Last time we looked at Depot Dogs, we learned about the unique collection service dogs had with railroad companies. Today, we are looking at Depot Dogs in the States. In the United States of America, there is not much in the historical record about collection dogs involved with the railway. Unfortunately, it means that many of the railroad dog tales from the USA tend to instead be dour reminders about the dangers of pets near railroads.
Owney pictured with his many, many medals and tags. Photo provided by the National Postal Museum.
One of the most well-known American dogs was Owney the postal dog. He started in a New York post office where he grew fond of mail bags, then followed them out of the building, onto wagons, and then onto trains! Owney was quickly embraced as a mascot by the railway mail service workers and ended up travelling all over by train, collecting souvenirs from various organizations who were charmed by him on his travels. He ended up with so many objects clipped to his collar that it got to be too heavy! The Postmaster General created a tag display harness for him to spread the weight around. The postmaster in Tacoma, Washington even sent him on a worldwide trip to advertise the city in 1895! Owney traveled by steamship and train all the way to Asia, the Middle East, and all throughout the continental United States. After 9 years of service, he became ill and aggressive in his old age and had to be put down. Still, he was so beloved by the postal workers, that they raised the funds to preserve him, and he is still on display in the National Postal Museum today with many of his collected souvenirs.
Shep the sheepdog standing in the middle of the train tracks, a dangerous place nobody should ever stand. Photo courtesy of River & Plaines Society/Overholser Historical Research Center.
Another well-known and far more heart wrenching story is that of Shep from Montana. When his owner passed in 1936, the man was taken away by train for burial. Shep followed along, waiting for him to come back, which unfortunately could never happen. That did not deter Shep from waiting at the station for the next six years. He would meet every train that came into station, then disappear back beneath the platform after each train failed to produce his owner. Shep’s story ends tragically, as he lost his hearing in his old age and did not hear an oncoming train until it was too late. The town who loved him held a funeral for him and was later immortalized with a statue in his honor.
Tempting as it may be to bring your own pup along on the train, it will always be safer to leave them at home if they are not a working dog. Most pet dogs do not care much for the loud whistles or the clattering clanks and may bolt in a panic as the train rolls by. The railway cars that run here in the Snoqualmie Valley are historic Museum artifacts, and just like many people do not want dog hair on their antique furniture, the Museum would prefer the historic seat cushions remain dog hair and dander free. It is also important to consider the comfort of other passengers as some may have allergies to dander or even a fear of dogs.
For those who find themselves on an unplanned visit to the Museum on a Saturday, some businesses in downtown Snoqualmie offer doggie daycare services! Or, have a family member stay with the dog at the depot while the rest enjoy the ride. Downtown Snoqualmie is charming and offers great mountain views while you wait with your furry friend. It is always safer than leaving your pet alone in the car, especially on a sunny day.
