A Dog’s Life — 70 Years Ago
Pour votre Toutou, madame: straw beds (changed daily), life vests and a menu in French
At one point the French SS Normandie was the largest and fastest ship in the world. Her novel design features and lavish interiors have led many to consider her the greatest of all ocean liners. Even dogs got a royal treatment.
The dogs live comfortably aboard ship behind stainless-steel bars that surround their oval room, at the center of which is a drinking fountain. The kennels are steam-heated and ventilated, fresh beds of straw are provided daily, and the dogs are allowed daily exercise on a top deck. There are even life preservers for the pups in large, medium and small sizes, and a special menu printed in French offers choice bones, soups, biscuits and vegetables. In case the canine tourist is indisposed, a veterinarian aboard helps him win back his sea legs.
Most dogs probably outlasted the vessel. Built in 1932, the ship caught fire while being converted to a troopship in 1942. She capsized, and sank in New York. Restoration was deemed too costly, and she was scrapped after the war.
Via Modern Mechanix
Thu 08-May-08 | Posted in: History
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