Sep 14 2009
Our Forgotten Heroes, The Dogs of War
In the early 1970s I was serving in Germany. At that time we had two dog handlers and their partners patrolling and protecting our missile site at all times. Everyone loved these wonderful animals and their devotion to the troops they protected was unsurpassed. But even though he was every troop’s friend, those he didn’t know approached at their own peril. Then one day a group of Bader-Meinhof gang members probed our tactical site and in the process shot one of our dogs. To this day I’ll never forget Rex and his warm nature. I also remember the tears we all shed when he died in the snow by our guard shack.
There is a movement here in the United States to finally recognize the contributions of man’s best friend.
These have always been the virtues against which soldiers are measured. For these distinguishing qualities, a soldier is given medals and the recognition of his country. Military working dogs also possess these qualities. They have served without compensation or recognition, nor been honored for their sacrifice. These gallant dogs have more than earned the right to be fully recognized for their service to this country. That recognition will be the National War Dogs Monument.
For nearly a century, an estimated 100,000 dogs have served in the United States military, doing jobs in explosive and mine detection, tracking, and scouting. Dogs have carried messages and stood watch as sentries. Early on, dogs were donated by the civilian population in order to fill military needs. Later they were specially bred for the job. Dogs have served all over Europe, Vietnam, Bosnia, Kosovo, and today, are serving in Afghanistan and Iraq. (Source: National War Dogs Monument)
Not only have these courageous animals protected and served along side our soldiers in combat, they have also been instrumental in helping our wounded heal. Therapy dogs have been visiting and comforting our returning wounded quietly across the nation.
VA hospitals nationwide are integrating service dogs into treatment plans for disabled vets, said Will Baldwin, a vocational rehabilitation counselor for the VA in Denver. The program was formed after Freedom Service Dogs, a Denver-based nonprofit, recently partnered with the VA.
Training takes up to nine months and costs $23,000. Service Dogs doesn’t charge its clients but relies on private donations and foundation grants.
“The population is growing exponentially down in Fort Carson with the Wounded Warriors program,” said Freedom Service Dogs’ Diane Vertovec, referring to the Army unit that prepares wounded Soldiers for civilian life. “We feel like a dog can help a vet meet physical challenges but, more importantly, can really, really help them overcome a lot of the mental instability that they’re feeling.” (Source: Military.Com)
At a VA hospital in Maine Petty Officer 2nd Class Johnson and his partner, Sierra, a Great Dane, visit and help wounded veterans recover. Not only do they bring joy to the wounded they visit, they also help heal.
“The interaction between the dogs and patients encourages healing, lowers blood pressure, and helps develop emotional relationships,” said Alice Workman, the administrator of Courtland Rehabilitation and Living Center in Maine. “Not only is this beneficial to patients, it is also a great way to strengthen the bond between the dogs and their owners.”
There are two types of animal-assisted interactions. Animal-assisted therapy, where the dog or other animal works with a patient to achieve set goals, and animal-assisted activities, such as visitation, in which the dog visits with the patient, stands quietly and allows the patient to pet it.
“Animals bring unconditional love and caring to the bedside,” Johnson said. “And patients, if they are animal lovers, truly respond.” (Source: Military.Com)
But it doesn’t stop there. These wonderful creatures help preserve the sanity of our men and women serving. Recently we’ve heard many tales of our troops befriending indigenous canines in Iraq. Sometimes they have managed to bring their faithful friends home with them. And then sometimes their beloved friends have come home without their masters. And they have helped the families of those who lost loved ones cope with the pain of that loss.
Over 100,000 dogs have served our country in war. They have saved thousands of lives and given comfort and friendship to many. If you, like I, believe that is time we honor these wonderful creatures then visit the National War Dogs Memorial and lets give them the recognition they deserve.
And to my old friend Rex, who sacrificed his life for us in Germany, you are not forgotten.
As a lifelong lovers of animals, it is very gratifying to know that service dogs that are so ready and willing to lay down their lives for their human friends are being so honored for their incredible courage and loyalty. Serving in the armed services is only one of the many valuable duties they perform for the human race. I sometimes think that dogs, with their great hearts and willingness to serve, are better equipped than humans to demonstrate the true meanings of loyalty, dependability and nobility of character. Thank you for this article.
Wonderful tribute, thanks. For years I read nothing but history and read of the dogs who carried messages under fire in WW1 and of course all other wars.
The K9 Corp in the military, as Police service dogs and as rescue dogs after a natural disaster.
I have been a life-long animal lover and my present furry friend came to live with me in a critical time of my life. I have since added 10 cats to my menagerie but my Ellen is the one who is right by my pillow when I wake and can reach up and pat her then tell her how pretty she is
PS- The K9 handlers deserve recognition also. Without their bravery and wisdom the dogs would not be able to perform their tasks