a sad fact about dogs in history.

[xchrom]

i'm reading a wonderful book called ''a thousand hounds''.

which in reality is a history of photography and the image of dogs in photography.

it's written in english, german and french and covers some of all three countries photgraphic history with dogs.

i just finished the section on WWI -- and learned to my dismay that germany drafted over thirty thousand dogs to their side and belgium and france over ten thousand for theirs.

fewer than half survived.

their stories of heroism are remarkable to say the least -- including one smuggled pit bull{stubby} from america -- who saved a bunch soldiers from being gassed.

he was given a medal on his trip home.

i think i remember that right.

the pictures of these war dogs are remakable -- of course there are german shepherds and dobbies -- but there are yorkies and jack russles and other little guys that would make the strongest man weep.

[xchrom]

1. i'll kick my own thread here a couple of times.

[xchrom]

2. i'll give it another kick

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

3. Ah, good old Sergeant Stubby.

Right up their with Balto in terms of doggie heroism.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sergeant_Stubby

[xchrom]

8. that's him! -- thanks for putting up the link.

i didn't even think to do that.

[skygazer]

4. What's worse is the fate of the horses of WWI

Cavalry and horse-drawn artillery were still very much in use. Many of which were killed horribly in battle - even worse, of course, were the ones that weren't killed immediately.

After the war, I recall reading that several hundred thousand horses were either killed or abandoned rather than pay the expense of shipping them home.

[bridgit]

5. yes! it is sad & glorious the ways in which they just jump on in where...

humans would never go, or be hesitant http://www.eagleid.com/veterans/dogs.htm :patriot:

[xchrom]

9. aw now you went and made my mascara run! damn it!

did you see all the dogs lost in desert storm -- so sad.

such beautiful and faithful animals.

[bridgit]

11. hee, i'm sorry Hon, but it is true that animals have an opportunity to become...

or exhibit noble traits as well, and my sense is that you agree; they'll come a sniff our sorry asses out of a pile of smoldering, precarious rubble while their 'handlers' stand off at a safer distance...amazing

oh and thank you, xchrom dear, here's to Sugar :toast:

[xchrom]

12. to sugar!!!

:toast:

dogs most especially have that heroic relationship that you're talking about.

it amazes me that after all this time spent with dogs and cats and farm animals that we even have to THINK about the intelligence and emotional range of our furrier brothers and sisters.

[seemunkee]

6. You can preview on Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/Thousand-Hounds-Taschen-Specials/dp/3822862231
Looks interesting.

[xchrom]

7. i highly recommend it.

the photographs are truly breath taking -- and the history of both photography and the relationship of dogs and people is really something.

[xchrom]

10. ...

in life the firmest friend
the first to welcome the foremost to defend,
whose honest heart is still his master's own
who labours, fights, lives, breathes for him alone.
lord byron