{"id":4245,"date":"2026-03-01T07:07:00","date_gmt":"2026-03-01T12:07:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nelights.com\/blog\/?p=4245"},"modified":"2025-10-01T12:27:34","modified_gmt":"2025-10-01T16:27:34","slug":"keepers-dog-smut-saved-schooner-at-two-bush-island-light","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nelights.com\/blog\/keepers-dog-smut-saved-schooner-at-two-bush-island-light\/","title":{"rendered":"Keeper\u2019s Dog Smut Saved Schooner at Two Bush Island Light"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\"Two<\/a>

Two Bush Island Lighthouse on a Rocky Shore in Midcoast Maine<\/p><\/div>\n

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Keeper\u2019s Dog Smut Became Local Hero for Saving Schooner at Two Bush Island Light in Maine<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

Many keepers kept canine companions with them for personal company and as another set of eyes and ears to help sense danger. This is just one of many stories where dogs helped rescue individuals caught in New England\u2019s fast-approaching and relentless storms.<\/p>\n

Two Bush Island was named for two lone bushes or trees, now gone, that served as day beacons before the building of the lighthouse. Two Bush Island Lighthouse<\/a><\/strong> was one of the last beacons built on the Maine Coast in 1897. The first keeper of Two Bush Island Light, Altiverd Norton, had a famous dog named Smut, who became a hero when, during a March storm in 1902, a fishing schooner, the Clara Bella<\/em>, started taking in water. Keeper Norton and his family were asleep and could not hear anything as the fierce winds from the storm deafened any sounds. The dog heard the ship crash on the rocks and the men’s cries for help. Sensing the danger, he started barking to awaken Keeper Norton and started frantically scratching the door to be let out. Keeper Norton believed something had happened to create this unusual behavior in the dog. He let Smut outside, grabbed a line or rope for a possible rescue, and followed the canine down to the rocks. The keeper could see a small dory with two men aboard from a distance. The men were desperately trying to find a way to land on the island when they heard Smut’s frantic barking guiding them to the shoreline.<\/p>\n

\"Vintage<\/a>

Vintage Image Two Bush Island Lighthouse
Courtesy US Coast Guard<\/p><\/div>\n

The keeper and Smut kept yelling at the men to keep coming towards them when, suddenly, a huge wave came over the dory and overturned the small craft, spilling the frightened men into the turbulent waters a short distance from the shore. Norton was prepared in case of such an incident and was able to get a line to the men, hauling both ashore to safety. The two survivors were brought into the lighthouse and cared for with warm clothing and food. Keeper Norton told the men how Smut heard their cries, and the grateful survivors continued to hug the animal, thanking it and patting it in gratitude. They offered to purchase the dog at any cost, but the keeper could not relinquish his favorite four-legged companion. He told them that Smut was priceless and could never give him up.<\/p>\n

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Visiting Two Bush Island<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Two Bush Island Lighthouse is located outside Tenants Harbor in Penobscot Bay in mid-coast Maine on route to Rockland. Public access is not allowed on the island as it is a protected seabird wildlife refuge. The Maine Coastal Islands Wildlife Refuge<\/a><\/strong> contains more than 60 offshore islands. Most of these islands don\u2019t allow visitors to explore, but some boats will take you out to view the islands. The Monhegan Boat Line<\/a><\/strong> ferry leaves out of Port Clyde for daily trips to Monhegan Island during the summer months. It also provides a unique tour that includes viewing Two Bush Island Light as one of seven beacons on its annual Midcoast Lighthouse Challenge at the end of June.
\nIt’s a great trip and a lot of fun! Here are a few photos<\/a><\/strong>.
\nEnjoy!
\nAllan Wood
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