In February 1944, an American soldier found the dog in an abandoned trench in the jungles of New Guinea. An Ohio corporal, William Winn, bought her for 2 Australian pounds. Over the next two years, Smokey was with her owner in the Pacific theater of war. The dog participated in 12 air and sea rescue and photo reconnaissance missions. During these operations, Smokey was often in a soldier’s backpack practically under fire for long periods of time. She survived at least 150 air raids and two typhoons in Okinawa.
Smokey is also considered the world’s first professional therapy dog (pet therapy) – she entertained the wounded by showing them all sorts of tricks. The dog worked as such for 12 years, during and after World War II.
In total, Smokey has six monuments in the United States. In addition, the Yorkshire Terrier National Rescue unit awards the annual “Smokey Award” to rescue dogs who have most distinguished themselves in the current year.
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