Rin Tin Tin. 
A German shepherd who ranked as one of the all-time famous canine movie stars. "Rinty" was in 19 movies before its death in 1932.

In September 1918, as World War I was drawing to a close, a man named Corporal Lee Duncan, came across an abandoned German war dog station while out on a scouting mission.  Inside, left to fend for herself, a mother German shepherd kept a vigilant watch over her five puppies.  Unable to let the dogs perish, Duncan and the other members of his group gathered up the dogs and brought them back to their hangar where they provided them with food and shelter.      

When it was time to return to the states, Duncan brought back two of the puppies, which he named Nannette and Rin Tin Tin, the latter after the small dolls French soldiers used to carry with them for good luck.  

The name proved to be prophetic, for soon after their return, Lee Duncan and Rin Tin Tin embarked on a movie career that would propel the dog to super-stardom.      

In 1922, Rin Tin Tin, or "Rinty" as he came to be called, made his debut in the Western Pictures movie "The Man from Hell's River."  Rinty's spunk, talent and fearless ability to perform dramatic stunts drew the attention of Warner Brothers who put the canine under contract in 1923.  This relationship with Warner Brothers resulted in 24 films that not only helped establish the new studio, but also made Rin Tin Tin a household name.

During this golden age the benefits of celebrity came to Rinty in the form a $1000 a week salary, and, among other things, his own production unit, a chauffeur driven limousine, a personal chef and a diamond studded collar.  Although the real Nannette died of pneumonia years earlier, Rin Tin Tin was paired with and later "married" a female shepherd named Nannette, which drew the attention of the world press.  The pair, together with their offspring Rin Tin Tin Jr. would later appear together in both films and serials.

Rin Tin Tin's association with Warner Brothers ended after the film "Rough Waters" was released in 1930.  After being released from the studio, Rin Tin Tin continued working on low budget serials for Mascot pictures until finally, after over 40 movies, he retired in 1931.

The original Rin Tin Tin then died at his home a year later at the age of 14 (98 in dog years) while playing with Lee Duncan.

CORPORAL JACK
Jack was the mascot of the royal Dublin Fusiliers. He was found, wounded and guarding his dying master who was a young German in a trench at Festubert on April12th 1917. Slowly he transferred his affections to an officer in the regiment. War in the trenches is horrific and takes its toll. Jack, a retriever cross Balmoral sheep dog became an emotional support and represented hope for the troops who came to love and respect him. It is said that Jack received commendations and medals for his bravery. A book that tells his story is well worth a read. (Corporal Jack by Marjorie Quarton. Pub: Collins)

RATS
Rats, a brown and white little mongrel, was known as the soldier dog of Ulster. His active service days were spent in Crossmaglen in Northern Ireland. He spent his duty time in the front line and was injured more than once. He was blown up, run over and shot at many times. Rats was welcome company when the troops had to go out on a mission and became a trusted 'nose' for potential danger. He went with them on day and night manoeuvres, flew in helicopter missions and was no stranger to front line action.

His injuries included a broken leg, gunshot injuries and shrapnel in his spine. On top of that, Rats made enemies amongst IRA supporters' as he was the troops mascot and helped boost morale when it was most needed. This made him a potential IRA target.

Rats became well known amongst the serving soldiers. There were many times when he warned a patrol that something was amiss and as a result saved a few lives. The BBC did a documentary on him and told of his devotion to the troops. A book written by Max Halstock tells of the courage and bravery of this little dog. It also points out that Rats went through many difficult times in his life when the regiments changed over, once their tour of duty was over. This meant that Rats lost the men he had become attached to more than once; something the little dog could never understand. There must have been times when he was very sad and confused.

Rats was held in such high esteem by the troops that he was given an army number. This was put on a medal made from a dog disc. It had the Queen's head on one side and 'Rats. Delta 777' on the other. Rats received the medal during a ceremony when the whole Company was on parade and a piper played 'Scotland the Brave', in his honour.

Rats had developed a close relationship with Corporal O'Neil of the Queen's Own Highlanders. He looked after him but the tour of duty came to and end and Corporal O'Neil had to leave Crossmaglen. The regiment that replaced the Queen's Own Highlanders was the Prince of Wales Company, 1st Battalion, Welsh Guards. All the comrades that Rats had grown close to were going to leave. Corporal O'Neil was not allowed to take Rats home with him. It was a sad parting for them both. Rats had to find new friends amongst the new soldiers. In time he became close to Corporal Lewis of the Welsh Guards.

Rats continued his tour of duty, being a mascot and a great moral booster for the troops. Later he was retired to a secret location in the UK. Secret because the army wanted to be sure that the IRA did not target Rats in an attempt to demoralise the men. He had meant so much to them and had been a welcome diversion and help through such difficult times. Rats had a happy retirement and still holds a special place in the soldier's memories of duty in Northern Ireland.

RADAR
Radar was found in a kennel in Brazil in 1960, dying of distemper. As a result of careful nursing and care he survived and became a famous TV personality. After coming to England, he appeared in the David Frost show and then became a famous face in the police drama, 'Softly Softly' when he played the part of a police dog with his TV handler P.C. Snow, a part played by Terrence Rigby. His career was distinguished and his following was huge. Radar's story is told in the book, 'Radar' by Dorothy Stevens pub: Pelham.

SAM
The pages of history are littered with the stories of great heroes and heroines. However there are few who can boast the exceptional courage of the dogs and handlers of SARDA, (Search and Rescue Dog Association), who work with the MRTs, (Mountain Rescue Teams) in the most inhospitable areas of the Pennines, Wales and Scotland, brining injured and lost individuals down from places of certain death if they are not found in time. All too often a search does not have a happy ending, be it a fatality on the mountain or an injured handler or dog.

Dogs who rescue humans are not a new phenomenon. In the seventeenth century the monks initially used dogs to help travellers negotiate the Great St Bernard Pass. It was soon realised that the dogs could also find people buried in snow by air scenting. In the First World War the Red Cross used dogs to find injured men on the battlefields. A search for the survivors of an avalanche in Switzerland sewed the seed of an idea. That idea led to dogs being trained just for search work and later led to the establishing of the Swiss Alpine Club and the development of rescue networks in other countries.

By 1963, Hamish MacInnes the leader of the Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team had become interested in using dogs for search and rescue. He was invited by the International Red Cross to attend a conference in Switzerland about training dogs for search and rescue. After the trip he was convinced that search dogs were a great asset to all rescue teams. This resulted in SARDA being born.

Sam, a Golden Labrador, started life by being considered by his breeder as having lots of faults. She was used to breeding for the show ring and Sam was not up to the standard. A couple, John and Tina, who were soon to move home to Cumbria, bought him. The adventure began.

Once settled in Cumbria, the couple were told stories about the SARDA dogs. They were fascinated and to begin with took Sam off to basic training lessons. Sam got bored. After taking some advice from a friend, John approached the SARDA group in his area and he and Sam were put through their paces. Training is strict and tough. The team cannot have a dog or handler that isn't up to scratch, they would be a liability.

After a doubtful start as a young dog with a mind of his own, Sam passed his training schedule and went on to be one of the greatest search and rescue dogs of the country. He and John have saved more than a few souls. The price of fame is never cheap, with it comes the injuries and exhaustion that all dogs and handlers have to endure. Sam nearly died when he plunged forty foot over the edge of a crag while working. John clambered down the steep gorge and then with Sam unconscious in his arms, he ran back to the waiting Team to save him.

Sam received many honours while he was an active search dog. He was a devoted family member when off duty always loving and sweet natured to the couples two children. He helped bring on younger dogs as he had his duties reduced when he got older. However he was still on active duty and showing the younger search dogs how it should be done when he was nine years old.

Society owes Sam and those like him a debt of gratitude. Without these dogs and handlers there would be many more fatalities in the inhospitable areas that are enjoyed by so many who walk and have leisure activities on the moors and mountains.

Read Sam's story in; Search Dog by Angela Locke. Published by Souvenir Press

BOTHIE THE POLAR DOG
Bothie, the celebrated Jack Russell went round the world with the Transglobe Expedition and has played and left his paw marks on both North and South Poles. He also had private talks with the expedition patron, HRH Prince Charles, and, on his return home to Britain was invited to do a circuit of honour at the canine holy of holies, Crufts.

Bothie's owners, Ranulph and Virginia Fiennes decided to take on a three-year expedition and took Bothie along as well. They had the idea in 1972 and that idea became an adventure that would take them round the world via the Poles. The frenzy of preparation and planning culminated with the day they sailed away in September 1979.

Previously in 1977, a friend of the Fiennes had turned up with a four-week-old Jack Russell puppy that he had found in a Hampshire village. In trying to find a suitable name, the suggestion of Booth came up. They looked in a dictionary to find out what Booth meant, 'lean-to, shack or bothie'. The little dog was given the only possible word that sounded like a name, Bothie.

When Bothie started his Polar adventure, he was two years old. Part of the expedition had already taken place, mainly in the African areas. The extreme heat had caused the vet to be concerned for Bothie so it was decided to let him join later. Bothie joined the expedition ship the Benjamin Bowring. It had sixteen crewmembers, all from different backgrounds and countries. Being a sociable little chap, Bothie introduced himself to them all. However, being a survivor, he quickly made best friends with the cook.

Bothie had to deal with all the bad weather conditions just like everybody else. He wore a harness while he was on board for safety sake and when all was calm, he was quick to find the toys and demand a game.

On the second day of the New Year 1980, the cliffs of Antarctica were spotted. The wind chill affected Bothie and he had to put on his Polar gear like anyone else. He had an especially made coat and balaclava cap, body stocking, jumper and padded bootees and a supply of Mars Bars. Transported from the ship in a rucksack, Bothie was introduced to the ice. He was the first terrier to set foot on the largest, coldest continent on earth. Later he came face to face with a penguin; retreat at speed seemed an excellent option.

Base camp was erected two miles inland. The South Pole was still 1,400 away. The expedition made that trip without Bothie or Virginia Fiennes. Once the expedition had made the journey, the waiting couple received a radio message and then they followed by plane.

Bothie's adventure was a mixture of fun and danger. He had happy times in the Yuken and met and fell in love with a 'black dog' in Tuktoyaktuk. Black Dog was an offspring of a Newfoundland and Husky cross Labrador. The expedition's dog compliment doubled at that time as the pair became inseparable.

The success of the expedition culminated in great celebrations at Easter time. Bothie became famous when a film crew flew in to get his story because he was the only dog to have stood on both Poles. After the North Pole, Bothie and Black Dog were flown home, first to quarantine kennels where they stayed together. Then when the day of their release came Bothie performed his best ball games for the BBC News, Blue Peter and This Is Your Life TV programmes.

Bothie was voted Pet of the Year in 1982. He then broke all previous precedents when the Chairman of the Kennel Club invited Bothie to do a circuit of honour and present a prize at the 1983 Crufts Dog Show.

Bothie's adventures are well documented in the book, 'Bothie the Polar Dog', written by his owners and published by Hodder and Stoughton

SMOKY

Smoky was a Yorkshire Terrier weighing in at only 4 lbs in weight. She was originally found as a puppy struggling to get out of a foxhole in the jungles of New Guinea by a compassionate G.I. who not wanting to keep her himself gave her to a young soldier, William A.Wynne during World War 11.

He trained her to do tricks never before seen and she accompanied him during combat flights in the Pacific. She became a war hero, unequaled for her knowledge, obedience and endurance. She served with the 5th Air Force 26th Photo Recon Squadron, flew 12 combat missions and entertained troops, being awarded best mascot in the South Pacific by Yank Down Under Magazine. She also assisted engineers in getting the airbase operational at Lingayen Gulf Luzon (War Dog).

When the war ended Bill took Smoky home to Cleveland. Ohio. She was hidden in an altered flight oxygen mask carrying case. The local newspaper took up her story and published a photo of her on December, 1945. Smoky became an overnight sensation!

It was natural that she should go into show business and she entertained numerous people appearing on some of the earliest television shows in the Cleveland area, including a show of their own during the late 40's and early 50's.

Smoky epitomised the saying good things come in small packages! An inspiration to all of her breed!

 

 

DOGS FOR ROYALTY.

This section tells you about the little dogs with ancient origins who found favour with royal and noble households. Whilst there are no specific stories only generalised information, those of you owning one of these breeds may be interested to learn some of their history!

The BICHON FRISE was re-introduced to Europe from the Canary Islands in the 14th century and by the 16th century they became fashionable at the French and other royal courts just like other toy breeds. They were much sought after by the nobility and wealthy families.

The BRUSSELS GRIFFON was obviously a favourite of the Belgian royal family. The late Queen Astrid loved these little dogs which almost became extinct after the First World War but because of royal support eventually regained its popularity. Their earliest ancestors were first described in medieval french writings.

The PEKINGESE originated from Imperial China. They can be traced back to the Han Dynasty 206 BC - 220 AD. It was as late as 1860 that this little dog became known outside China itself. Only Emperors, relatives and courtiers at the Imperial Court were allowed to own them. Lion dogs as they were known where kept in great numbers at court but only the finest were allowed in the Emperor's apartments. As they were considered sacred anyone who stole one of these animals was sentenced to death. On the death of their masters they were sacrificed so that they could go on protecting them in the afterlife!

The PUG was extremely popular in Victorian times and all sections of society owned them as did European royalty. Henry 11 of France, Marie Antoinette, The Empress Josephine and William Hogarth all owned pugs. Originally from the Orient they were brought to the West by merchants trading with China.
The breed was introduced into Great Britain by William 111 and Queen Mary when they ruled this country in 1689. George 111's wife kept pugs of german origin. Queen Victoria an avid dog lover had a particular favourite Bully, a fawn dog, a present from Prince Albert himself.
More recently they found favour with the Duke and Duchess of Windsor and were their constant companions for many years.

The MALTESE existed in ancient Egypt and Phoenician traders may have brought these dogs to Malta and the surrounding Mediterranean countries. These delightful little animals were owned by kings, queens and nobility. Queen Elizabeth 1 is said to have owned one and was considered to be the dog of choice for a woman of that time, who would carry them in their arms, bosoms and their beds!

CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL. These toy spaniels were well established in European courts before being brought to England in the 16th century. They reached the height of their popularity in the reign of Charles 11 and are always associated with him. However, Elizabeth 1 and Mary Queen of Scots also kept them, mostly being used for 'comforters' due to their gentle natures.
Shortly before her execution in the Great Hall at Fotheringay Catle in 1587 one little dog slipped under Mary's skirts and was not discovered by the executioner until after her death! Charles 1 loved these little dogs and he was rarely seen without them. His passed on his great affection for the breed to his children Charles 11, Henrietta and James 11. It was Charles 11 who gave his name to the dogs, cavaliers.
As well as companions they were used for their sporting ability. The first Duke of Marlborough developed some of the larger sporting spaniels and from this originated the strain know today as Blenheim.

The PAPILLON is one of the oldest toy breed in continental Europe. Being a favourite of the French court it is not surprising to learn that they were owned by Marie Antoinette, Henry 11 and Madame de Pompadour. They were also it seems favourites of the Old Masters, as many Rubens and Rembrandt's show them in their portraits. The breed is thought to have originated in Italy from the Dwarf Spaniel.

The WELSH CORGI is known the world over for the patronage of the British Royal family. Much has been written about them and stories abound of their antics and how they even have our own Queen Elizabeth 11 and the Queen Mother eating of their hands, so to speak! These plucky little dogs were originally bred for herding cattle, their stature being no disadvantage in this pursuit. Although an ancient breed both the Cardigan and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi have a somewhat cloudy lineage with the Cardigan being considered the oldest of the two.

The BEAGLE is probably one of the oldest breed of native hound used for the chase in the British Isles. Elizabeth 1 kept pocket Beagles, no more than 10 inches at the shoulder, Charles 11 hunted a pack on Newmarket Heath whilst George 1V kept a pack of dwarf Beagles for hunting on Brighton Downs. Prince Albert kept Beagles for rabbitting in Windsor Great Park.

The DACHSHUND appeared in Britain in the 1840's. Prince Edward of Sax-Weimar sent a number of the smooth haired variety to the Prince Consort and they took part in pheasant shoots in Windsor Forest. The Dachshund's distant past remains a mystery although similar dogs were depicted in ancient Egyptian temples and tombs and in carvings from Mexico.

SHIH-TSU. Little is known about their ancestry, but as it is sacred in China it would appear to be of very ancient origin. Thought to be a product of cross-breeding between the Tibetan temple dog, the Lahasa Apso and the early Pekingese. The Dalai Lama of Tibet offered them in tribute to Chinese Emperors . Isolated within the walls of the Forbidden City in Peking these little dogs would have certainly been in decline if they had not been bred with Pekingese. Despite the reluctance of the Chinese they were finally introduced into Britain in 1930.

The LHASA APSO is believed to be one of the world's most ancient breeds possibly dating as far back as 800BC. Developed from the Tibetan Terrier and the Tibetan Spaniel they were bred exclusively in Tibet usually at monasteries.
Rarely were they permitted to leave their homeland and the few given as gifts were always male so that reproduction of the species remained in Tibetan control. Said to symbolize the lion, they provided protection for Buddha and guarded monastic treasures, participating in religious ceremonies enthroned on silk cushions. Apart from Lamas, only high ranking dignitaries could own a Lhasa.

A NIGHT TO REMEMBER

DOGS ON THE TITANIC

RMS Titanic was the largest liner in the world. She arrived in Southampton from her builders, Harland and Wolff, Belfast, on the morning of April 4th, 1912. There she prepared for her maiden voyage and was due to sail on the 10th of that month. The Titanic was the flagship of the White Star Line, founded by Thomas Ismay in 1869. The shipping line had been quick to establish a reputation for, speed, comfort, safety and size.

Titanic was known as the 'ship of dreams'. The luxury and workmanship that had gone into this great ship was far superior to anything tried before. The crowning feature of the Titanic's interiors was the Grand Staircase that had a great wrought iron and glass dome overhead. Victorian society flocked to be part of the epic maiden voyage, but fate was to play a cruel hand a few days after the ship left Southampton's waters.

The story is well known. Indeed the world has become fascinated with the tragedy. Speeding through the night in an attempt to reach New York in record time, Titanic hit an iceberg that resulted in a horrific loss of life and destruction of the ship that was supposed to be unsinkable.

The human tragedy and bravery of that night are well documented. Perhaps not so well documented are the stories of the dogs that were on board Titanic when she sank. Some of the accounts are confused but the following information appears in a variety of respected accounts of that fateful night.

It was not unusual for small dogs, 'lap dogs' to accompany their owners on a sea cruise. Indeed a dog show had been planned on board Titanic for the owners, for Monday April 15th. The dogs ranged from a Chow owned by Harry Anderson, to a champion French bulldog owned by Robert Daniels and valued at seven hundred and fifty pounds. The Astor's the Titanic's most prominent passengers had their Airdale named Kitty with them.

The kennel facilities on Titanic was excellent, however Frou-Frou, a tiny pet belonging to Helen Bishop, stayed and slept in her owner's cabin. Each day a member of Titanic's crew would take the huge variety of dogs for a walk. The parade was quite a spectacle.

Of all the dogs on the Titanic, it is suggested that only two survived. One a Pomeranian owned by Miss Margaret Hays of New York who tucked the dog inside her coat and got into lifeboat number seven. The other was a Pekinese named Sun Yat Sen and owned by Henry Sleeper, he boarded lifeboat number three with his master. Because both lifeboats were nearly empty as they were released from Titanic, no one objected to the dogs being there.
It is documented that a passenger went below and released all the dogs from the kennels before Titanic disappeared below the waves. Some accounts speak of a Newfoundland that saved a woman's life by dragging her to a lifeboat before expiring itself. There are tales of Rigel, a Newfoundland belonging to the Titanic's first officer swimming in the freezing sea in a desperate attempt to find his master. Rigel's story goes on to say that he prevented the Carpathia from missing a lifeboat with survivors too weak to identify their location, by barking till someone heard him and the people were saved. This story suggests that three dogs were saved as Rigel apparently was taken on board the Carpathia and given medical attention and food. It should be remembered that the water temperature at that time was such that any human's or dog's survival was a miracle.

The 'ship of dreams' was found in 1985 by an underwater expedition. Titanic's story still fascinates millions of people around the world. The human loss of life was colossal and those people should never be forgotten. Perhaps sometimes the loss of those other well loved little creatures should also be given a moments thought because they are part of Titanic's story too.

DOG STARS OF THE HEAVENS

Canis Major

In Greek mythology, Canis Major (Great Dog) and Canis Minor (Little Dog) is The Great hunter, Orion's, two hunting dogs. Canis Major is one of the most striking constellations in the heavens. Look for Sirius, 'The Dog Star', the brightest star in the heavens. Legend has it that Sirius is the diamond in Canis Major's collar. Sirius is said to mean 'scorching' or 'sparkling' because it is nearest to the sun at the height of summer. In the constellation, Canis Major is said to be crouching, ready to pounce on Lepus, The Rabbit. In olden days, people thought Sirius, the Dog Star made the days hotter. The saying 'dog days summer' comes from this belief. The stories from Homer and Hesiod's pens associated the Dog Star with the sun because the sun enters that part of the sky in the summer months. Unfortunately the Dog Star while being the brightest star of all is associated with the coming of death and pestilence. This might be because drought and disease could have been at their height at that time of year.

In modern times, Sirius The Dog Star is thought of as a winter star that accompanies Orion on his journey across the heavens.

The Egyptians celebrated the rising of the Dog Star as the beginning of the year as it could coincide with the annual flooding and renewing of the Nile. In Egypt Orion was the celestial symbol of Osiris, god of resurrection. Sirius was the symbol of Isis, goddess of fertility. Legend tells the story of the tears that Isis shed over the death of her husband, Osiris, added to the already melting snows coming down the mountains to cause the Nile to overflow each year. As this happened it was said that the light of the star blended with the morning sunlight.

Greek mythology has many stories relating to the Dog Star, Sirius, alpha Canis Majoris. The Athenian New Year began with the appearance of Sirius. He was seen as a two-headed dog and sometimes was confused with another two-headed beast called Orthrus. Orthrus was the tyrant Geryon's watchdog whose job it was to guard his master's castle.

Legend tells of a great race between Canis Major and a fox. Canis Major won and was heralded as the fastest creature in the world. It is said the Zeus himself placed the dog in the sky to celebrate his victory.

Sirius has a white dwarf star companion in the heavens. It is a very dim twin star called 'The Pup'. The Pup orbits Sirius every fifty years. Legend has it that the two love to play in the heavens and are faithful and loyal friends.

CANIS MINOR

Trailing behind Orion and Canis Major is the second of Orion's dogs, Canis Minor. This Dog Star is much smaller than its mate. Canis Minor was the favourite of Helen of Troy who preyed for the dogs' immortality and as a result he was placed among the stars.

Canis Minor does have a principal star called Procyon. The name means 'before the dog' indicating that it rises in the sky just before Sirius, the Dog Star in Canis Major. The Mesopotamians viewed Procyon with great affection and they knew him as, 'The Star of the Crossing of the Water Dog'. This is because the star can be seen near their 'River of Heaven', the Milky Way.

Procyon, Sirius in Canis Major and Rigel, (the star that represents Orion's foot), form a bright right angle in the heavens. From the northern hemisphere, Canis Major and Canis Minor can be seen in the winter sky, between November and April in the southern sky. South of the equator they can be seen in the northern sky between December and April. Sirius from Canis Major, Procyon from Canis Major and Betelgeuse from Orion form the Winter (equilateral) Triangle in the sky.

Dogs in Mythology

British mythology depicts the dog as a faithful and loyal companion. It serves its master well and is prepared to defend that person to the death. King Arthur's faithful companion Cabal, is but one dog that symbolises the relationship between humans and dogs that has survived through the centuries.

The belief that dogs possess the ability of second sight is not new. It is suggested that dogs can see spirits and apparitions while having the ability to sense that death is near. Two such circumstances occurred that are well documented in the history books. The explorer, Lord Carnarvon, discovered Tutankhamen's tomb, a tomb that was supposed to have a curse placed upon it and directed at anyone who violated that tomb. When Lord Carnarvon became ill and died, it is reported that his faithful dog also died within a few hours of his master's demise. It is said that just before Abraham Lincoln was assassinated his dog started howling and running wildly around the White House.

In medieval times a howling dog was considered to be an omen of misfortune or death. If a dog howled when a baby was born, it signified that that child would have an unhappy life or be susceptible to the darker side of its nature. Howling outside a house would cause great concern to the occupants as this again was considered to be an ill omen. In Ireland a rural belief is that if a strange dog digs up someone's garden it foretells illness or death, while in America, a dog that sleeps with its tail out straight behind it and with paws upturned is an indication that bad news is coming. The direction the tail is pointing, it is said, shows the direction from which the bad news will come.

While many stories represent bad omens, so too are there a plentiful number that suggest the dog and its behaviour are linked to good fortune. Beliefs like, if a dog runs under a table then a thunderstorm is on the way go back through history. Some say that if a strange dog follows you then this is a sign of good luck. If a black and white dog should cross someone's path then this indicates that the business that that person is engaged in will have a good outcome.( It is interesting that cats also have been endowed with the ability of being able to herald good or bad luck in different circumstances and colours to the dog).

The famous cure for a hangover is named 'the hair of the dog' this saying developed from an activity in medieval times and was supposed to be a cure for a bite from a mad dog. The belief was that if the person who was bitten by a mad dog, either ate some of that dogs hairs with a slice of bread and some rosemary, they would be protected. Another version was to bind the wound with some hairs from the dog and some herbs to gain the protection. Today it is the saying associated with the attempted cure for feeling ill after an excess of alcohol had been consumed after a good night out.

The French Court was well known for its association with poodles in the eighteenth century. At a time in that country's history when flamboyant dressing and status was all important the poodle was very popular. The style and superficial values of the Court were developed and shown off in the way these dogs were groomed and the 'over the top' style has been connected with a lack of faith in things important in life . In Germany, history tells of the burial practices for the clergy who could not keep their vows. Traditionally their gravestone had the symbol of a poodle on it. The clear link with the poodle is unknown but it is suggested that the dog's ability of second site was granted to the unfortunate clerics in death. Another suggestion was that it symbolises 'lack of faith', as suggested by the interpretation of the French Court's fondness for flamboyant poodle grooming practices.

Dogs mentioned in horror stories deserve a mention here. The classic book, 'Hound of the Baskerville's' was written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. It was suggested that the headless 'Yell Hounds' who appear at twilight, influenced his writing. Such hounds are associated with the hunting of a person's spirit or soul. Indeed through history, much has been recorded about the 'black dogs' or 'fairy dogs' who have also been known to lead people to safety.

Legend associated with the hunt goes back as far as stories from ancient Greece. The Goddess Diana was associated with spectral hounds who were hunting for lost souls. Diana was supposed to ride on the back of one of the great hounds as the pack flew across the mystical sky.

Prince Rupert (1619-1682) owned a dog named Boy. Apparently those people around the Prince thought the dog was possessed by a witch's spirit. The legend says that the witch, travelling in the form of a dog ensured the Prince's victory in all his battles. This was because the dog was always at the Prince's side. Prince Rupert was a commander in King Charles the first's cavalry. The Prince's first major defeat when the dog was killed on June 1st 1644, at Marston Moor. The defeat after the dog's death convinced all those who had been suspicious about a witch's presence that they had been right after all.

In the sixteenth century, only the Imperial Family of ancient China were permitted to own a Pekinese. To honour Queen Elizabeth the first, the Emperor sent a dog and bitch to England accompanied by a royal princess. The dog enjoyed playing on the ship's deck but the bitch was kept in the princess's cabin. Five puppies were born during the crossing and they were housed in a beautiful little ivory box. The ships crew thought the princess was a demon in disguise and that the ivory box contained jewels. A great storm blew up and the princess was taken on deck. Some of the crew took this as an opportunity to steal what they thought was treasure in the box. The dog bit one sailor and in revenge the sailors cast the princess and the box over the side.

After the storm the princess's body was washed up at Land's End and found by a local man. The puppies were also found drowned. The little bitch was alive but close to death. It is said that the little bitch watched the man dig a grave for the princess, he buried her, the puppies and the box together. He laid a line of daisies in the shape of a cross on the top and gently placed the little bitch on top and there she died.

The ship had made port and the sailor who had been bitten suddenly died. Those who knew of the princess's grave did not go near as they feared the spirit of the 'Daisy Dog' haunted it.

Over the years it is said that people who stumbled on the princess's grave were bitten and later died. The spirit of the dog, known as the 'Daisy Dog' is forever sworn to protect his royal mistress, the bitch and the puppies meant only for the imperial Family and the Queen of England.

THEY ALSO SERVE

Airdale Private Winston, Courtesy Imperial War Museum

England declared war on Germany in September 1939. The military felt that this would be a war of machines and mechanisation. There would be no room for the animal contingent so prominent in the Great War. Because of this belief and food rationing, over 200,000 dogs were sent to their deaths in the first two months of the outbreak.

The reports slowly trickled through that Germany was using a huge number of trained dogs to assist the military in a variety of defensive areas. Germany boasted in its press that Airedales, Boxers, German Shepherds and Doberman Pincers had been enlisted to help its armies.

The people who controlled the English military machine still were not impressed until Colonel E.H. Richardson and Major James Baldwin took up the argument. A later demonstration with trained dogs convinced the government of the day and as a result English dogs started to march to and help the war effort instead of being marched to their deaths.

Initially dogs were used in an ad-hoc way, but in 1942 the army found itself a property near London and set up the first War Dog School. Later schools were started in Gloucester, Burma and Egypt. Because so many dogs had been destroyed so early in the war there was, in fact a shortage of healthy and suitable dogs that the army could find, of some 10,000 offered only about 3,500 were acceptable. The Royal Society for the Protection of Animals, the Animal Protection Societies of Scotland and Ireland and The Canine Defence League agreed to help the recruitment of suitable dogs.

Once at the dog school, members of the Women's Auxiliary Territorial Services looked after the dogs. Most had been kennel maids previously. The men did the actual training.

1942 saw many changes, one was the use of what was called 'para pups. These were the dogs that went with the airborne army and the SAS. Their job was to work with the soldiers and give warnings and sniff out a variety of dangers. Rob was such a dog in all he did twelve jumps behind enemy lines with his SAS handler.

By now the value of the four footed soldiers was evident. By May 1944, 7,000 dogs had passed through the training school. They were sent to all areas where soldiers dealt with conflict; their stories of bravery are legendary.

As in all such stories, the dogs with the soldiers, shared in the fatalities and injuries. The first dog to be killed was Bobbie. Bobbie was a white Alsatian; he ran messages while in France between military units. A vital job given to only the trusted dogs. He was killed by German machine gun fire. After darkness fell, a sergeant major and three men went out and carried Bobbie's body back to their lines. He was buried with full military honours. Such was the bond that developed between men and dog.

While dogs were serving their country abroad, many were showing their skill and courage by joining the search and rescue parties that desperately tried to find trapped casualties after a wave of vicious bombing.

Such a dog was Fluff whose home was destroyed but she managed to scratch her way out and summon help for her family.

Peggy, a Wire Fox Terrier rescued a woman and child.

Chum, an Airedale dug a passage to a woman so she could breath an prevent her being gassed by toxic fumes.