Dog named "Pies" – Secret Guardian of Marshal Piłsudski who rode with him in the car
Today, November 11th, we celebrate the Polish Independence Day – 107th anniversary of our nation's regaining independence. On this occasion it is worth to learn the less famous side of the life of Józef Piłsudski, the creator of Polish independence. It turns out that next to the legend of the mares of Chestnut, which became a symbol of the marshal, We have an intriguing story about his faithful companion – a dog with an unusual name: "Pies".
Józef Piłsudski, chief of state, chief of state, and later the first Marshal of Poland, was known for his deep love for animals. However, it was his second dog the German Shepherd – he enrolled himself in history as an equally unusual figure as the name he gave him.
The extraordinary story of "The Dog" – a German Shepherd trained for secret missions
"Pies" was not the ordinary name of the marshal's whim – the name was a eloquent sign of time and a kind of kind of irony. This German Shepherd, also known as wolfhound (because of his construction and attitude), did not accidentally enter Piłsudski's palace. The dog's expedition was immediately extraordinary – he was specially trained by the police to guard the documents and protect the warden of the state.
"This dog was not random because he had police training. It was intended to guard the secret law firm through which Piłsudski led the state" – explained Jan Ołdakowski, author of a book devoted to the Marshal's dog.
It was the task of "Dog" to ensure that no one was allowed to enter the secretarium without the guardian's permission. It was therefore a top-level guard dog, a dog protecting state secrets.
However, despite his dangerous appearance and unusual responsibilities, the Dog proved to be a soft - hearted animal. When they came to the palace, he gladly accepted treats from them, refused to say goodbye, and his tall, impressive appearance did not deter him from being kind.
If he drove with the Marshal
One of the hardest evidence of the unique status of "Dog" in Piłsudski's life are archived photographs from 1929. The photo taken in July 1929 shows Józef Piłsudski when he leaves Warsaw for Sulejówka – and in the rear seat of the car, right at the march of the marshal (who sits in the goggles of the driver), he sits "Pies". It wasn't just a ride. It was a sign of the status, trust and attachment of the marshal to his pet.
The photographs from 1928 described in the archives also show "The Dog" right next to Piłsudski in the company of the colonel. Joseph Beck before leaving for Romania – The dog was therefore a member of the official delegation. The story reveals that "Pies" "liked to drive with you" and "often performed with him at official events, posing for pictures".
Defender of the Marshal's daughters – a dangerous guard with a golden heart
Although "Pies" was a trained guard, his greatest passion became taking care of Pilsudski's daughters — Wanda and Jadwiga. Wilczur became particularly attached to girls. He allowed them to do anything, but he did not allow third parties to approach him without impunity.
The story given by the Marshal's wife, Alexandra Piłska, shows how much "Pies" meant to the whole family: he was almost a member of a house that could love unconditionally.
However, not everyone felt comfortable with the Dog. The famous Polish poet Kazimier Iłlakowicz was a victim of his protective zeal. When she came to Piłsudski, the wolf threw himself at her for defensive reasons – the poet in terror fell. However, the Marshal himself insisted that "his pet never bites."
The importance of "Dog" in the life of the Marshal
The first dog of the Piłsudski family was Dorek, who belonged to the house before the 1926 May bombing. But it's "Dog" — German Shepherd with Police Training – became a legend.
Pilsudski was a man who trusted few. His political relations were complicated, full of intrigues and challenges. But the dog could trust him completely. He was a friend who doesn't do politics, doesn't lie, doesn't cheat. In a world full of intrigue, the Marshal's dog was pure love and loyalty.
Today, 11 November, when we celebrate the Independence Day of Poland, it is worth remembering not only the figure of Józef Piłsudski as a politician and military, but also as a man who could love and be loved. The story of the "Dog" – a dog with a terrible sounding name, who drove a car with the Marshal and protected his daughters – is a story about the relationship between man and animal, which transcends all conventions and continues to this day in memory of the history of Poland.
Summary
107 years after Poland regained its independence, the story of Józef Piłsudski and his dog "The Dog" remains almost unknown to the masses, even though it was present in archives, photographs and memories of the marshal's relatives. This is a testimony of the fact that behind the great history is a man – a man who loved animals, trusted them completely and always protected them. "The dog" was more than a dog – he was a son, guardian, companion and family to Józef Piłsudski.
