Smoky, the Yorkie: An Unforgettable Story of a small Hero

Smoky, a Yorkshire Terrier who rose to fame during World War II, left an indelible mark on the military and the world. This four-pound, seven-inch tall Yorkie was more than just a pet or mascot - she was a soldier, a source of morale, and a war hero who played a pivotal role in military operations in the Pacific. Her service to the military not only earned her numerous awards and accolades, but also sparked a renewed interest in the Yorkshire Terrier breed, once largely obscure. From an Abandoned Foxhole to the Front lines In the jungle of New Guinea, February 1944, Smoky was discovered by an American soldier in an abandoned foxhole. The young adult Yorkie was initially believed to be a Japanese dog. However, after realizing she didn't respond to Japanese or English commands, the soldiers understood she wasn't a dog of the enemy. Smoky was then sold to Corporal William A. Wynne of Cleveland, Ohio, for two Australian pounds, an amount equivalent to $6.44 at the time. From that moment, Smoky accompanied Wynne throughout the rest of the war. Back-packed through combat flights in the Pacific, she braved the primitive conditions of living in the New Guinea jungle and the Rock Islands. H...