[2] Those living in Williamsburg were allowed to keep up to two male dogs, assuming they wore collars with their owners' initials.
[5] In addition to admiration for some of the dogs he kept for domestic purposes, like Sweet Lips, Venus, and True Love, Washington wrote about his rides with his foxhounds.
[8] During a surprise attack on the British at Germantown on October 4, 1777, Howe's fox terrier, Lila, was lost in the commotion and ended up joining the American Army as it withdrew from the battlefield back to its encampment.
Continental Army Major General Charles Lee is remembered not only for his military accomplishments, but also for usually traveling with many dogs by his side.
[9] While in Halifax, Virginia, Lee is remembered for not allowing Spado "'to eat bacon for breakfast ... lest it make him stupid.'"
At a party, Lee ordered his favorite dog and frequent companion, Spado, to climb on a chair and present his paw to Abigail Adams to shake.
[10] Abigail Adams, in a letter to her husband on December 10, 1775, recalled the event: I was very politely entertaind and noticed by the Generals, more especially General Lee, who was very urgent with me to tarry in Town and dine with him and the Laidies present, at Hob Goblin Hall, but I excused my self.
[14] Baron von Steuben, a Prussian and American military officer, served as inspector general and major general of the Continental Army and played a vital role in leading training and inspection tours for the Continental Army at Valley Forge.
[15] Azor, an Italian greyhound and Steuben's favorite dog, traveled with the Baron wherever he went throughout the war.
Azor's name and stories of his relationship with the Baron can be found in many accounts of those who interacted with Steuben during his time with the Continental Army.