Fort Ord's Mascot

In 1941, ten months before the attack on Pearl Harbor, the newly activated 7th Infantry at Fort Ord was able to indulge in a love of dogs that is still seen on the Monterey Peninsula. Among the base's 15,000 men lived 75 dogs. Private Everett Scott had left his 10-year-old airdale back at his farm in Kansas, and the grieving dog named Laddie had lost 15 of his 40 pounds in the three months since Scott arrived at Fort Ord. Laddie was flown the 2,000 miles to California to be re-united with his master. When he arrived at the post he was found wrapped in blankets and hot water bottles. Laddie perked up at the sound of Scott's voice and began eating again. The base veterinarian provided blood transfusions, injections, and brandy. Men at the base hoped that Laddie would enjoy his last years chasing rabbits around the Army Reservation. But Laddie survived only four days on the base. The 7th Infantry held a simple funeral for their new – and late – mascot.

Dogs in Carmel

"Dogs are distinct and important personalities in Carmel," wrote local journalist and historian Daisy Bostick in 1945. "Their numbers are bewildering...You can scarcely be a real Carmelite without a dog attached to your household." One of the most famous dogs in Carmel history was Pal, a friendly mutt of the 1930s and early '40s who achieved his distinction for nothing more complicated than being sweet-natured and always ready for a ramble to the beach with anyone who asked. Pal died in 1943 and is buried on the grounds of the Forest Theater. His tombstone reads, "Carmel's Dog."

(Photo credit: Three dogs enjoying Carmel Beach courtesy of owner. © 2008 by Shaghaghi)