WONDERFUL WAR DOGS.

Taihape Daily Times, 28 August 1918, Page 5

WONDERFUL WAR DOGS.

IN THE ARMY SERVICE CORPS. The recruited dogs are as well cared for as any other soldiers, writes Herbert Vivian, in the “Daily Mai.” At the canine base, unfortunately neaiBologna, of sausage fame, everything is as smart and luxurious as any brave war clog can desire. He finds the training great sport. At dawm he is summoned by bugle for his early run, after which he finds a full nation of breakfast outside his cubicle. Then he must accustom himself to drawing a sledge, wearing a gas mask, and telling the difference between friend and foe. The latter is taught by offering him the enemy’s uniform iv pregnated with something he particularly dislikes. In camp he salutes all soldiers affectionately and bites civilians who do not advance and give the countersign. The only came across was a dog called Fritz, who bit soldiers and civilians impartially—another instance of the consequences of giving the dog a bad name. But ‘a courtmartial speedily sentenced him to be muzzled, and all was well. The usual load for a pair of dogs is 1761 b, as compared with 3301 h for an ass, and 661 b for a man. Like other soldiers, they have a variety of jobs and experiences. Some are marked out by superior energy for dangerous night work, carrying provision or ammunition to the firing line, while others have easy billets at the rear. Like other, soldiers, too, they take 15 days’ leave a year, resting from their labours at the Bologna kennels.