Jack Brutus Stubby
Dogs have been a vital part of Connecticut history. Over one hundred years ago, during the Spanish American War, the Connecticut military recognized “Jack Brutus” as the official mascot to the 1st Volunteer Infantry. During World War I, Stubby, canine hero of the 102nd Connecticut Infantry, became the most decorated military dog in U.S. history.
In addition to their contributions as military dogs, family companions and in traditional service occupations, dogs in Connecticut serve in an ever-widening spectrum of therapeutic roles. The physical and emotional benefits to humans that come from relationships with dogs are now recognized and utilized by psychiatric facilities, assisted living centers, hospitals, schools and even prisons.
Today, dogs contribute more to the welfare of individuals and society than perhaps any other time in the history of the human-dog bond. Increased awareness of the importance of humane care and control of dogs, the enactment and enforcement of leash laws, and dog bite prevention education, have all been instrumental in significantly lowering the number of reported dog-related injuries in Connecticut and nationwide.
Dogs not only enrich the lives of their owners; they also contribute to the well-being of many non-dog owning residents of Connecticut as therapy and service dogs.
