by Jaime Netzer
http://www.vspa.com/k9/hist-VFW.htm
War Dogs Service To Our Soldiers
For almost as long as man has been waging war, dogs have stood at soldiers’ sides. Whether serving as sentries, messengers or search dogs, these loyal hounds share a unique ability: they can simultaneously save troops’ lives and destroy enemies.
War dogs have helped buttress our armed forces officially and effectively since WWII. Despite shifts in duties and breeds, dog-handler relationships—usually close, unyielding bonds—remain largely unchanged.
Dogs have a long history as mascots—and morale boosters—in U.S. war efforts.
As the war drew to a close, the Army took on an ambitious plan to return military dogs to civilian life. It recognized those war dogs that hadn’t died in the line of duty by issuing a discharge certificate upon their return home. However, this process was riddled with problems and was eventually discontinued. Since 1945, canine recruitment has meant servitude for life, and dogs have been technically classified as “equipment.”
To learn more of the history of War Dogs, just do a general google search.
Adoption Of War Dog Vets
In 2000, Congress passed a law allowing dogs declared “excess” by the Defense Department to be adopted by law-enforcement agencies, prior military handlers and the general public. But lots of people—vets and non-vets alike—are still unaware they can adopt retired military working dogs (MWDs).
To adopt an MWD, prospective owners fill out a basic application answering questions about their experience with dogs, other pets in the household, yard size, fencing and children in the household.
Once a match for a prospective adoption is made, an agreement is signed for the transfer of ownership, releasing the Defense Department from liability.
The dogs are free, but the new owners must pay all costs, including transportation.
‘We Are Grateful’: War Dog Memorials
There are dozens of memorials dedicated to four-legged heroes around the country and as far away as Guam. Here is a partial list:
West Coast Dog Memorial
March Field Air Museum
Riverside, Calif.
A bronze and granite monument 16 feet tall and 10 feet wide depicts a combat-attired GI with a dog at his side. The inscription reads: “They protected us on the field of battle. They watch over our eternal rest. We are grateful.” An identical memorial resides at the National Infantry Museum, Ft. Benning, Columbus, Ga.
Military War Dog Monument
Eisenhower Park
Long Island, N.Y.
On Memorial Day 2008, a monument paying homage to all American military dogs was erected in New York. The inscription reads: “Dedicated to all military K-9s, past, present, future—always loyal, always faithful, forever remembered.”
War Dog Memorial
Bristol Township Municipal Building
Bristol Township, Penn.
This memorial is for dogs from all services and was dedicated in 2004 and sculpted by Joe Pavone.
Alabama War Dogs Memorial
USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park
Mobile, Ala.
Dedicated on Nov. 11, 2008, this four-ton granite slab supports statues depicting a war dog, his handler and other soldiers. The marble back side contains a listing of war dogs that served handlers from Alabama.
War Dog Memorial
Pettis County Courthouse
Sedalia, Mo.
Dedicated in 2003, this memorial reads: “My eyes are your eyes to watch and protect you and yours. My ears are your ears to hear and detect evil minds in the dark. My nose is your nose to scent the invader of your domain and so you may live my life is also yours.”
Doberman War Dog Memorial
Guam
In the battle for Guam (July 21-August 10, 1944) a Doberman named Kurt saved the lives of 250 Marines when he warned them of Japanese troops ahead. He is honored by a life-sized bronze and granite memorial.
Learn the adoption process, adoption application, adoption stories and more.
http://www.militaryworkingdogadoptions.com/
