9 Great Dawgies that Changed the World

Dogs teach us everything. From bravery to empathy, they train us how to become better humans. Our history is full of examples of super dogs who have changed its course. Be it going to space, or helping survivors out after a disaster, dawgies have done so much for the world that it is impossible to ever repay them. The world is a safer and lovelier place today because of the dawgies who have helped us make it.

We’ve compiled a list of dawgies who have changed the world for the better:
 

1. Laika

The first dog to go into space, Laika was originally a stray dog named Kudryavka. She was sent into space to set an example for the earthlings that life is possible in space. She proved that living organisms were capable of surviving the launch process, the orbit and the weightlessness of space. Her sacrifice will never be forgotten by humanity. Had it not been for her, we wouldn’t know anything about what lies beyond.

 

2. Balto

He was the lead sled dog on the last leg of a famous life saving medical delivery to Alaska in 1925. Diptheria had taken the city of Nome (in Alaska) by a sweep. Delivery of antitoxins was required to stop the infection from spreading. It was so cold that there were no modes of transport available. A pack of dogs with Balto as their head, led the sled to Nome with their sled driver Gunnar Kaasen, despite the freezing weather. When he made it None after 7 days of travel, Balto’s arrival was celebrated all across the city.

 

3. Apollo

Minutes after the dangerous 9/11 attack, with leaps of fire, and debris falling everywhere, this courageous dog helped in rescuing about 20 people. Awarded the Dickin Medal, he received the prize on behalf of all the search and rescue dogs who helped save lives in the attacks that brought the country to a standstill.

 

4. Smokey

Originally a 4-pound Yorkshire from the jungle of Papua New Guinea, Smokey was purchased by an American soldier Bill Wynne. Wynne trained her and she accompanied him to the World War 2. There, she saved Bill’s life by warning him about an incoming fire on a transport ship. She is memorialized with a statue at Lakewood, Ohio.

 

5. Sgt. Stubby

Stubby was a Pitbull mix who made his way into the World War 1. Shortly after he arrived, his unit was hit by a gas bomb. After that, he memorized the smell, and using his ears and scent-glands, was always able to alert his unit about an incoming gas attack. They then wore gas masks in time to protect themselves. In the coming years, he sniffed out a German spy, earning him the promotion to a Sergeant. He’s the only dog to ever receive such a promotion through combat.

 

6. Gander

Originally from Canada, Gander was so strong that he could pull a sled full of children. But in one incident, he caused massive injury to one of them and was thus given to the army. During the battle of Hongkong, this courageous dog was able to sense that a grenade had been thrown by the Japanese. He quickly carried it away from his comrades, and towards the Japanese who threw it, saving the life of his squad of 175 comrades and killing the opposition.

 

7. Barry

Barry, the St. Bernard is one of the most famous search and rescue dogs in history. He braved the freezing weather and an ongoing blizzard to make his way to save a ship which had 40 people on it. Working entirely on his own, he was able to rescue each one of them. In his honor, one dog in the rescue battalion of Switzerland is always named Barry to carry his legacy forward.

 

8. Chips

When his unit came under a fire attack, Chips broke himself away from his handler, launching an attack at the firing enemies. He saved his comrades from the fire and the debris, and single-handedly saved the lives of many soldiers. Chips is recognized all over the world for showing unflinching courage even in the face of atrocities.

 

9. Zanjeer

Named after the 1973 Bollywood superhit starring Amitabh Bachchan, this Dawgie is correctly Mumbai’s superhero. He saved countless lives in 1993 blasts by detecting over 3 tonnes of RDX, 600 detonators, 249 hand grenades and over 6 tonnes of live ammunition. Zanjeer was laid to rest with state honors on November 16, 2000. He is still remembered fondly by Mumbai Police and citizens.

 
Across the world, there are so many dawgies who do little acts of bravery and go unrewarded. It’s because they don’t do it for the honor, they do it because they know that one must protect the things they love. And their love knows no limits or conditions. Dawgies are smart creatures, who teach us so much about life, with every little thing that they do. They teach us how to live. The best we can do for them is take care of their needs and make sure that they spend a good time with us.

Think we’ve missed someone out? Let us know in the comments below!