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| “Stubby Salutes,” created by renowned sculptor Susan Bahary (photo by David Woo, American Kennel Club) |
The American Kennel Club Museum of the Dog is now the permanent home of the official bronze statue of Sgt. Stubby, a distinguished World War I war dog. The"Stubby Salutes," created by renowned sculptor Susan Bahary, is a life sized bronze of the bull terrier mix. The masterpiece was unveiled May 23.
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| From left to right: Dr. Libby O’Connell (WWI Centennial Commission representative), Alan Fausel (Executive Director of the AKC Museum of the Dog), Susan Bahary (sculptor of “Stubby Salutes”), members of the Conroy family Kaley Thornton, Curt Deane, Michael O’Brien, Alexandra Deane Thornton (photo by David Woo, American Kennel Club |
Stubby is widely regarded as the U.S Army’s first service dog.
His service began in 1917 when he wandered on to the camp of the 102nd
Infantry Regiment of the 26th Yankee Division at Yale. He formed a bond with a young
solider named Robert Conroy who named him “Stubby.” Conroy subsequently
smuggled Stubby on his ship when it was time to ship out.
Stubby served in France for
18 months and a total of 17 battles.
His heroic feats included: warning his unit of
looming mustard gas attacks, locating wounded soldiers on the battlefield and sitting
beside them until help arrived, and capturing a German spy by grabbing at the seat of
his pants. Over the course of his service, he was injured by mustard gas and a grenade.
Stubby is remembered for his bravery and also as a treasured mascot who brought joy
to embattled soldiers. As a veteran, he was awarded a medal for his bravery by
General John J. Pershing and met three presidents.
Last April marked the 100th anniversary of Stubby’s return to the US to a hero’s
welcome.
“We are very excited to welcome “Stubby Salutes” to our Museum collection,” said Alan
Fausel, Executive Director of the AKC Museum of the Dog. “His courage and dedication
to our country has laid the foundation for today’s military working dogs and we look
forward to sharing him with the public and educating them about his place in history.”
Susan Bahary, an internationally acclaimed artist, was commissioned by the
descendants of Robert Conroy to memorialize Stubby in his rare salute pose, a pose
which won him the favor of his fellow soldiers and officers. Her other works include
“Always Faithful,” the United States first official war dog monument that commemorated
the 25 dogs who perished in the taking of Guam during World War II. “Always Faithful”
is a part of the Museum of the Dog’s collection.
“It has been an honor to create this bronze monument to commemorate Sgt. Stubby,”
says Bahary. "His right paw represents his deeds for our country and his left paw
represents his friendly and giving nature. His contributions to our military, along with his
loyalty and bravery are symbolic of all the wonderful working dogs that protect us and
service animals that benefit and enrich our lives today.”
The AKC Museum of the Dog, founded in 1982, was originally housed in The New York
Life Building located at 51 Madison Avenue as part of the AKC Headquarters. In 1987,
the Museum was moved to West St. Louis County, MO. The Museum made its return to
New York City in a new location in February 2019 and houses one of the largest
repositories of canine art in the world, including paintings, porcelains, bronzes, trophies
and digital displays. The Museum is dedicated to education and preservation of
purebred dogs.
The original casting of the sculpture is on permanent display at the “Connecticut Trees
of Honor” Memorial at the Veterans Memorial Park In Middletown, CT.
To visit Stubby or for more information on the AKC Museum of the Dog, visit www.Museumofthedog.org
(source: AKC Museum of the Dog press release)
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