Today we are talking about honor. I see in one of Mom’s books, a guy named Webster says that means “high respect, adherence to what is right, a keen sense of ethical conduct.”
Photo: U.S. Marine/Rebecca L. Floto
That definition doesn’t begin to describe these most honorable canines. March 13 is National K9 Veteran’s Day, to remember and honor the steadfast dogs who have walked into battle beside their soldiers, defending right and freedom.
The story of working dogs in warfare is an old one, recorded back in ancient Persia, Greece, Assyria and Babylon. Dogs were part of Attila the Hun’s forces in his fifth-century European conquests. In the Middle Ages, knights even outfitted dogs in armor.
Service members have relied on canine comrades since early 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 became a critical part of the armed forces. To commemorate the original launch of the K-9 Corps program, we pay tribute on that same date, 79 years later.
Sergeant Stubby, 1921 – photo by Lisa Larsen-Walker
The K9 Corps may not have been organized until WWII, but there were some courageous and famous dogs before that. Sergeant Stubby was the famous 4-legged soldier of WWI. There were “Red Cross dogs” back then, too, who carried medical supplies and provided comfort to soldiers on both sides. Check them out at www.military.com and search dogs.
But it was Joe White, a hero of the Vietnam conflict and a dog trainer and handler, that pushed for the recognition the canine heroes deserved. Though it did not happen in his lifetime, March 13 finally became a national day of recognition.
Mom has old photos of a soldier from way back. I saw pictures of a long procession to a wind-swept cemetery in the dry hills of eastern Montana.
She called him a great-uncle, a Montana ranch boy who became a runner and sniper in France. I wonder if he would have survived that time, if he had had a good dog there with him? Did he die in that forest, thinking about riding the home ranch with his cowdogs once more?
The heroic Chips, a soldier from WWII.
National K9 Veterans Day recognizes the service and sacrifice that dogs have made for their country and pays tribute to military dogs, police dogs, border patrol dogs and more.
I suppose not too many of them were cowdogs, but I like to believe some of our traits and maybe relatives, contributed to the cause.
They all knew a thing or two about honor. They all are furry examples of integrity and solid adherence to the strict moral and ethical code the truly honorable soldier lives.
They worked as sledge dogs, who search for downed airmen. Dogs pack supplies, track and detect explosives, mines and traps. Some did guard duty, others chase bad guys, or work in tactical combat settings.
Some work as silent scouts who warn their soldiers without barking! This Heeler would fail at that job I’m afraid. Many carry messages back and forth on the battlefield and, saddest of all, casualty dogs locate the wounded. They do this out of wartime, too, whenever there is a disaster that leaves victims lost or buried in debris. There were real heroes searching through rubble after 9/11.
You could learn a lot about honor from these heroes, and every soldier they walk beside. This has extended, of course, to the many civilian critters who are members of police forces everywhere. These dogs sniff out drugs and run down criminals. There is a great organization that helps protect them by donating vests to protect them from attack. There are many police dogs still doing their job because the gunshot or knife attack met their vest. They also provide kits to save dogs from drug effects. You can help protect these law enforcement canines here: www.vik9s.org
and here: Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. | Facebook
I know, not a lot of cowdogs here today. That doesn’t mean we Heelers aren’t honorable, and you know we would go to war and defend our people anytime. You can donate to these fine causes to help K9 Veterans, in honor of your own great Heeler. You can even adopt a retired vet! And you can sure celebrate the day with cookies, toys and treats with your own esteemed canine.
