Well, I Laughed 139: Yorkie Doodle Dandy [Man's Best Friend pt.1: Smoky the War Dog]
Jan 28, 2026
A tiny Yorkshire Terrier becomes an unlikely wartime morale booster and performs astonishing tricks that charmed soldiers and newspapers. Tales cover a foxhole rescue, training feats like scooter-riding and running telegraph wire, daring combat flights and hospital rounds, postwar fame and smuggling her home, and the lasting legacy that made her one of the earliest therapy animals.
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Rescuing Smoky In The Jungle
- Bill Wynne found a tiny, mangy dog trapped in a foxhole in Papua New Guinea and stubbornly brought her back to base.
- He paid a few Australian pounds and named her Smoky, starting a fierce lifelong bond and training routine.
Training With Praise And Play
- Bill trained Smoky with gentle, repeated demonstrations and praise until she mastered many commands.
- Her standout trick was playing dead on cue and staying limp until released with 'okay'.
Early Proof Of Therapy Dog Impact
- Smoky became a morale booster by visiting wounded soldiers and performing simple tricks in hospitals.
- These visits helped nurses and patients, marking her as an early recognized therapy dog.
