"Spirit Dogs"

[Sharps '74]

In the book "Through Blood & Sweat" by Zuelke re: "Operation Husky 2013", the author mentions a couple of stray mutts that 'adopted' the marchers for stretches of the trek. They were not interested in human companionship and asked no favours.

The first, nicknamed "Husky 1" refused to leave one particular grave despite all coaching.

A second stray, this one called "Husky 2" adopted the marchers for a while before again disappearing. This was a little weird for some and when the accompanying Carabinieri heard about it, they said - "Spirit Dogs" as if it was a no-brainer. The marchers became comfortable with the idea that the dogs were in fact just that, the spirits of dead soldiers.

I think I hear the strains of "The Twilight Zone" .....

 

[KePet]

You mean you don't have "Spirit Dogs" that follow you around?

 

[Sharps '74]

Considering some of the sh!t I've survived, that might be a reasonable explanation .....

 

[Sharps '74]

It gets even better ....

At one time, three Sicilian mules showed up at the side of the road. Two bolted, but one hung around, posing with marchers who even put a hat on him. This was reminiscent of the mules the Army used to transport gear during the campaign.

Later a THIRD stray dog appears. It appeared at the tombstone of a soldier. When the family returned for a final visit, the dog reappeared and stayed with them. Then as they went back to their car, it vanished again.

"When I tell people about "Husky 1 and Husky 2 and what the Carabinieri said about them, they become more people who are not about to discount the idea of there being spirits at play in the heart of Sicily."