Although Patsy Ann is long gone, this statue remains as a marker of her service.
Credit: juneaualaska.com | ©juneaualaska.com
Dogs have long been the faithful servants of man. However, the following seven stories tell of dogs whose service has gone beyond the call of duty. They have served at the very top of society as king to the more humble position as an employee for the USPS. These legends are prime examples why dogs continue to be man's best friend.
Dorsey
Dorsey was a black and white shepherd who unofficially worked a USPS route in California from 1883 until 1886. He was able to deliver the mail by using a modified saddlebag strapped to his back. Dorsey's seven-mile route was to the mines that surrounded Calico, California. He required special booties on his feet to protect his feet from the hot, sharp rocks that surrounded the mines. He proved such a valuable worker that his owner turned down $500 for him. His legend was revived in 1972 when a song titled "Dorsey, the Mail Carrying Dog" appeared on The Ballad of Calico, the eighth album released by Kenny Rogers and the First Edition. According to the lyrics:
You could hear the people cheer
three hundred and sixty five days a year
the dog who never tired.
The postman who was sick and did it
(Dorsey really did it quicker)
sat home by the fire.
Ah, Dorsey the mail carrying dog
The entire double album consists of songs about Calico, California, and for some reason Dorsey's song ends suddenly with the phrase "the mail-carrying dog" abruptly being cut off.
Fred
Although the signs in Rockford no longer read, "Home of Fred the Town Dog," Fred has not been forgot. For nine years, Fred served as the town mascot. However, that was not Fred's only job. He also wrote a weekly newspaper column, "A Dog's Life," that detailed his activities and encounters.
Fred arrived in Rockford in 1993. After nursing him back to health, the town adopted the dog as their mascot. Sadly, Fred died from an animal bite shortly before Christmas in 2002. He was buried behind the Old Rock Jail and was given a full-size grave marker. He was also inducted into the Alabama Animal Hall of Fame in 2004.
Dorsey
Dorsey was a black and white shepherd who unofficially worked a USPS route in California from 1883 until 1886. He was able to deliver the mail by using a modified saddlebag strapped to his back. Dorsey's seven-mile route was to the mines that surrounded Calico, California. He required special booties on his feet to protect his feet from the hot, sharp rocks that surrounded the mines. He proved such a valuable worker that his owner turned down $500 for him. His legend was revived in 1972 when a song titled "Dorsey, the Mail Carrying Dog" appeared on The Ballad of Calico, the eighth album released by Kenny Rogers and the First Edition. According to the lyrics:
You could hear the people cheer
three hundred and sixty five days a year
the dog who never tired.
The postman who was sick and did it
(Dorsey really did it quicker)
sat home by the fire.
Ah, Dorsey the mail carrying dog
The entire double album consists of songs about Calico, California, and for some reason Dorsey's song ends suddenly with the phrase "the mail-carrying dog" abruptly being cut off.
Fred
Although the signs in Rockford no longer read, "Home of Fred the Town Dog," Fred has not been forgot. For nine years, Fred served as the town mascot. However, that was not Fred's only job. He also wrote a weekly newspaper column, "A Dog's Life," that detailed his activities and encounters.
Fred arrived in Rockford in 1993. After nursing him back to health, the town adopted the dog as their mascot. Sadly, Fred died from an animal bite shortly before Christmas in 2002. He was buried behind the Old Rock Jail and was given a full-size grave marker. He was also inducted into the Alabama Animal Hall of Fame in 2004.
- Dorsey was a black and white shepherd who worked a USPS route in California in the 1800s.
- Saur, or Suening, served as king of Norway for three years in the 11th Century.
- Patsy Ann served as the "official dog greater of Juneau, Alaska" for thirteen years.
Comments
SDtrainer
(Guest)
(Guest)
09/01/2009
Sorry to say that none of these dogs would be considered to be Service Dogs. The title needs to be changed. These are just great dog stories.
Awesome stories of great dogs :)
Interesting. Great article topic - I had no idea there were so many famous service dogs. :-)
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