Sotilaselkettä
Sotilaselkettä is a Finnish term that translates to "soldier's fox." It refers to the practice of using foxes as mascots or companions by soldiers, particularly during times of conflict. This tradition is not unique to Finland and has seen instances in various cultures throughout history, where animals often provided companionship, morale boosts, or even served utilitarian purposes in military settings.
The concept of animals in military service dates back centuries, with dogs and horses being common. However,
While the primary role of a sotilaselkettä was one of emotional support and companionship, there are anecdotal