On Memorial Day it’s customary to honor those brave men and women who died to protect our freedom. We owe them an enormous debt, and I’m more grateful than I can say for their service.
At this time of year, I also like to acknowledge the four-footed heroes who serve this country in many capacities. They sniff out booby traps, mines, and weapon arsenals. They alert troops of pending ambush. They drag the wounded to safety. These are dogs who train, work, sustain injuries, and die just like any other soldier in defense of our country.
War dogs are too often unrecognized, although they have gone into battle from the earliest days (think Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans) to the present, and are sent to the most difficult and dangerous combat zones in the world. Because of them, countless human lives have been saved.
But shamefully, in years past, most dogs that survived active duty were labeled “excess” by military powers. And after their faithful service they were euthanized rather than honored.
Fortunately this changed in 2000, after the passage of H.R. 5314, now Public Law 106-446. In essence, the law requires efforts to place retired military dogs in suitable adoptive homes, a far better fate than before. And a better fate is what they deserve. If you’d like to see examples of extraordinary canines in action, Atlantic Magazine has a series of poignant and sometimes heartrending photos showing the bravery of these dogs of war. Even more striking to me, is the obvious deep bond between the soldiers and the dogs. Click here.
There is additional fascinating information on the history of war dogs in the United States as well as heart-tugging individual stories on the United States War Dogs Association website. It’s worthwhile reading, most especially on this upcoming Memorial weekend.
So on Memorial Day, when you pause from picnics, boating, and barbecues to honor all our brave soldiers, please take a moment to think about the courageous dogs of war.
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Pat Wahler is the author of a novel, I am Mrs. Jesse James, and co-author of a picture book, Midnight the One-Eyed Cat; both now available on preorder. A Christmas-themed collection of short stories, essays, and poetry titled Let Your Heart Be Light: A Celebration of Christmas, is scheduled for release in October 2018.
14 Responses
When my 16 year old grandson was 10 he read Saving Sasha about a war dog in WWII, and absolutely loved the book, so I contacted the author for him, and she was thrilled.
That is so cool, Linda! What a great idea to let the author know how much your grandson loved her book. 🙂
Great post Pat. They need to be remembered, also.
I think of my second “war dog” (Falko-863H) quite often. We became a team when we went through K-9 school together in Wiesbaden, Germany. We walked many miles together on patrol.
My first was a sentry dog, Baldur (501K). Sentry dogs were phased out in favor of “patrol dogs” which is how I got Falko.
I remember some of the stories about your dogs, Marty. Working as you did with a dog creates an incredible bond. Thanks for sharing your experience! 🙂
Dogs are such amazing animals. I clicked on that first link and was looking at some of those photos of the dogs like almost “in combat.” It’s almost tear-jerking. I have a soft spot in my heart for dogs, anyway.
Me too, Margo. Dogs are so closely connected to people.
Great reminder, Pat. Thanks for sharing. I love dog stories regardless of the setting.
I do too, Mary. By the way, I read the story your daughter wrote for Lonnie’s book. She did a wonderful job!
Pat–This was several years ago, but I spoke to a person at a Purina event about a program that provided homes for veteran dogs AND veteran soldiers… But the dog was the primary resident.
I’ve read a couple of stories about the bond between soldiers and their dogs. It’s heartwarming when they’re able to jump through all the hoops and eventually get the dog back home with them.
As always, your post is educational and poignant.
Thanks, Sioux! It’s great to hear from you. It definitely made me teary-eyed to look at some of the photos of the dogs with their handlers.
This made me teary-eyed. Great post.
Thanks, Sheree. I know how much you share my love for our four-footed friends.
Thank goodness they are now saving these precious dogs. So sad that they were not valued before. It’s shameful we are such a throwaway society.
Ann
I couldn’t agree with you more, Ann!