Dogs are amazing: obviously we all know that. But sometimes your experience with a special animal can honestly feel life-changing. Itâs not always just a personal occurrence, either. History is littered with amazing creatures who changed the way that countless people live today. So letâs celebrate the brave, clever, loyal, and brilliant dogs who literally shaped history.
Peritas, Alexander the Greatâs Secret Weapon
Even legends sometimes need a little help. Or at least that was the case for Alexander the Greatâwho lived in the 4th century BC and conquered most of the known world of his dayâwhen his dog Peritas saved his life. The rescue took place during a battle when Alexander was charged by an elephant. The attack would have surely killed him, but luckily he had quick-thinking Peritas by his side. The brave dog jumped up and bit the larger animalâs face. While clearly no match for the elephantâs size, Peritas gave it enough of a shock to divert its charge and spare Alexanderâs life. Alexander was so grateful to his dog that he named a city in modern-day India after him.
Peps, a Natural Music Critic
For 19th-century classical composer Richard Wagner, only one opinion really mattered: that of his cavalier King Charles spaniel, Peps. Richard played all his music for the dog before showing it to anyone else. He trusted the dogâs response so deeply that he would keep or discard work based on how he felt Peps reacted. Itâs safe to say the dog had good taste, approving of some of the most famous pieces of all time, such as Ride of the Valkyries.
Rin Tin Tin, Hollywoodâs Saviour
Rin Tin Tin is usually remembered as being the first animal movie star. Over his decade-long career, the German shepherd starred in over 20 films. At the height of his fame, he was reported to receive over 50,000 fan letters every monthâmarking him as easily one of Hollywoodâs most popular celebrities.
But Rin Tin Tinâs impact extended beyond his fame. In the 1920s, his films were so popular that he was widely credited with saving his home studio, Warner Brothers, from bankruptcy. The dogâs influence was deeply appreciated, earning him the nicknames âmortgage lifterâ and âthe dog who saved Hollywoodâ.
Buddy, the First Seeing-Eye Dog
These days, when we think of seeing-eye dogs we probably picture a calm and collected labrador. But the first guide dog was actually a female German shepherd called Buddy. She belonged to Morris Frank, a man who had been partially blinded in childhood and lost his remaining sight as a young adult in the 1920s. Morris was frustrated by having to rely on other people to help him get around, so he enlisted dog trainer Dorothy Harrison Eustis to help him teach a dog to assist him.
This bright idea not only worked, but was such a success that Morris and Dorothy decided to spread their training program across the US and eventually the rest of the world. Together, Morris and Buddy also went on to champion the creation of new laws that allowed service dogs go anywhere their owners did. These early laws would go on to form the basis of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which still helps people to this day.
Smoky, the Original (and Accidental) Therapy Dog
Like so many of these amazing dogs, the first therapy dog wasnât a planned operation. Smoky was a tiny Yorkie who was found in a New Guinea foxhole during World War 2, and quickly adopted by Corporal William A Wynne. Smoky went everywhere with William, and he credits her with saving his life several times by warning him of incoming attacks. Over their time together, Smoky survived 150 air raids, several combat flights, and even a typhoon.
Not being an official âwar dogâ, Smoky didnât receive any special treatment, food, or vet checks. Despite this, she retained her loving, friendly, and fun attitude. She was so sweet that William started bringing her into hospitals across the Asia-Pacific to comfort and entertain the injured soldiers. After the war, she returned to the US with William and became a celebrity in her own right, performing her signature tricks on TV and continuing to tour hospitals.
Illustrations by Julia Laskowski
While youâre here, check out other pieces from the latest issue of our Off the Leash magazine.
Willowâs Pantry Prove Dog Birthday Cakes Arenât As Crazy As They Sound
Dog Treats for Training, Easing Boredom, and Special Occasions
The Best Dog Friendly Plants for Happy Pets and Beautiful Gardens
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