Angel in a Foxhole: Smoky the Therapy Dog

Smoky joined Corporal Wynne, who served with the Fifth U.S. Army Air Force as a 26th Photo Squadron photographer on combat and reconnaissance missions. She served troops and infirmed as a therapy dog, companion and entertainer. Smoky began her informal service at a U.S. Army hospital in Nadzab, New Guinea overseen by Dr. Charles W. Mayo, when Corporal Wynne was hospitalized with dengue fever. She later joined American Red Cross nurses on hospital rounds in Manila, Philippines and Brisbane, Australia.Smoky’s origin is believed to be Brisbane, Australia, where she was purchased as a gift by a young Aussie nurse’s fiance. She became a war hero when she delivered a critical communication line beneath an active air strip that was subject to attack from the likely destruction of aircraft and personnel; the airstrip would have otherwise required 2-3 days of digging and reconstruction under enemy attack. In later years Smoky would receive Queensland, Australia RSPCA’s Purple Cross for saving human lives.Post-war, Bill traveled to Hollywood with Smoky, where he trained dogs for film. Returning to Cleveland with Margie, Smoky’s service to others - and legacy - continued to grow. Today, Smoky has been recognized as the first hospital therapy dog of record, as well serving as a leader to animal and pet therapy and service to others. Smoky was put to rest in Cleveland, Ohio’s MetroParks, where she can be visited at the Smoky and All Dogs of War Memorial.