Smoky the World War II Canine Hero Yorkie Doodle Dandy
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.
Smoky’s most famous act of heroism occurred when she went where no man could go at an air
Overcoming Your Fear or Anxiety About the Dentist Dental Dismay?
According to the American Dental Association, one of the top reasons why people avoid the dentist is anxiety or fear. These terrified feelings stem from many things, but at Highland Springs Dental Care, our goal is to make your dental experience as gentle and carefree as possible. Here are some strategies our patients have used to alleviate or overcome dental anxiety. Prepare for It Sometimes the biggest obstacle in calming your dental jitters is in the preparation. We recommend scheduling your appointments for when you will feel the most comfortable. For example, some people feel more relaxed in the morning, before the daily grind begins. Additionally, studies have shown that caffeine makes relaxing more difficult. Avoiding caffeine prior to your appointment could help you feel calmer. Talk About It Some patients are anxious because they don’t know what to expect once they are sitting in our dental chair.
At Highland Springs Dental Care, we always encourage patients to ask questions. Letting your dentist know that you are nervous can also help. Opening up a dialogue will allow your dentist to find ways to help you feel calmer during appointments. Do Something About It Behavioral studies have shown a few props can help as well. One that we encourage is using a heavy blanket. Being covered with a blanket is shown to help those with anxiety fall and stay asleep! Additionally, listening to music or your favorite podcast can distract you from the unease you feel at the dentist. We encourage patients to bring earbuds, blankets, or any other items that help them relax.
Whether you’re approaching a regular check-up or are inquiring about TMJ or sleep disorders, we understand that seeking help from a dental professional can be stressful. Our goal is to make you feel as comfortable as possible. Learn more by giving us a call at 951.769.1616.
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