AS AMERICA APPROACHES THE 250TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE, PAWS OF WAR SALUTES THE COURAGEOUS DOGS WHO STOOD BESIDE OUR SOLDIERS AND HELPED SHAPE OUR NATION’S HISTORY.
Across distant battlefields, Paws of War delivers dogs home to America, reuniting soldiers with the loyal companions who became family in war. This mission is rooted in a long history of dogs serving beside our troops, offering loyalty, comfort, and a sense of home in times of war.
By looking back at the dogs who served before them, we will honor a legacy that continues today and bring these powerful stories to life through authentic historical recreations at events across the country.
Our tribute begins in 1777 with the Revolutionary War story of an extraordinary act of compassion. After British General Howe had a victory on a Pennsylvania battlefield, his beloved fox terrier, Lila, wandered into the American camp. Her collar revealed that Lila belonged to the British enemy.
Though defeated, General George Washington, who marched into battle alongside his own dog, Sweet Lips, understood the pain Lila’s disappearance caused his adversary.
Washington’s compassion rose quietly above the noise of war. He ordered that Lila be fed and gently groomed, treated not as a prize of war but as a beloved companion. Guided by empathy for a fellow dog owner, he arranged a temporary ceasefire so Lila could be returned safely across enemy lines.
He sent Lila back with a handwritten note: “General Washington’s compliments to General Howe, does himself the pleasure to return him a dog, which accidentally fell into his hands.”
In the midst of catastrophic war, this moment revealed a shared tenderness rooted in the bond between people and dogs. That enduring spirit is what drives the mission of Paws of War today.
Join us for this year-long celebration honoring the dogs who have stood beside our soldiers across centuries. Then and now, these dogs offer solace, steadfast devotion and a reminder of home during war, making their safe return not just important, but essential to the mission of Paws of War.
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HONORING THE ROLE OF HORSES
During the French and Indian War, George Washington confronted the real possibility of death while leading from the saddle of his horse. Four musket balls pierced his uniform. At only 23 years old, he was reminded that his life could rest in the strength and steadiness of the horse beneath him.
Happy President’s Day!
As we celebrate American leadership today, we also look ahead to America 250, marking 250 years of our nation’s history, resilience, and service. From the founding of our country to the present day, leadership has shaped the freedoms we cherish.
cats of the revolution
Cats were often the unsung heroes of American history! History often focuses on the "war dogs," but today we’re honoring the stealthy, whiskered guardians who served in the American Revolution and the War of 1812.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN
When children flipped turtles onto their backs, young Abraham Lincoln refused to participate, and wrote a school essay condemning the mistreatment of animals. He knew causing suffering to the defenseless was wrong. Lincoln’s love of animals throughout his life became a source of comfort.
The loyalty of Guerriere
The USS Constitution had a secret weapon during the War of 1812? His name was Guerriere, an energetic terrier with keen senses. Beyond catching rats and helping sailors pull lines, Guerriere saved the ship from a potential ambush.
THE ETERNAL SOLDIER
Long before monuments and history books, a small brindle dog named Sallie marched straight into Civil War battle and refused to leave her soldiers. She saw action throughout almost the entire war.
