The War of the Stray Dog: A Border Conflict Triggered by a Dog

In 1925, tensions between Greece and Bulgaria escalated when a Greek soldier chased his stray dog across the border into Bulgaria. The incident led to an exchange of gunfire, resulting in the deaths of the soldier and a Bulgarian sentry. Both countries mobilized their forces, and a brief conflict ensued, known as the War of the Stray Dog.

The League of Nations intervened, urging both sides to cease hostilities. The incident was resolved diplomatically, with Greece ordered to pay reparations to Bulgaria. This odd episode underscores how minor incidents can escalate into international conflicts.