War Dogs…
National K9 Veterans Day Honours America’s Military Dogs. Our War Dogs
American Humane Celebrating the Holiday by Opening Nominations for Annual American Humane Medal of Courage Awards.
“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.” – Ronald Reagan
It was a hundred years ago when it all began. The battle to protect our Freedom fought on a Worldwide scale…
A hundred years ago, our American, British and Canadian soldiers began fighting side by side against those forces that would steal our Freedom from us.
And with those soldiers — trained, faithful, willing Dogs. The Canadians, learning quickly from their German enemies, soon had their own trained military dogs. First as mascots, then messengers, then used to find wounded soldiers on the mangled, muddy battlefields of the Great War, our canines went to war.
In Flanders fields of World War One. Over the beaches of Normandy in WWII, through the Netherlands and into Germany. Korea. Afghanistan. Iraq…
And now, on this month, comes the announcement of a special celebration of National K9 Veterans Day.
Service members have relied on canine comrades since the beginning of organized warfare. But it wasn’t until March 13, 1942, when the United States Army began training dogs for the newly established War Dog Program. Or “K-9 Corps” that they became a critical part of the armed forces.
To commemorate the original launch of the K-9 Corps program, on March 13 we celebrate National K9 Veterans Day.
An annual tribute to honor the service and sacrifice that these dogs have made for their country.
National K9 Veterans Day pays tribute to military dogs and countless other canines serving our nation. From police dogs, to border patrol dogs, and so many more.
American Humane is the country’s first national humane organization. It’s worked to support the U.S. Military and our human and animal warriors for more than 100 years. And is proud to recognize the heroic contributions of these brave service animals on National K9 Veterans Day. And every day.
With the support of internationally renowned philanthropist and veterans’ advocate Lois Pope, the organization champions efforts to support military heroes at both ends of the leash. This is done through its Lois Pope LIFE Center for Military Affairs.
The center helps reunite retired military dogs with their former handlers. Provides veterans struggling with Post-Traumatic Stress with lifesaving service dogs. Arranges free veterinary care for retired four-legged service members. And it drives legislation that supports military dogs and their human counterparts.
In 2016, American Humane successfully lobbied for a provision to the 2016 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
That provision would ensure that military dogs are returned to American soil after their retirements. Prior to the passage of the 2016 NDAA, military working dogs were not guaranteed retirement on the home front. And some were retired overseas. Which made them civilians and rendered them ineligible for transportation home on military aircraft.
American Humane also works to honor retired military dogs who demonstrate exceptional valor in serving our country. The annual American Humane Lois Pope LIFE K-9 Medal of Courage awards are the nation’s highest honor for military dogs. The awards are given out each July on Capitol Hill.
American Humane is currently seeking nominations of retired military dogs. Those who have worked overseas for the American Humane Lois Pope LIFE K-9 Medal of Courage awards. Please direct inquiries and nominations to at 202-677-4220 or TaraL@AmericanHumane.org.
About American Humane:
“American Humane is the country’s first national humane organization. It was founded in 1877. They began working with the American military in 1916. That year the U.S. Secretary of War requested they help rescue wounded war horses on the battlefields of World War I Europe.
“Following World War II, American Humane helped pioneer the use of animal-assisted therapy to aid returning veterans. Today the organization works to help active-duty members of the military, military families, and military animals. For more information, please visit www.AmericanHumane.org.”
A Personal Note:
I grew up with War Veterans. I learned early to appreciate and admire these guys. Not that they glorified war. I’ll never forget what one old vet told me: “The best thing to do with war is not have it. But if you do, get it over with quick. Damned politicians don’t do neither.”
Whether you agree with the necessity of war or not, the one thing we can do is honour and never forget those who went — including our dogs.
==>> For a personal look at war, see Out of My Father’s Shaving Box – Dad’s War, Algonquin Regiment & the Liberation of Holland
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SOURCE: American Humane, PR Newswire & Civilized Bears.
UPDATE: April 27, 2024.
See D Day 80 – Netherlands 80 – Liberation of Holland 80 Years Ago.
Military War Dogs: Celebrating National K9 Veterans Day.
Animal-assisted therapy, K9, K-9 Corps, military dogs breeds, dogs in war, National K9 Veterans Day. Service dogs, working canines, working dogs and war dogs.
