Owney

I thought I would share another new library book with you. Owney The Mail-Pouch Pooch by Mona Kerby is based on a real 19th century dog who became famous for guarding the U.S. Mail. It is amazing to think that there was a real little terrier mix dog who loved mail pouches and railroad cars so much he made a life of traveling and ensuring the mail was safe.

Mona Kerby does an excellent job of piecing together the many tales of Owney’s travels. From jumping rail cars to travel the world Owney led an exciting life. He was not just one person’s pet because he was fiercely independent. No one ever knew where he would show up but when he did he was honored with medals and tags that soon made his collar very heavy. Owney refused to take off his medals so one kind postman made him a special harness to help him carry his medals around. 

Owney was so well loved that when he died he was preserved for the world to remember him. He now lives in the Smithsonian in Washington D.C.

I hope you take the time to read this special story of Owney, the dog that traveled the world guarding the U.S. Mail.