Pets become part of our families. During World War II, many families sent loved-ones off to war. Did you know that some family pets were called to serve as well? In fact, there is a well-known dog from King, Wisconsin who did just that.

Oren Kendley raised his dog, Brownie, for about 18 months before he learned about the the U.S. Army asking people to volunteer their dogs for the Dogs for Defense units. Oren selflessly decided to enlist Brownie. Brownie began his sentry training at the Fort Robinson Dog Reception & Training Center in Nebraska in May of 1943.

After training, Brownie was sent to the Pacific Theatre. While serving, he was wounded and lost an eye. He returned to his family in September of 1944.

Brownie was a regular at the veterans home in King where he became a beloved mascot and friend to those who lived there. Tragically, Brownie was struck by a car and died in 1949.

The memory of Brownie lives on. He was buried with military honors at the Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in King. Recently, Kelly Nelson wrote a book, Brownie the War Dog, published by the Wisconsin Historical Society Press. The children’s book details the remarkable life of a beloved Wisconsin veteran. Every veteran, even a furry one, is a story.

Images from the Wisconsin Veterans Museum Collection Mss2016.052.001.