Often I come across a story that I just have to share. There are so very many of these inspiring stories. This story is about Chips, a German Shepherd/collie/husky mix. He was a war dog hero and this is his story.
At the height of World War II, Chips was assigned to the Third Military Police Platoon, Third Infantry Division. He toured in North Africa, Sicily, Italy, France and Germany. Chips served as a sentry dog, alterting his handler to the approach of enemies.
On July 10, 1943, Chips and the Seventh Army, under the command of General George Patton, boarded amphibious crafts off the coast of Licata, Sicily. In the predawn twilight hours, the craft came under heavy fire and became trapped on a beach. Chips broke free from his handler, defying his training, and stormed a machine gun nest, capturing an enemy soldier by the neck and sending several others scattering. After the battle, Chips was taken to a hospital and treated for scalp and hip wounds and powder burns in his mouth. It was a pretty good bet that the powder burns in his mouth were a result of direct contact with smoldering enemy firearms.
Chips later received the Silver Star for bravery and the Purple Heart for wounds received in action by General Lucian Truscott. However, these awards were revoked when the military determined that Chips was classified as "equipment" and therefore ineligible to receive such honors.
Upon returning home, at the age of 6 years, Chips adapted smoothly to civilian life but passed away several months later from complications of his war injuries.
As one who has the privilege of working with these magnificient creatures on a daily basis, I am not surprised at Chip's ability to sense danger and act upon it on his own. He broke free "defying his training". He knew his job well and took matters in his own paws. Amazing!
My approach to dog training is to utilize that magnificent brain, ability of a dog. To become a thinking partner rather than an entity on the end of the leash to be snatched and jerked into submission.
Dog's are amazing... I see this everyday. I share Chips story to encourage you to see your dog in a different light. To understand that when we provide adequate amounts of organized exercise AND create value for the correct choice and reinforce that good choice...we in essence allow our dogs to become a thinking dog, a dog very able to make the right choice.
Chips is a special dog, absolutely, and it's right that we honor him here. But, I have to tell you that he is no more special than that furry friend of yours on the other end of the lead. Spend time with your dog and with good training move from what you have now to what you want to have on the other end of your lead. You can do it and I know your dog can do it!
If you need help...feel free to contact me. In the meantime, Happy Trails!
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