A WWII Marine Corps Personality Quiz for Prospective Canine Recruits

Soon after World War II erupted, the U.S. Marine Corps invited families who wanted to help the war effort to donate their pet dogs. It's an indication of the era's volunteerism that many people submitted their pets to be "enlisted." Potential donors were asked to fill out forms that required them to answer questions from the dogs’ perspective. The unusual personality quizzes asked questions including, “Are you nervous?” and “Do you run away?” The quizzes weren’t just a gimmick. Not all of the dogs that were volunteered for service were accepted. Military records reveal that some were refused for "unsuitable temperament,” or were determined to be "too queasy for combat.”

 By Cate Lineberry / Slate /continue reading