Honoring Guerriere

DID YOU KNOW: 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. On February 13, 1815, he sensed a large frigate lurking in the distance that the lookouts had completely missed.

By acting "uncommonly frisky and troublesome" (according to an account written by the ship's chaplain), he got an officer's attention. Then he took to the ship's hammock netting, barking at what he had seen approaching on the high seas. While the vessel turned out to be a Portuguese ship of no threat, Guerriere earned his place as a true American hero.

Shortly afterwards, Guerriere’s loyalty proved to be his undoing. When his owner was sent to take command of a captured British warship, he took his dog along. But the dog leaped into the water to swim back to the Constitution. Though the crew tried to save him, he was tragically lost to the waves he once guarded so vigilantly.

As we approach America 250, Guerriere’s story reminds us that from the very beginning of our nation, dogs have stood beside those who serve. Their loyalty, instinct, and courage have always been part of America’s story.

At Paws of War, we see that same spirit every single day.

Different century. Same unwavering loyalty.