07/04/2026
**🇺🇸 Historical Animal Heroes: Pooli 🐈**
Not every war hero had paws on the battlefield. Some kept watch from the deck of a ship.
Meet **Pooli**, a remarkable cat born on the Fourth of July in 1944 at Pearl Harbor. Nicknamed **Princess Papule**, she became the beloved ship's cat aboard the USS *Fremont*, serving alongside American sailors throughout the Pacific during World War II.
Pooli sailed through major campaigns, including Iwo Jima, providing comfort and companionship to the crew during some of the most challenging moments of the war. Whenever the "battle stations" alarm sounded, she had a favorite hiding place—a mail sack—waiting calmly until the danger had passed. By the end of the war, she had earned **three service ribbons and four battle stars**, a testament to the extraordinary journey she shared with her shipmates.
At our veterinary clinic, we're reminded every day that animals are more than pets—they're companions, healers, and sometimes even heroes. Pooli's story is another beautiful example of the comfort, loyalty, and hope that animals have provided throughout history.
As you enjoy our Fourth of July parade float, we hope you'll take a moment to remember Pooli and the countless animals whose quiet courage has stood beside those who served.
Happy Independence Day! ❤️🤍💙
