YORKIE DOODLE DANDY SMOKY THE WORLD WAR II CANINE HERO
As all Georgia motorcyclists know, there’s no such thing as an offseason. Thanks to the warm weather we enjoy year round, we never have to miss the freedom of riding. Still, even the most experienced motorcyclist needs a refresher. Below are a few tips to keep you safe during the spring riding season. Prepare for It Spring is the perfect time to tune up your ride. Start by checking mechanics, such as your bike’s tire pressure, oil levels, and loose or missing fasteners. Scrub any surfaces that need cleaning, and consider taking your ride to a mechanic for your yearly inspection. Making these updates and catching problems early will keep you safe and riding longer this spring. Pack for It A motorcycle trip across the U.S. can be exhilarating, but before you set off, take some precautions. Prepare a small first-aid and repair kit, and keep your cell phone charged for emergencies. Additionally, keep friends or family informed about where you are. Always carry a spare key, stash extra bottles of water and TIPS FOR A SAFE SEASON ON THE MOTORCYCLE REV UP FOR SPRING Smoky’s most famous act of heroism occurred when she went where no man could go at an air base at Lingayen Gulf, Luzon. The engineers needed help, so Wynne tied a strand of telephone wire to her collar and Smoky ran through a 70-foot-long pipe in a matter of minutes. Without Smoky, it would have taken three days to lay the wire. Her work kept over 250 ground crewmen and 40 fighter and reconnaissance planes out of danger from enemy bombings. Considering the stress of combat, it’s no wonder military dogs tend to be tough breeds known for their size and strength. German shepherds, boxers, and various bully breeds are well- acquainted with the battlefield. But in World War II, the most famous military dog weighed only 4 pounds and stood a mere 7 inches tall. Smoky the Yorkshire Terrier wasn’t exactly what most people associated with Shakespeare’s “let slip the dogs of war,” but her small size is part of what made her such a hero. In 1944, after being discovered beside a foxhole in the jungles of New Guinea, Smoky met Corporal William A. Wynne, an American soldier from Cleveland, Ohio. The two quickly became inseparable, and she stayed by Wynne’s side the entire time he was stationed in the South Pacific. Smoky is credited with going on 12 combat missions, surviving 150 air raids, parachuting 30 feet, and earning eight battle stars. Smoky’s sensitive hearing allowed her to alert Wynne and other soldiers of incoming air raids.
In addition to saving lives on the battlefield, Smoky is
also considered to be the first recorded therapy dog. She learned a number of tricks to cheer up troops and would visit injured soldiers at the hospital in New Guinea. After World War II, Smoky and Wynne visited veteran hospitals across the United States.
“Corporal” Smoky lived for another 10 years after the war before dying on Feb. 21, 1957, at approximately 14 years old. Wynne would go on to write a memoir about his time with Smoky titled “Yorkie Doodle Dandy.” Almost 50 years after her death, a life-sized bronze statue of Smoky was erected at her final resting place in Lakewood, Ohio. Her statue is dedicated to the bravery of all war dogs, and it is a reminder that heroes come in all shapes and sizes.
snacks in your pack, and be mindful of traffic. Additionally, gas stations are not always readily accessible, so keep in mind when you need to fuel up next. Be Smart About It You and your passengers need to wear helmets. You’ve probably heard it before, but wearing a helmet is one of the easiest ways to stay safe on a motorcycle. According to the Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, wearing a helmet while you ride decreases your risk of head injury by 69 percent and your chance of death by 42 percent. Wearing a helmet could save your life, so strap one on before you hop back on the saddle this spring. Despite all the safety measures you take, accidents still happen. If you’re injured in a motorcycle accident this spring, call Don Turner Legal Team at 770-594-1777 for a free consultation. And don’t miss out on your chance to win a Harley Davidson FXDR 114 motorcycle by visiting BikersWin.com/Atlanta !
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