Dug-outs for Dogs.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 29, Issue 40, 25 May 1917, Page 2

Dug-outs for Dogs.

The introduction of dogs into the fighting-line is due to a young French lieutenant, who brought the dogs over from North Western Canada and the Labrador, when the question of transport among mountaneous parts became a question of such serious importance.

The dogs were first utilised in connection with drawing loads over difficult passes by sleigh, etc. They now draw their loads on light railways which run regularly to and from the trenches, and they find no difficulty with the steepest incline or the heaviest load.

The Labrador, Canadian, and Alaskan are the three breeds mostly in use, though the .last takes first place for endurance and pluck. His energy never flags, and, according to a French soldier, “he works until he drops from sheer exhaustion." Behind the firing-line the French instituted training camps for the purpose of instructing the dogs in their various duties.

Here they were taught how to guard advance trenches against enemy attacks, how to carry messages, how to jump trench-parapets, how to scout, patrol, and act as sentries. Their comfort is an important consideration, and dug-outs for doggies are as well screened and comfortable as Tommy’s own.