Dressed fleas, felonious cats, laughing horses, Old Yeller, and other creatures grace the e-pages of this issue of Retroview. If you enjoy our quarterly ProQuest Historical Newspapers e-newsletter, share this "quick read" on Twitter or Facebook! Librarians, feel free to "borrow" this content for your own blogs and Tweets, too!
Four-Footed Soldiers
In 1942, the U.S. armed forces asked families to volunteer their dogs for duty, and over 150,000 answered the call to World War II. They had to meet the military's requirements for size and health, and then embarked on four weeks of training. The dogs focused on a few basic commands: "heel," "sit," "come," and "out." After mastering basic obedience, they were tested under combat conditions. If a dog passed, he was deployed for active duty, just like a human soldier.
In both theaters, dogs played important roles as messengers, sentries, plane spotters, first-aid dogs, and more. On Guam, Marines credited them with flushing out snipers and saving lives. Soldiers that worked with dogs shared many stories of their bravery and loyalty. Sgt. Arthur N. Tyler remarked, "I figure if it weren't for Duke, I wouldn't be here today."
The Great Meddler
Today, we know the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) as a champion for abused and homeless pets. It was founded in New York City by Henry Bergh in 1866, at a time when horses powered the "street railroad" that served as the primary mode of transport. The ASPCA's first resolutions and actions were originally taken to protect these working horses that powered the railroad.
In the mid-19th century, many still considered animals as nothing more than property or objects of entertainment. Despite this prevailing attitude, Bergh stood up for working animals, intervened during cock fighting and dog fighting events, and proactively testified against conditions at slaughterhouses.
After the establishment of the ASPCA, the public reached out to Bergh and his organization to rescue dogs and cats from dire situations. "The Great Meddler," as Bergh is referred to on the ASPCA's Web site today, argued that "lower animals" are sentient, opening minds and changing opinions.
We've Got Fleas!
Recently, a co-worker told us about an elaborately costumed pair of fleas that her aunt housed in a matchbox-sized container. We thought she was kidding ...
Who Says You Can't Train a Cat?
We wouldn't dare publish an issue of Retroview that featured stories about dogs without also sharing stories that featured cats! So, "paws" for a moment to see what kitties through history have been about.
Do Animals ...?
How alike are humans and animals? Do critters think and feel and experience as we do? ProQuest Historical Newspapers takes on the big questions.
Take a Bow(wow)!
From the 1950s until the 1980s, the American Humane Society sponsored the animal kingdom's equivalent of the Oscars: the PATSY (Picture Animal Top Star of the Year) Awards. We're pleased to introduce you to some of the talented winners.
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The Norfolk Journal and Guide,
March 26, 1960
Saddle Up and Try The Arizona Republican
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