Peter (dog) facts for kids
| Species | Dog |
|---|---|
| Breed | Collie |
| Sex | Male |
| Born | 1941 |
| Died | 1952 (aged 10–11) |
| Resting place | Plot 569, Ilford Animal Cemetery 51°35′13″N 0°2′45″E / 51.58694°N 0.04583°E |
| Nation from | British |
| Notable role | Search and rescue dog |
| Owner | Mrs. A.Y. Stables |
| Awards | Dickin Medal |
Peter (1941–1952) was a brave collie dog. In 1945, he received the Dickin Medal. This award is often called the "Victoria Cross for animals." It's given to animals for their amazing bravery in war. During the end of World War II, Peter worked as a search and rescue dog in London. He helped find people trapped in bombed buildings.
In 1946, Peter even met the King, Queen, and Princess Elizabeth. This happened at a special parade. His medal was later sold at an auction in 2000 for £4,600 (about US$6,964).
Peter's Rescue Work
Peter was born in 1941. Mrs. Audrey Stables bought him for 25 shillings. Peter was a bit of a handful at home. He loved to chew things and often ignored commands! Because of this, he joined the war effort. He became a search and rescue dog. Peter worked with his handler, Archie Knight, at a Civil Defence center in Chelsea, London. His official name was Rescue Dog No. 2664/9288 Peter.
From early 1945 until the war ended, Peter was very busy. He searched for people trapped after bombings in London. Archie Knight wrote about Peter's amazing skills. He remembered one time they were called 20 hours after a bombing. It had been raining hard. Three people were missing. Peter quickly showed them a spot that seemed unlikely. But he was right! They found a man and a woman there.
The next day, they were called to another rescue. Peter was in such high demand. Archie worked him for 10 hours straight. Peter never gave up. Every time he signaled, it meant someone was there. Archie hated working him so hard. But he also didn't want to say no to rescue teams who needed Peter.
Peter didn't just save people. One time, he signaled a trapped victim. It turned out to be a grey parrot! On another occasion, he helped save six people from a single attack.
In 1946, Peter and Archie went to a special parade. It was in Hyde Park, London. There, Peter met the King and Queen. Princess Elizabeth, who would later become Queen, even gave him a kiss on the nose!
After the war, Peter helped teach other rescue dogs. He showed them how to find people in mountains. Peter eventually went back to Mrs. Stables. Later, he moved to an animal sanctuary run by the PDSA. Peter passed away and was buried at the PDSA's Ilford Animal Cemetery on November 20, 1952. He is one of twelve Dickin Medal winners buried there.
Awards and Recognition
Peter received the Dickin Medal in November 1945. This medal is like the Victoria Cross for animals. It's given to animals for showing great bravery and service. Peter earned his medal "For locating victims trapped under blitzed buildings while serving with the MAP attached to Civil Defence of London." This means he found people stuck in buildings after air raids.
The award ceremony took place at the Grosvenor House Hotel. Sir James Ross from the Air Ministry presented Peter with his medal. The Dickin Medal is a very special honor for animals.
Peter's Dickin Medal was sold at an auction on July 27, 2000. It sold for £4,600 (about US$6,964). Peter's owner had passed away, and the medal was sold by someone who collected them. At the same auction, another Dickin Medal was sold. It belonged to a brave pigeon named Tyke.
See also
