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Interpreting the Evidence

Lynbrook Dog Won Fame in Army

Student View

About this Activity

  • Documents in this Activity:
  • Historical Eras:

    Turn of the Century and WWI (1890 - 1930)

  • Thinking Skill:

    Historical Analysis & Interpretation

  • Grade Level:

    Middle School
    High School
    College University

  • Topics:

    Animals
    World War I

  • Primary Source Types:

    Written Document

  • Regions:

    Long Island
    New York State

  • Creator:

    NYS Archives Partnership Trust Education Team

  1. Load "Lynbrook Dog Won Fame In Army" from The New Era, 1919 in Main Image Viewer
  2. Load "Lynbrook Dog Won Fame In Army" from The New Era, 1919 in Main Image Viewer

Suggested Teaching Instructions

Document Description
A reprint from The New Era of Lynbrook: "Lynbrook Dog Won Fame In Army," World War I, March 19, 1919.

Historical Context
Dogs had an important role to play in World War I.  One of the primary reasons they were used was to carry messages between the front and military headquarters.  Trained dogs were faster than human runners and presented less of a target to the enemy.  Furthermore, dogs could travel over any terrain because they were not weighed down with heavy uniforms and equipment.  Dogs also, in many cases, provided psychological comfort for troops who were otherwise demoralized by the horrors of trench warfare.  
Rin Tin Tin was one of the most famous war dogs of World War I.  He was found by U.S. troops in an abandoned German war dog station in Lorraine, France.  He was brought back to the U.S. and was the star of over 40 films.

Essential Question
What role do animals play in historical events?

Check for Understanding
Describe Don's experience in the war and evaluate his impact on this regiment.

Historical Challenges
The official use of dogs in the U.S. military began in WWII, although they were used before then unofficially. Dogs have fought in many wars since then. Research some famous military dogs and their accomplishments.

Interdisciplinary Connections
English Language Arts: Write a journal entry from Don’s perspective as he is hunkered down with the 106th Infantry in battle in France.

Math: One dog that served in WWI traveled 4,000 meters over difficult terrain to carry a message from the front to one brigade’s headquarters. He made the trip in 60 minutes. How fast was he traveling?

Science: Breed is important when choosing dogs for military use. German shepherds are the standard dog chosen. Why do you think German shepherds make good military dogs?

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