(616)358-0030
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1503 138th Ave
Dogs of Dorr
About Us
Each of our cabins is named in honor of some of the most courageous and beloved military working dogs in history. These K9 heroes served alongside their handlers on the front lines, protecting, guiding, and inspiring unwavering loyalty in the most difficult of battles. We name our cabins after these dogs as a memorial to the vital role they played in defending freedom throughout our nation’s history — a tribute to the bond between humans and their four-legged warriors.
The Cabins
Sallie Ann Jarrett - American Civil War
Sallie Ann Jarrett was a brindle Staffordshire Bull Terrier who became the loyal mascot and protector of the 11th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. Given to the soldiers as a puppy in 1861, she grew up among the troops, marching alongside them through countless battles including Antietam, Fredericksburg, and Chancellorsville.
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Sallie wasn’t just a mascot — she took her duty seriously. During combat, she stood firm on the front lines, barking at the enemy and refusing to retreat. At the Battle of Gettysburg, she became separated from her regiment and was later found guarding the fallen and wounded soldiers of her unit, refusing food and water until help arrived. Her devotion left a lasting impression on every soldier who served beside her.
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When Sallie was killed in action in 1865, the men of her regiment risked their lives to bury her on the battlefield. In her honor, the soldiers added a bronze statue of Sallie to their Gettysburg monument — not at the top with the soldiers, but at their feet, where she had always remained. Sallie symbolizes unwavering loyalty, and the deep love shared between a dog and her people.
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Sgt. Stubby - World War I
Sgt. Stubby began life as a stray Boston Terrier mix — scrappy, smart, and full of personality. He wandered onto the training grounds of the 26th “Yankee” Division, winning the hearts of soldiers and eventually being smuggled overseas to France.
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In the trenches, Stubby quickly proved himself invaluable:
• He could detect incoming gas attacks before any equipment did.
• He located and comforted wounded soldiers in no-man’s-land.
• He learned to recognize artillery whines and bark warnings before incoming fire.
• He even captured a German spy, gripping the soldier by the seat of his pants until help arrived.
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Over 18 months of combat and 17 major battles, Stubby’s courage earned him several medals and the rare honor of being promoted to sergeant, making him the most decorated dog of the Great War. After the war, he became a national celebrity — meeting presidents, marching in parades, and serving as a symbol of American morale and resilience.
Stubby’s story reminds us that heroes come in all shapes and sizes.
Chips - World War II
Chips was a German Shepherd/Collie/Husky mix donated to the U.S. Army’s War Dog Training Center by his family to support the war effort. Trained as a sentry and scout dog, he served in multiple theaters including North Africa, Italy, France, and Germany.
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Chips displayed extraordinary bravery during the 1943 invasion of Sicily. When his platoon was pinned down by enemy machine-gun fire, Chips broke from his handler, charged the fortified nest, and forced the crew to surrender. Despite suffering wounds from gunfire and shrapnel, he returned to duty the very same day — later assisting in capturing ten more enemy soldiers.
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He was initially awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart, though they were later revoked due to rules preventing animals from receiving such honors. Still, his legacy remained unquestioned — a dog who fearlessly protected the men who served beside him.
After the war, Chips returned home to his family and enjoyed a peaceful life, remembered as one of the bravest K9s to serve in uniform.
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