Angel in a Foxhole

Smoky joined Corporal Wynne, who served with the Fifth U.S. Army Air Force as a 26th Photo Squadron photographer on combat and reconnaissance missions. She served troops and infirmed as a therapy dog, companion and entertainer. Smoky began her informal service at a U.S. Army hospital in Nadzab, New Guinea overseen by Dr. Charles W. Mayo, when Corporal Wynne was hospitalized with dengue fever. She later joined American Red Cross nurses on hospital rounds in Manila, Philippines and Brisbane, Australia. Smoky's origin is believed to be Brisbane, Australia, where she was purchased as a gift by a young Aussie nurse's fiancé. She became a war hero when she delivered a critical communication line beneath an active air strip that was subject to attack from the likely destruction of aircraft and personnel; the airstrip would have otherwise required 2-3 days of digging and reconstruction under enemy attack. In later years Smoky would receive Queensland, Australia RSPCA's "Purple Cross" for saving human lives. Post-war, Bill traveled to Hollywood with Smoky, where he trained dogs for film. Returning to Cleveland with Margie, Smoky's service to others - and legacy – continued to grow. Today, Smoky has been recognized as the "first hospital therapy dog of record," as well serving as a leader to animal and pet therapy and service to others. Smoky was put to rest in Cleveland, Ohio's MetroParks, where she can be visited at the "Smoky and All Dogs of War Memorial."

Dave Tabar, author of "Angel in a Foxhole (Smoky The Therapy Dog)," is a Cleveland, Ohio composer and musician whose greatest passion is telling stories through music and through imagery. Dave decided to release his children's story book commensurate with the release of the short film he co-produced by the same name. He also authored the soundtrack album by Black River Ensemble on Blackpool Records with son, Will Tabar, a contributing music composer. The book, beautifully illustrated by Samantha Williams, captures Smoky's spirit as the best-known therapy dog of early record (1940's WWII), and delivers inspiration to all in need of self-help or healing. This "Smoky story book" also serves as a coloring book for all ages. A very special "Thank You" is offered to William A. Wynne (97), who personally supported the publishing of the book, and provided the greatest inspiration of all as to why it should be published: "Children will learn so much from Smoky's story." Although Smoky was well-known as a "war hero" by saving livings (ref: "Yorkie Doodle Dandy" by William A. Wynne), Bill Wynne feels that her greatest legacy is as the early leader of the therapy dog movement, as Smoky and Bill visited and entertained military infirmed during WWII's Pacific Theater, while serving post-war at Cleveland area military hospitals, orphanages, and neighborhoods, as well as appearing weekly on live, Sunday morning television. Now, enjoy reading … and coloring!