One hundred and four years ago today, the “unsinkable ship” known as the Titanic struck an iceberg in the north Atlantic and sank on its maiden voyage to America taking at least twelve dogs down to a water grave. Three did survive, all of them small dogs easily secreted inside a coat or blanket. It’s suspected that more dogs were on the ship that day, but because they were listed as cargo, most details are lost to us.
Margaret Hays had just bought her dog in Paris, a Pomeranian she named “Lady.” When the order was given to evacuate, Lady was wrapped and hidden in a blanket. The other surviving Pomeranian was owned by the Rothschilds, while a Pekingese named Sun Yat-Sen was brought on board by the Harpers of the famed publishing firm, Harper & Row and also survived.
A Toy Poodle named “Frou-Frou,” an Airedale named Kitty, “Gamin de Pycombe,” a French Bulldog, a King Charles Spaniel, an Airedale, a Chow-Chow and a Fox Terrier named, “Dog” all perished. It’s said that about 100 English Foxhounds were due to board the Titanic, but arrangements were made at the last minute for the dog to travel on a different ship.
We know you all too well. We suspect many of you would never leave your dogs. We’re not sure we would. It’s difficult to say what any of us would do when faced with such a scenario.
Ann Elizabeth Isham was one who didn’t leave her dog. She visited her Great Dane in the ship’s kennels daily, and when she was told that her dog was too big to join her in the lifeboat, she left the boat. Her body was found floating several days later, clutching her dog in the frigid water. The sadness is staggering.
Image of “Kitty” with her owners, John Jacob Astor IV and his wife Madeleine as they boarded the ship. John and Kitty didn’t survive. (via Cheddarbay.com)