By Justine Lofton | jlofton@mlive.com
During World War II, working dogs were an essential - and fun - part of the U.S. Coast Guard.
The U.S. National Archives recently shared a collection of photos documenting the mascot dogs’ contributions - and troublemaking. The dogs assisted in a variety of seaman’s duties from comforting men in the sickbay to docking support.
Here are some photos showing what the pooches got up to.
The dog Hobo is seen here after hopping onto a war machine that is about to be hoisted onto a landing craft. He presumably didn't want to be left behind when his shipmates went ashore.U.S. National Archives
Pete the Pooch is seen here putting his "mooring expertise" to work as he pulls on the rope of an 83-foot Coast Guard cutter during World War II.U.S. National Archives
Back from Peleliu, Coast Guardsmen and Marines are warmly welcomed by the mascot dogs of a Coast Guard-manned invasion transport during World War II.U.S. National Archives
The dog Bozo was mascot aboard a Coast Guard combat cutter in the far north during World War II. He is seen here "confined to the brig" after chewing the captain’s shoes.U.S. National Archives
The dog Kodiak was the mascot aboard a U.S. Coast Guard-manned invasion transport during World War II, and was a veteran of Kiska, Tarawa and Saipan.U.S. National Archives
Doc Sunshine, the self-appointed official cheerer upper of a Coast Guard-manned troop transport during World War II, is seen below decks with men injured while fighting in Europe.U.S. National Archives
The dog Knobby is seen here at the wheel. The mongrel mascot of a Coast Guard 83-foot rescue cutter stayed with his shipmates during the historic sweep across the English Channel during World War II.U.S. National Archives
U.S. Coast Guard dog Rowdy is seen here heading to his court martial for neglecting sentry duty. He was "demoted from first class to second class specialist, lost extra rations, and given time in the brig." But ranking and rations were restored the following day.U.S. National Archives
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