Sometimes, hardfucks can come in all shapes and sizes.
Rags was a mixed breed terrier who was found abandoned on the streets of Paris by an American doughboy, Private James Donovan, serving with the U.S. 1st Infantry Division. Donovan named the dog Rags because when he first found him he mistook him for a pile of rags.
When Donovan reached the front lines, Rags found himself useful by keeping moral high within the troops and was officially named the mascot of the 1st ID.
When Rags came under shellfire, he simply imitated the men around him who would drop to the ground and hug it tightly. Before long, the soldiers observed Rags hugging the ground with his paws spread out before anyone heard the sound of an incoming round. The men soon realized that Rags' acute and sensitive hearing was telling him when the shells were coming and learned to keep their eyes open as he became an early-warning system for artillery shell fire. Rags was also taught to salute soldiers when they passed by and during the bugle played during colors.
His main job was to run messages between the lines and HQ, often saving the lives of the men as they were in need of artillery support or reinforcements.
Rags achieved great notoriety and celebrity war dog fame when he saved many lives in the Meuse-Argonne Campaign by delivering a vital message despite being gassed, partially blinded and riddled with shrapnel.
He was evacuated along with Donovan and both made it back to the States. Rags received several medals for valor and was praised by politicians and generals alike.
Rags passed away in 1936 at the age of 20 and was buried with military honors in Silver Spring, Maryland. #ww1 #dogs #stayzero #zerofoxtrot #fuckcats