequently won in dog shows and Victory loan drives. Upon his return to the front he found himself in the thick of the Meuse-Argonne fray, which was to end the war.




    After armistice Stubby spent his time congratulating and being congratulated. Traversing the streets of Paris, he was recognized by hundreds of French, English, Austrailian and American soldiers. And then on Christmas Day, at Mandres-en-Basigny, he met President Wilson. Stubby the dog to whom rank insignia made no difference, offered his paw. Little had he expected that he was to be known and greeted by three Presidents.

    Back in his native land he was demobilized at Camp Devens, Mass., April 20, 1919. Parading with his famous division in Boston, he was reviewed by Governor Calvin Coolidge. An aquaintance was started which was renewed at the American Legion convention at Kansas City jin 1921, attended by Vice President Coolidge, and at the convention in Omaha 1926, attended by President Coolidge.

    On parade Stubby always wore the embroidered chamois blanket presented to him by admiring Frenchwomen and decorated with service chevrons, medals, pins, buttons and a galaxy of souvenirs. On the end of his modernly bobbed tail a German iron cross was appended, the possession of which Stubby never explained.

    Conroy's decision to study law at Georgetown University brought him and Stubby to Washington. There Conroy became secretary to Representative E. Hart Fenn of Connecticut and Stubby met Representative William P, Connery Jr. of Massachusetts and B. Carroll Reece of Tennessee, old friends from the Twenty-sixth Division, in Congress. His buddies were coming into prominence. One day Stubby encountered Major M.D. Arnold and Captain J.W. Boyer, both of the old Y. D.

    Besides being painted by Charles Ayer Whipple, artist of the Capitol, Stubby had the distinction of being photographed with General Pershing.

  3. #3
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    In Remembrance / Boolit Grand Master Boaz's Avatar
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    Great thread Gunner ! Thank you .
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    yes thank you
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    Thanks great post!
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    Forgotten history that should be taught in schools!

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    Awesome story!!!!!

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    I needed a good read today. Thanks!!!!!!!!!

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    Great story!
    "Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same......." - Ronald Reagan

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    Outstanding post Sir.Thank you.My Father was a WW1 vet.
    Good luck.Have fun.Be safe.
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  13. #13
    Boolit Master Ithaca Gunner's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by MaryB View Post
    Forgotten history that should be taught in schools!
    Maybe in April with the release of the animated movie about Stubby, he may reach the classrooms. America brought many changes to the way the Europeans fought WWI, "Trench Brooms" (shotguns adapted for war), the highest per-capita of enlisted men issued pistols or revolvers for close in fighting, and fluid tactics taught to Jr. officers and enlisted men, Europeans had to get approval from higher ups to change an attack, where American troops were taught to think for themselves and take advantage of any change or weakness found after jumping off. The Germans hated our tactics, they hated our enlisted men carrying so many handguns, and they particularly hated our trench brooms. They made threats to execute American troops found with a shotgun, in turn, we said we would execute their machinegunners. Problem solved.

    Stubby was but one of many dogs serving in the trenches of all the armies, most others though were trained to do a certain task and no more, like a draft animal. America had no war dog program in the First World War, dogs like Stubby, Rags, Mademoiselle Fanny, and others. Dogs served both Allied and Central Powers, with well over 60,000 dogs serving their respective countries during the war. There were scout dogs, draft dogs, messenger dogs, guard dogs, mercy dogs outfitted with first aide supplies to search out wounded and comfort them, even "cigarette dogs" who carried several cartons of cigarettes at a time to the men in the trenches. Stubby is credited with the inspiration to form the U.S. war dog program. Stubby wasn't the only hero dog by a long shot either.

    Meet, "Rags" of the U.S. First Division. Rags was found alone wrapped up in a pile of rags, (hence the name) and given a home with the America's Big Red One. Rags never gained the fame Stubby did, but his contribution was no smaller.

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    Tommy, a dog with a British Highland regiment holding the medal he earned at the front.

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    French dog, Satan-hero dog at Verdun.

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    Cigarette dog.

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    Mercy dogs of WWI

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    Great dog that Stubby was, he served in the company of many hero dogs of WWI. Perhaps it was Stubby's multi talents that gained him fame over the others...

  14. #14
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    Wonderful read! My Grandfather was in WW1. I copied the OP and sent it to everyone on my address list. Thanks for this.
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    A Pitbull no less.
    Pitbull haters PLEASE take NOTICE.
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    Boolit Buddy Big Mak's Avatar
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    Great thread! Enjoyed reading it!

  17. #17
    Boolit Master Ithaca Gunner's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by DCP View Post
    Just WOW

    A Pitbull no less.
    Pitbull haters PLEASE take NOTICE.
    Yes, Stubby would be classified as a Pit Bull these days. We had a pair living down the road a few years back, like any dog, they just wanted to have fun and play. We brought them into our yard on many occasion where they would run and romp with our dogs. The male, "Moses" was quite the adventurous fellow. I'd see him running up the road and call out, "Moses!" He'd stop and look about wondering where the call came from, another shout would send him on a sprint to our front porch where he liberally applied his canine brakes skidding across the planks to a stop just short of crashing into the wife sitting on the swing, tail whipping in all directions.
    We'd give him some water and a light meal then parade him through the house to the back yard to romp with our dogs before taking him home. Those two were a delight to have around.

    Pit Bulls were at one time, late 1800's-throught the 1940's "nanny" dogs who kept watch on young children and were their companions. "Petie" the pup in "The Little Rascals" shorts of the 1920's-1940's was a Pit Bull as was Tige, the constant companion of, "Buster Brown" in the comics, 1890's-1920's.

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  18. #18
    Boolit Master
    DerekP Houston's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2015
    Location
    Houston, Texas
    Posts
    2,877
    Great piece of history, I've read some of it before and it lead me to wanting a pitbull . My buddy has since been rehomed but man he was a fun dog. I really enjoyed reading through your post thanks for sharing.
    My feedback page if you feel inclined to add:
    http://castboolits.gunloads.com/show...raight-Shooter

    Thanks Yall!

  19. #19
    Boolit Master
    Join Date
    Sep 2010
    Location
    England
    Posts
    1,597
    Its not very often I get upset but this story leaves me with a lump in my throat.It is testimony to the loyalty our canine friends give in return for good treatment and love.RIP Stubby you have earned our respect.

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