Movies Way Back When: War Dogs
By Betsy J. Green
When the United States entered World War I in 1917, the Army recruited horses and dogs to be sent to aid the conflict in Europe.
Dogs helped haul equipment and delivered messages. "Flying A" actor William Russell donated one of his dogs.
"The latest animals to sign up for relief of their relatives at the front being the six-month old Russian wolfhound belonging to William Russell of the American Film Company." – “Santa Barbara Morning Press,” June 18, 1918
Betsy's Way Back When book -- Movies & Million-Dollar Mansions -- is now available in local bookstores and at Amazon.com. This is the seventh book in her series on the history of Santa Barbara. Learn more at .
2 Comments
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Nov 27, 2022 09:34 AMAiredale Terriers were used as message carriers during WWI. Our canine friends who served in war are also veterans. Need to pay tribute to them as well. Very unfortunate that they were left behind in Vietnam.
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Nov 28, 2022 10:16 AMBelgian Malinois were also used heavily as were Dutch shepherds. In fact, the sketch of the dog, looks exactly like a belgian. I own a few....they began using them heavily in 1902 for military, law enforcement, and any tactical work.