In 1943, the house at 80 Premier Drive, Belfast was home to Mr. Robert Meekin. He was a labourer who was also the Honorary Secretary of the Ulster Kerry Blue Terrier Club. During the course of the Second World War, Mr. Meekin struck up a correspondence with Major General Russell P. Hartle, U.S. Army.
Hartle was the Commanding Officer of 34th Infantry Division during their time in Ulster. Other officers and friends, even General Eisenhower, referred to him as “Scrappy”. However, there was another “Scrappy” in the Hartle household, his pet, a Kerry Blue Terrier.
In fact, “Scrappy” the dog’s name was Ballyloughran Blue Peter, a prize-winning thoroughbred. During his time in Ulster, Hartle entered the dog in competitions. In May 1942, “Scrappy” took home 3 first prizes and 2 second prizes from the Drogheda Dog Show.
General Hartle has a new dog. A friend bought it for him in Dublin. It’s one of these square-nosed Irish dogs called a Kerry Blue, and its coat is actually sort of blue. The dog’s name is Scrappy, which incidentally is the General’s nickname. “Actually, he’s got a lot scrappier than I am”, General Hartle says.
St. Petersburg Times, 19th August 1942.
It would appear that “Scrappy” became well-known during the Major General’s time in Northern Ireland. At some time in 1942 or early 1943, Mr. Robert Meekin wrote to Hartle offering the esteemed position of President of the Ulster Kerry Blue Terrier Club. Unfortunately, Major General Hartle had to turn down the offer due to the ongoing conflict.
On receiving the news, Meekin wrote to the U.S. Army Major General on 16th June 1943.
Dear Sir, The officers and members of the above club regret that your duties cannot allow you to honour the club by becoming President and have taken the liberty of making you a Life Member.
We wish to thank you for offering to present a trophy for our Annual Cup Show which will be competed for in the Post Graduate Class and should tend to add great interest among the members.
I am glad to know that “Scrappy” is keeping fit and I am sure enhancing the Kerry Blue reputation wherever he goes and always keeping fresh in your memory the pleasant associations you made in N. Ireland.
With the club’s best wishes and thanks to you and your troops who have done much to bring a closer understanding between Britain and America when peace comes.
In return, General Hartle returned a letter to the Ulster Kerry Blue Terrier Club on 30th June 1943.
Dear Mr. Meekin: With reference to your letter of June 16th, please express to the membership of our Kerry Blue Club my utmost appreciation of the thought that prompted them in making me a lifetime member. In the latter connection, I again wish to register my regret in not being able to function as your president.
I hope to be able to fulfill my promise of a trophy for the annual cup show during the not-distant future. In the meantime, with many thanks, my very kindest regards to the various members of the club.