60 British War Dogs 



particularly for Airedales, and they were to be used in the 

 listening-posts in the front line to give warning of enemy 

 approach. There were thus, at this time, three separate 

 branches of training proceeding at the school. With these 

 increasing demands upon the school, it was found that 

 the supply of suitable dogs so far obtained was becoming 

 inadequate. At first the only supply was from the Home 

 for Lost Dogs at Battersea. Then the Birmingham, Liver- 

 pool, Bristol and Manchester Dogs' Homes were invited to 

 help by sending any suitable dogs to the school. Many a 

 homeless, deserted " stray ' was saved from the lethal 

 chamber, and transformed into a useful member of His 

 Majesty's Forces. Later, the Home Office ordered the 

 police all over the country to send all stray dogs of certain 

 breeds to the school. Finally, when even these sources 

 were not sufficient, the War Office decided to appeal to the 

 public for gifts. The response was exceedingly generous. 

 The country was, at this time, passing through especially 

 serious times, and many people were only too glad to help 

 by sending their dogs. The food shortage also was much 

 accentuated, and it was felt that the family friend would 

 be certain to receive good food and care in the Army. 



Some of the letters received at this time testify to the 

 unselfish spirit in the country. A lady wrote : "I have 

 given my husband and my sons, and now that he too is 

 required, I give my dog." From a little girl : ' We have 

 let Daddy go to fight the Kaiser, and now we are sending 

 Jack to do his bit." An " Old Contemptible " said : " I 

 have been through Mons, and have lost a leg and nearly 

 lost my life, and have not much I can give my country, but 

 I gladly give my dog to help." A sporting person sent his 

 lurcher, with the remark : "I am sending you my dog Sam. 

 He has always found his own grub and has plenty of sense 



