Last updated on May 7, 2011
From a post on the New Yorker‘s Free Range blog:
“The greatest feat, though, was performed by what were called ‘mercy dogs’ in the First World War. These dogs walked among the troops on a battlefield, after the fighting had simmered down, carrying saddlebags of first-aid supplies. Wounded soldiers could call the dogs over and then help themselves whatever they needed. Those who were more gravely wounded could call the dogs over so they could embrace them and have their company while they died. A dog can do that, and would do that, with all its heart, and with tender patience. Nothing will ever be better, or more perfect, than that.”