Stubby: America’s First Service dog and Hero of WWI

Stubby holds the distinction as our Country’s First Service Dog and distinguished himself through incredible acts of bravery and heroism. He represents all service animals that served during World War I.

Legend has it that in 1917, this stray, hungry, young dog with a stub of a tail, found a steady source of discarded food at the Yale University athletic grounds where newly recruited soldiers had begun training.  Nicknamed “Stubby” by the enlisted men, he formed a devoted bond with one in particular, Robert Conroy.

Conroy taught him, amongst many commands, to salute while sitting up on his hind legs. When Conroy and his fellow soldiers shipped out on the Minnesota, they surreptitiously snuck Stubby on board with them. It wasn’t long before their commanding office spotted the animal but, before any consequence could be doled out to those responsible, Stubby sat down on his haunches, reared back from his front feet, raised his right paw, and saluted him. Duly impressed, the officer allowed Stubby to remain with the crew, which turned out to be a life-saving decision. Amongst his many heroic deeds, while in the trenches along with Conrad, Stubby became proficient at using his canine senses to warn of incoming gas and artillery shell attacks. In this same capacity, Stubby warned the townspeople of Seicheprey, France, during the liberation of their city, saving countless lives.

In gratitude, the women of the town sewed a special uniform made just for him. Stubby eventually sustained injuries during the war but returned to battle, earning three service stripes for 18 months of active duty, alongside his inseparable companion, now Corporal Robert Conroy. During his lifetime, Stubby was introduced to three American Presidents – Presidents Wilson, Harding, and Coolidge. He is generally regarded by those who serve in the military as a symbol of daring courage, unbreakable loyalty, and sacrifice.

Employing consummate attention to historical detail, Monument sculptor Susan Bahary has captured Stubby in his iconic pose of salute. On him, you can see the special uniform made for him by the grateful women of Seicheprey, France.

This life-sized bronze can also be seen at the Trees of Honor-Veteran’s Memorial Park in Middletown, Connecticut and in the Museum of the Dog in New York City.