Mercy Dogs

Our partners even in battle

I’m a dog lover and a historical fiction writer, working on a sequel to Morning of a Crescent Moon. The storyline takes place in the same town and covers the years 1917–1919, when the U.S. was in World War I, as well as a few months after. While researching this era, I came across interesting information about the use of dogs in the war. I knew horses were used extensively, but I knew nothing about Mercy Dogs.

What were Mercy Dogs? Mercy Dogs performed many important jobs. They carried first aid supplies, located the wounded, comforted the dying, killed varmints in the trenches, served on security detail, and warned of both gas attacks and incoming artillery. For the Allies, the dogs were trained by the French and British. Many wore vests with supplies for the wounded, and some were even fitted with gas masks. One dog became famous and highly decorated: Sergeant Stubby (1916-1926). He has many books written about him.

How many dogs were used? Sources vary on how many Mercy Dogs were actually employed in WWI, but all estimates are in the thousands, with some as high as 50,000 (30,000 by the Central Powers and 20,000 by the Allies). An estimated 7000 may have been killed in the line of duty. They served along with the men who fought and also gave their lives.

I can picture these Mercy Dogs taking their jobs seriously. I had a Golden Retriever who would brave a thunderstorm to retrieve the morning paper. We had a German Shepherd who intercepted another dog charging at my husband. One of our retrievers alerted my husband to a snake in the house when we lived in Florida. And our terrier keeps varmints out of our house.

The purpose of this article wasn’t to repeat what’s out there. It was just to let readers know that the story of how dogs were utilized in World War I is a testament to just how much they are our partners in whatever we’re doing. At least one Mercy Dog will have to play a part in my sequel. Stay tuned.

There are many interesting sources on Mercy Dogs. Here are only a couple.

The National World War I Museum: https://www.theworldwar.org/learn/about-wwi/dogs-wwi

Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercy_dog

Sargeant Stubby: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sergeant_Stubby

Here are my dogs because I know that dog lovers like to see other people’s dogs.

Below: Choco and Lina