Dalmatian - Breed Profile

The Dalmatian is built like a sleek athlete however he is a dependable, dignified gentleman. With an independent mind - some might say stubborn, Dalmatians require regular vigorous exercise and interactive family activities.

History

It is often thought that Dalmatians originated in Dalmatia, Croatia, but this is not the case. The exact origins of the Dalmatian is shrouded in mystery. Spotted dogs have appeared in Europe, Asia, and Africa.

They have been found painted on walls of tombs running behind Egyptian chariots, in frescoes and even in letters sent from poet Jurij Dalmatin to a Bohemian duchess in the 1500's.

From these first spotted dogs, the breed quickly spread all over Europe with some suggesting they travelled with the Gypsies and the Romani people. Wherever he comes from, the Dalmatian has been known by many names; the English Coach Dog, the Carriage Dog, the Plum Pudding Dog, the Fire House Dog and the Spotted Dick!

The Dalmatian has served many purposes over time: he has been a dog of war, keeping watch over the borders of Dalmatia, Croatia. Used as a shepherd and ratter on the farm; as a pointer and retriever in the field; on large game, bringing down stags and wild boar. Is there any breed more versatile?

But perhaps it is what they are best known for, they are the only breed bred for carriage work. 

With a natural affinity for horses, Dalmatians have been extensively documented trailing horse-drawn carriages through the countryside in an exercise known as coaching, effortlessly trotting for miles and miles under the axles of the vehicle, keeping an ever vigilant guard.

During the times before motorised vehicles, fire stations used Dalmatians to clear the path to the fire, to keep the horses company and stand guard over the carriage. 

This association between fire stations and Dalmatians has been passed down to today; for what is a fire station without their Dalmatian mascot!


Whatever duty is required of the breed today, be it competing in agility, flyball, obedience, conformation or accompanying its owner on a leisurely walk in the park then settling down to snooze by the fire, there is no other breed quite like the Dalmatian.

Appearance

The breed as we know it today has physical characteristics similar to both pointers and hounds, however the Dalmatian is used neither for scent work nor as a gun dog. Its primary use, both historically and currently, is as companion and guard dog.

Much like the Pharaoh Hound, Greyhound and Whippet, the coat is short, dense, and fine. The balanced, strong and muscular physique, without bulk or coarseness, is also very much like that of the gundogs – the Pointer, Weimaraner or the German Shorthaired Pointer.

The main characteristic which defines the Dalmatian is its spots. Born with white hair and small pigmented spots in the skin, the coloured spots develop at around two to three weeks and the nose will darken at about three months of age. 

The spots continue to form with age usually up to two or three months, developing into either black or brown, called liver. The spots should be round, clearly defined and not overlapping.

• Height: Males: 58-61cm; Females: 56-58cm 
• Weight: 23-28kg. Females are invariably at the smaller end of the scale. 

For the Dalmatian Breed Standard, please visit Dogs Australia

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Temperament

Well-bred Dalmatians are loyal and loving companions and are eager to please their owners. 

They make excellent watchdogs. Although not yappy, they will however alert their owner if something is amiss. They are powerful, active and boisterous dogs that do need discipline. 

You can expect young pups to dig holes in the yard and chew up your plants too. At least until the dog has matured and learned some obedience. With an average working dog intelligence, the Dalmatian will enjoy obedience training and excels at agility classes.

Dalmatians have a stable, outgoing nature which suits an active family.

Exercise

Most Dalmatians find an average to large backyard adequate, but they are a breed of great physical endurance, able to travel at a moderate pace for great lengths of time. A morning and evening walk is recommended to burn off energy and stimulate the dog’s mental wellbeing. Breeders warn Dalmatians have little road sense and need a well fenced backyard.

Health & Lifespan

A Dalmatian’s white coat and pale pigmentation will contribute to the likelihood of sunburn. The most susceptible areas, the nose, ears and eye-rims, will be less inclined to burn where more pigment is present.

A metabolic defect unique to the Dalmatian breed can lead to liver and subsequent bladder problems, resulting in bladder stones. This is a hereditary disease and is best avoided by purchasing from breeders whose dogs do not possess the condition. Encouraging your dog to drink plenty of water will minimise the effects of the disease.

In past veterinary journals, deafness was reported in up to 30% of the breed. Breeders say this figure is not representative of Australian lines. 

Deafness will usually show up in puppies by about four weeks of age. People considering buying a Dalmatian puppy should deal with a reputable breeder and always have the dog’s hearing checked.

Another reported problem is allergies which may result in skin lesions. Paspalum grass is one known cause of these allergies.

Dalmatians live for between 12-14 years.

Grooming

While they do not have a strong doggy odour, a fortnightly bath is adequate. When a Dalmatian sheds, the white hair is very noticeable and daily wiping with a rubber glove will remove most loose hairs.

Recommended for

• Temperament: energetic, boisterous
• Lifespan: 12-14 years
• Maintenance: low
• Recommended for: families without toddlers, active people

Although not ideal for an elderly person, a Dalmatian does make a great pet for athletic people, runners, joggers and young families. They are considered good family pets but one should be conscious of their exuberance around toddlers and small children.

For more information on the breed, please contact

The Dalmatian Club of NSW
The Dalmatian Club of VIC
The Dalmatian Club of QLD

If you'd like to rehome a Dalmatian, please contact

Dalmatian Rescue Victoria

Take Your Dog to Work Day - June 24

Take Your Dog to Work Day (also known as TYDTWD) will take place on Friday 24th June 2016 in Australia and around the world.

This celebration was first started in 1996 in the United Kingdom and became popular in the United States in 1999. This day celebrates the companionship dogs provide and also encourages adoptions from local shelters and rescue groups.

Employers are asked to open their businesses to pet dogs to promote the benefits of pet ownership and encourage animal adoption. It is well documented that pets provide a number of physical and mental health benefits for people. Pet dogs in an office environment can be a very positive experience for both workers and the dogs however there are a few rules to follow.

Here are some tips from the RSPCA to help make this experience run smoothly in your workplace:

1. Before taking your dog to work

Check with your office to see if bringing your dog to work is appropriate and will not affect the health and welfare of your fellow co-workers. Some work environments may be unsuitable as they're not safe for dogs. 

• Ensure your dog is microchipped, wears an ID Tag and is up to date with vaccinations. 
• Your dogs should be well socialised with other dogs and people and should not display aggressive behaviours. 

2. In the Workplace

• Bring your dog’s favourite blanket, bed, food and water bowl and some toys so that he feels comfortable in this new environment. Having their favourite toy/s with them will also help keep them stay preoccupied while you’re working.

• Dogs should remain at the desk of their owner, or the desk of another designated responsible person. For some dogs, this may mean tethering the dog. This is to ensure your dog doesn’t wander or get hurt. If appropriate, the dog may also accompany their owner to other areas in the office such as meeting rooms etc. 

• When you arrive in the morning, let your dog have some free time to meet any other dogs and say hello to your co-workers. 

• Set aside time for toilet breaks and to take your dog for a good walk or walks throughout the day. Walking your dog during your lunch break is not only great exercise for them, but a great opportunity to leave the office and get some fresh air. 

• Be ready to clean up after your dog. New environments can be exciting and confusing so accidents may occur. Frequent toilet breaks should minimise any risk of this occurring but if it happens, never punish your dog.

• To help keep your co-workers happy, dogs should not have access to the kitchen area. If they accidentally do enter the kitchen area, call them towards you (using a food treat is helpful) and reward them when they come to you. Prevent access to the area by closing doors. 

• Ensure your dog and their belongings do not become trip hazards in the office and be sure to clean up any debris associated with your dog. 

Remember to reward your dog’s calm behaviour in the office. 

Rewarding calm behaviour reinforces calmness and makes the dog more likely to behave in this way again in the future.

Vinomofo's pet-friendly office in Melbourne

Prime100 SPD & SK-D200 Cooked Rolls

Prime 100 Skin & Digestion 200 (SK-D200) cooked rolls are specifically formulated for dogs with suspected food sensitivities, skin allergies or digestion problems. 

Each Sk-D200 variety is made using a highly novel hypoallergenic Single Protein Diet™ with added probiotics, vitamins and minerals, allowing you to maintain your dog’s health and wellbeing.

All the proteins used in this vet-recommended range are targeted to assist dogs suffering from Pancreatis, Diabetes, Dermatitis and IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease).

The Crocodile & Tapioca roll was the first roll to be made from the successes of the Kangaroo & Potato roll. Crocodile was chosen as it is the most novel protein available in Australia to help dogs with severe food allergies. Starting a dog on the Crocodile & Tapioca roll or the Kangaroo & Potato roll is a vet recommended Elimination Diet to remove the proteins causing food allergies. After 14 days, owners will introduce common proteins to see where the allergies start to affect the animal. Dogs that have beef allergies can be fed on any  SPD™ roll.

With the recent addition of Kangaroo & Pumpkin, the Prime100 SK-D200 range now offers three flavours (all come as a 2Kg roll):

• Crocodile & Tapioca (100% high-grade cuts of crocodile)
• Kangaroo & Potato (100% high-grade cuts of kangaroo with a minimum of 14% protein)
• Kangaroo & Pumpkin: the addition of whole pumpkin as a new ingredient promises to help dogs with low to acute digestion issues, as it has been shown to improve both digestion and urinary health in dogs at all life stages.

Porthos & Aramis could not wait to taste the Kangaroo & Pumpkin roll - Time to remove the packaging!

The entire Prime 100 SPD™ (=Single Protein Diet™ ) range of cooked dog rolls features:

• Added amino acids and essential nutrients for muscular development,
• Added probiotics, vitamins and minerals,
• Enriched with Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids to help nourish your dog’s skin and coat.

These are also presented as 2kg cooked rolls with two flavours to choose from:

Chicken & Brown Rice is specifically designed for the larger breeds and active dogs and provides a natural source of calcium. 

Brown Rice contains natural fibre and anti-oxidants that can assist both the dog’s digestive and cardiovascular system. It is also rich in Selenium which helps reduce the risk for developing common illnesses such as heart disease and arthritis. The added Manganese helps the body synthesize fats and also benefits the nervous system.

Lamb & Rosemary is especially recommended to feed puppies and dogs currently underweight due to its higher energy content and rich source of calcium. 

The Lamb sourced is "human-grade" with 12% minimum guaranteed protein. Rosemary can help alleviate muscle pain and boost the immune and circulatory system and is a good source of Iron, Calcium and Vitamin B6.

Whether you choose from the SPD™ or SK-D™ range, all Prime100 cooked rolls are formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO dog food nutrient profiles for the maintenance of adult dogs. 

What we liked

All the cooked rolls in this range share the same principles of including no additives, preservatives, colouring or cheap fillers like grains or animal by-products which has our tick our approval!

To make it easier, the daily feeding guidelines remain identical for all cooked rolls in this range, with a recommended 200g per 10kg of your dog's bodyweight. 

With 3 Belgian Shepherds averaging around 28kg each, this meant chopping up 560g per dog each day. We found it easier to just round up to 600g using the marks on the outside of the packaging (spaced every 200g). Not having fussy eaters is a blessing but it made it hard to tell which flavour they enjoyed the most...

We have to admit that we'd never bought a cooked dog roll in our 10 years of owning a dog... Probably because seeing other brands sold primarily in supermarkets we dismissed the entire category as a low-quality, poor nutritional option without really looking into it. We are quite happy to eat some humble pie (not the dog roll) and recognise that just as with kibble brands, you get what you pay for. 

Prime100 Single Protein Diet™ cooked rolls represent a balanced nutritional and palatable option for pet parents who prefer to give their dogs a "wet food" diet.

What we liked less...

We did struggle with cutting 900g of dog food early in the morning just because of the smell - we're used to dishing out dry kibble - it's not particularly strong but having a sensitive stomach we then found it was a lot easier preparing all the portions the night before...

There's a big variation in the price per kg depending 0n which single protein you opt for: $5.25/kg for a common protein like Lamb or Chicken but nearly $9.50/kg for Crocodile (they're harder to catch...). However if your dog suffers from some serious food or skin allergies, a novel protein may be the answer and ultimately it will save time and money in vet visits and medication.

Price & Where to Buy 

RRP: $10.49* for SPD™ Chicken/Lamb; $11.99* for SK-D200 Kangaroo & Potato; $12.49* for SK-D200F Kangaroo & Pumpkin; $18.99* for SK-D200 Crocodile & Tapioca
* price/roll, based on single unit buy

Available from vets. and pet specialty stores including Best Friends Pets, PETstock, My Pet Warehouse, Petbarn and City Farmers nationally. You can also bulk buy (8 rolls min.) from vetrecommended.com.au

For more information, please visit prime100.com.au

Behaviour Advice for Canine Car Sickness

You can see the look on your dog’s face, the panting, the long shoelaces of drool hanging from the corners of their mouth, they are hunching over… and then you notice the smell. It’s happened, your dog has vomited again. And it’s getting worse. This time they’d only been in the car a minute or two! 

Car sickness is a common, distressing and unpleasant problem for both pet parents and dogs. There’s the mess and the smell to deal with and car sickness can escalate to the point where some dogs will defecate in the car as well.

I’ve been in the position to be called upon to help many a dog with car sickness and developed a protocol in response, which has had good success. It is definitely easier to address in puppies, but adult dogs can benefit from intervention too. 

There are a number of physical and behavioural reasons why dogs develop and continue to have car sickness.

When the problem is physical…

Some of the physical reasons why car sickness occurs are - weak stomachs that are prone to nausea, poor balance, lack of access to fresh air or ability to focus the eye on a point of horizon and having a full belly from a recent meal or drink. 

These physical causes can be easily tackled.

✔️ Better timing of feeding and drinks before a trip will assist dogs with weak or full stomachs. Allowing food or water should be done well ahead for better digestion. 


✔️ Nausea can also be improved by providing fresh air through a window. 

✔️ Providing a spot where they are able to sit and look at a point of horizon improves balance and reduces nausea, although not all dogs take this option when available to them. Poor balance which is related to poor sensory perception or integration can be improved by doing shorter trips to develop this skill.

Many an owner makes the mistake of making their dog’s early car trips far too long. If your first car trips are going to be long then make sure you make frequent toilet and stretch stops. 

Sensory perception and integration can also be improved over time through doing agility type exercises, which will lead to increased tolerance to motion. Rarely, some dogs are sick from visual over stimulation and they need to be kept settled by a harness, crate or a position on the floor so they can’t see.

When the problem is physical, this is when it is useful to go to your vet for therapeutic assistance. Your vet can prescribe “Metronidazole” - a medication that acts on the sphincter muscles at the top of the stomach, reducing the queasy feeling leading to vomiting (which is the same medication given to people with gastro to reduce vomiting). While "Metronidazole" is prescribed often, if sphincter control isn’t the issue - it isn’t going to help. 

A natural option to reduce nausea is "NAS TravelEze". Rarely some dogs have physical anomalies such as an internal organ that presses on the stomach causing the dog to feel sick. These anomalies are hard to diagnose, the surgery is usually radical and expensive and it may have little to no impact.

The Drugs Approach…

Drugs are often prescribed to treat behavioural problems. Some of the drugs that are prescribed when dogs present with car sickness are "Xanax" (used for people who suffer panic attacks) and “ACP” (Acepromazine) which sedates, so they cannot act out (and the dog is awake but immobile, and potentially still stressed). These act on the dog within a short period of time and remain temporarily in the dog’s system.

Neither usually has a great impact on the long-term improvement of the behaviour. 

A word of caution. Beware if your dog’s stress only presents when travelling in the car but they are prescribed ongoing anti-anxiety medication such as Prozac, Clomicalm or Reconcile. That is akin to using a post hole driver when a hammer will do! 

Any drug that is prescribed for a behavioural purpose should never be dispensed on its own without a behavioural modification program. 

Drugs are intended only as a bridge, to help get over the hump and are not meant as a permanent solution. If don’t believe this, then read thoroughly the insert that comes with the medication and if they don’t give you one then ask for it!

"Adaptil" is another option. It is a synthetic pheromone that mimics the pheromone bitches produce to calm their puppies – although I haven’t seen astounding or definitive results, particularly with car sickness. A natural behavioural drug alternative is "Bach Flowers Rescue Remedy".

When the problem is behavioural - the most success I’ve seen success with is through rehabilitation. In my 18 years experience including as a veterinary nurse, predominantly I’ve seen behavioural training have greater success over “drug” interventions.

When the drugs don't work!

If you have tried these measures and you are still dealing with a dog being sick, then the problem is in their head – literally. Their behaviour has become a conditioned (learned) response. The tell tale sign of “learned sickness” is when your dog is showing signs of sickness earlier and earlier, to the point you have barely driven anywhere or the car isn’t started. 

All too often I have heard this from pet parents and unfortunately that key information is not red flagged when it should be, and the focus turns to physical causes and/or drugs to control the behaviour. Learned behaviours can be unlearned. 

Although being sick may have physical origins, once your dog connects car rides with feeling nauseated they become understandably highly anxious at the thought of going for another car trip. Negative anticipation sets in. 

The fear of becoming sick produces its own nausea and is worse than the car ride itself, so they vomit again then they feel better for it - and a nasty biologically self-rewarding pattern has been established. 

This learned pattern of anxious anticipation gets stronger and stronger with each time the dog is sick until just the thought of going in the car elicits stress, then nausea, then vomiting. 


It is at this point when you will see the dog pulling back from getting in the car, or crouching and panting and drooling as soon as they are placed in the car. In this situation, tending to the physical causes of sickness will help, but the learned pattern (stress and vomiting) must be unlearned.

When the problem is behavioural...

It took time for this behaviour to develop, and it is going to take time to undo. For younger puppies this can be undone in a week or two. For older dogs it can take 2-3 months. 

I’ve had 5 rescue dogs over 5 months of age with this problem. Three had no sickness after one month and the other two took a full three months to completely recover. In dispensing this advice through thousands of puppy schools, I’ve had countless puppy parents remedy it quickly. I’ve also had success with much older dogs, that is when the owners as much as possible implement the strategies below.

To unlearn this response you are going to need strategy, time and patience. The sooner you implement these interventions the better, as the longer it goes on the greater the learned response is. 

This may involve some deliberate “training” trips designed to help your dog. You may also need to get yourself some toys or treats, and if your dog has a favourite friend (dog or person) this will especially assist in the process.

Car Sickness Behaviour Saving Protocol: How to Unlearn Car Sickness

Step 1: Hop in the car and don’t go anywhere. Don’t even turn the engine on. Just play and do fun things (easy for puppies). Use toys, balls, treats and patting – what ever your dog likes. If you have another dog that really loves the car then they can help your dog get caught up in the excitement and have a positive experience in the car. 

Make the initial repetitions super short* and then let them out of the car and have a good old play and run around. Save their favourite activity for when they get out of the car… like they have reached an awesome destination. Do several repetitions until there is less resistance or improvement through being more relaxed, and then give it a rest. Then repeat the process again. Increase the time of the repetitions as you go until they can happily be in the car without signs of sickness or distress.

* Super short means no longer than a minute. Even 20-30 seconds will do.

Step 2: Now turn the engine on, and don’t go anywhere. Return to doing very short repetitions. Continue to do fun things. If your dog wants to lay down and settle, that’s fine too – just as long as they aren’t cowering and showing signs of stress or sickness. And again save the best, most fun reward until they get out of the car at their “destination”. Do super short repetitions then have a break, and then repeat the process again until they are easing into it and familiar with the concept. Then increase the time of the repetitions.

Step 3: Take a very short trip – down the driveway or down a few doors to the neighbours. This is when meeting up with a playmate is really helpful. If you have a neighbour, friend or relative nearby with a friendly well trained dog that you can tee up) - take them just down the road in the car and let them get out and have a splendid play (that is if your dog likes other dogs; if not, you will have to sub for toys, games, treats or their favourite person. Logically don’t use treats if vomiting is going to follow). Have a break and repeat this process several times until they are easing into it and familiar with the concept.

Step 4: Take a short trip for a few minutes to somewhere fun like the local park or dog school or a relative’s house (if they are safe fun places). You may need to be smart, if you don’t have somewhere to take them, then you will have to organise one. Perhaps set up a pooch playschool somewhere that friends and family can bring friendly safe dogs to play with. Again substitute some other sort of fun if you cannot introduce them to a dog that they would love to play with.

You will notice your dog is unlearning to be sick in the car when it either doesn’t show signs of stress and nausea or, shows signs of willingness and even enthusiasm to get in the car. This means, they’ve learned the car represents a kind freedom and a wormhole to fun experiences. Nausea will go once stress has diminished. They key is to replace the stress for pleasure.

A word about your short trips – these will help build up your dog’s tolerance to motion as well as establish a happy relationship with the car.

✔️ Don’t take your dog for long car rides if you can help it, even if it is coming home from the breeders, taking them to the vets or puppy school, as this can accidently establish or reinforce the behaviour. And if you must – then allow for frequent stops and play breaks. Often owners don’t realise that those early long car rides are having an effect on their dog’s behaviour. 

✔️ You must, to the best of your ability avoid them becoming sick. Any vomits can increase the likelihood of it occurring again. 

✔️ What is a “long ride” for a dog? If they are sick it was too long for them and you will need to do shorter trips. And if you must take them for a long trip then you should be doing many of these shorter/mini training trips before and in between to break the pattern. 

✔️ It goes without saying that training your dog is going to benefit them immensely. It is more difficult to modify behaviour in an untrained dog that you don’t have an established relationship with. The trust, leadership and communication you build through training can assist greatly when your dog is looking for guidance. 

✔️ Be careful not to unintentionally reward unwanted behaviour by trying to ease their suffering through patting and praising them, it will not make them feel better – but the positive attention they receive at this time can reinforce that feeling sick or being stressed is appropriate and rewarding or it can send the wrong message that there IS something to worry about. 

✔️ Never punish or reprimand your dog for feeling or being sick. It is not their fault, and because it is out of their control you can induce further anxiety. Do better reading of the situation next time and take appropriate preventative action.

About our writer

Renee Visentin began training with Alpha Dog Training in 1998. She is trained as a Veterinary Nurse, has held over 3000 puppy classes and has worked as a kennel/dog handler and groomer. 

Since 1999 Renee has provided behaviour training services for clients, vets, shelters and rescue organisations. She also fosters difficult dogs to re-home for rescue organisations. Renee is working as a senior professional trainer at Alpha Dog Training and is co-owner of the Alpha Canine Centre. She developed a number of behaviour saving protocols for the treatment of very difficult behaviours.

Disclaimer
The information in this blog does not constitute advice. If you need advice about your pet, consult a veterinarian or a qualified animal behaviourist or dog trainer, as appropriate.

Rags the Paris Terrier - WWI Mascot

The most notable grave at Aspen Hill Memorial Park (Maryland) is that of "Rags," a mixed-breed terrier whose simple gravestone reads "War Hero, First Division Mascot". That simple inscription hardly begins to tell the tale, however.

Rags' story begins on July 14, 1918, when a battalion of the American 1st Infantry Division took part in Bastille Day ceremonies in Paris. One of the participants was Private James Donovan, a Signal Corps specialist, who got drunk and over-stayed his time in the city.

While lost in a cul-de-sac in the dark streets of Montmartre, Donovan stumbled over what appeared to be a pile of rags, but one that emitted a whimper and small bark. When Donovan examined the bundle, he found a small dog inside. Just as he was trying to figure out what to do with the pup, three MP's arrived on the scene, and they quickly figured out that Donovan was A.W.O.L.

Thinking quickly, Donovan convinced the MP's that the little terrier he had just found was the missing mascot of the 1st Division, and that he was part of a search party that had been sent to look for it. The gambit paid off, and "Rags" and Donovan were sent back to the 1st Division.

Dog Hero During the War

Back at their unit, Donovan's commanding officer allowed him to keep the little dog. Within just two weeks Donovan and Rags were sent off to the 2nd Battle of the Marne that was waged from July 18th to August 6th, 1918. During this time they were active in the sector from Ville-En-Tardenois to Soissons. Donovan's job was to string communications wire between the advancing infantry units of the 26th Infantry Regiment and the supporting 7th Field Artillery Brigade, and repair the lines when they were damaged by shellfire. 

When the wires were ripped and shellfire was still incoming, the only way to get messages through the lines was by runner, but the runners had difficulty getting through the miles of barbed wire strung along the trenches, and were frequently killed or wounded while trying to do so.

Donovan began training Rags to carry written notes back to the 7th Field Artillery. Rags was a quick study and soon learned to take messages towards the sound of the American guns. In late July of 1918,during a counterattack driving towards the Paris-Soissons road, Rags and Donovan found themselves with a group of advancing infantry that had been cut off and surrounded. 

The only officer surviving was a young lieutenant, and he sent the following message out attached to Rags' collar: "I have forty-two men, mixed, healthy and wounded. We have advanced to the road but can go no farther. Most of the men are from the 26th Infantry. I am the only officer. Machine guns at our rear, front, right and left. Send infantry officer to take command. I need machine gun ammunition."

Rags was able to slip under the barbed wire, avoid the Germans, and make his way through the shell holes back to the 7th Field Artillery. The message was passed on to headquarters, and a supporting artillery barrage was laid down, and reinforcements sent in, and the cut-off group rescued.

During this same campaign Rags came under enemy shell fire for the first time, and he quickly learned to drop to the ground upon hearing the sound of an incoming shell. The soldiers quickly figured out that Rags could hear the incoming rounds long before they could, and they began to use him as an early warning system.

The soldiers and Rags spent a lot of time together in the trenches, and the young men began to teach Rags a few tricks. One of the first was how to "salute" by sitting up and holding his front paw up close to his head. Rags got very good at this trick, and was soon exchanging "salutes" with important military personnel up and down the line.

From the 12th of September until the 16th of September Rags and Donovan participated in the first all-American offensive of the war, which was the drive on St. Michel which routed the Germans. Over the course of four days 15,000 Germans soldiers were captured, and during this period Rags learned to greet any grey-uniformed figure with a low growl and a snarl.

The final American campaign of WWI , the Meuse-Argonne, lasted from September 26th until November 1918, and during this period Rags was used to take messages across the misty and rugged terrain.

Rags and Donovan's last campaign

October 9, 1918: Donovan and Rags were in the Argonne Forest and bound in by a thick fog. Since it was impossible to see where the communications lines were cut, Rags was sent back with a message.

Rags had just set off when the Germans began firing mustard gas shells. Rags was was mildly gassed and was also hit in the paw with a splinter from a concussion shell. Rag's right ear was badly mangled by this same shell, and a needle-like sliver of shrapnel was embedded under his right eye. Dazed and confused, Rags was found by an American infantryman who delivered both the dog and the message to the 7th Field Artillery.

Donovan was also severely gassed during this battle, and he too was wounded by shell fire. Like Rags, he was carried back to the rear where dog and owner were reunited. Rags was placed on Donovan's stretcher, and both were given prompt medical attention "on orders from the Division."

Rags had the shell splinters removed from his paw, but he would remain blind in his right eye and deaf in his right ear for the rest of his life. Donovan was not as well off, as his lungs were severely damaged from the mustard gas. Donovan was labeled a priority case, to be shipped home as soon as possible, and Rags was sent home with him.

Rags in 1925 with Sgt. George E. Hickman, who helped rescue him in 1918

Rags Becomes the Base Dog

Donovan and Rags were sent to Fort Sheridan in Chicago, where Rags visited Donovan in his hospital room every day. Soldiers at Fort Sheridan made a special collar tag for Rags identifying him as "1st Division Rags" and he frequently joined the troops at the end of the day as they stood at attention as the flag was lowered. Donovan showed no improvement, however, and in 1919 he died from the lingering effects of the mustard gas he received in the Argonne Forest.

In the year following Donovan's death, Rags remained at Fort Sheridan as a "post dog". In early 1920, however, Major Raymond W. Hardenberg was transferred to Fort Sheridan along with his wife and two daughters. Rags was adopted by the Hardenberg daughters, and the 1st Division allowed Rags to move with them to Fort Benning, Georgia. Rags and the Hardenbergs were eventually posted to the Army War College in Washington, D.C., and then to Fort Hamilton in New York.

A celebrated War Hero

While in New York, Rags became a small celebrity. In October of 1926 he was a special guest at the Long Island Kennel Club dog show at the 23rd Regiment Armory in Brooklyn. He was awarded a special ribbon recognising his wartime achievements. A book and a number of newspaper and magazine articles were written about him. A ceremony was held at which Rags "signed" a copy of his biography with an inked paw print, and this "autographed" copy was sent to the British Imperial War Museum in London, to take its place along other official records of the Great War.

In 1928, the 10th Anniversary of the end of the Great War, Rags was a participant at the 1st Division's reunion in New York, taking part in a parade down Broadway, appearing at receptions, and taking part in a battle re-enactment on the parade grounds at Fort Hamilton. The high ranking brass were especially fond of having their photo taken with Rags, including former 1st Division commander Summerall, who was now a four-star general.

Early in 1934 Major Hardenberg was transferred back to Washington, D.C. to serve at the office of the Chief of Infantry at the War Department. Rags went with the Hardenberg family back to Washington and, now in extreme old age, lead a quiet life.

On March 22, 1936 Rags died in Washington, D.C. at the age of 20. The little dog's death received considerable news coverage, and Rag's obituary was featured in The New York Times.

Rags's final resting place was in the Aspen Hill pet cemetery in Silver Spring.

To read Rags' full story, we recommend reading From Stray Dog to World War I Hero: The Paris Terrier Who Joined the First Division by Grant Hayter-Menzies.