Today’s Star Spangled Salute honors World War II Veteran Therapy Dog Smoky. In fact, Smoky is regarded as the world’s first therapy dog. The story goes, the tiny Yorkshire Terrier was first found in the jungles of New Guinea in March 1944. An American GI named Ed Downey was in New Guinea working to move a Jeep out of some mud when he heard a whimper from a nearby foxhole. Downey retrieved the pup from the hole and kept it, but not for long. Looking to get back into a poker game, he sold Smoky to Cpl. William A. Wynne for two Australian pounds, the equivalent of $6.44, around $109 in today’s dollars. Smoky, a combat veteran and frequent visitor to military hospitals in the Pacific Theater of World War II, was a mascot, personal pet and perhaps the world’s first emotional support dog for wounded troops.. If you ever visit Cleveland, stop by the Rocky River Reservation is a woodland park located just outside of Cleveland. Inside the park, visitors will find a statue of a small Yorkshire Terrier sitting inside a World War II-era GI helmet. This statue marks the final resting place of Smoky, Her gravesite and marker, built by a Vietnam veteran and unveiled in 2005, is dedicated to the animals of all wars who made life easier while supporting their comrades in arms. Good dog Smoky and THANK YOU for your service.
