The Barking Lot is a weekly blog about anything and everything to do about dogs, written primarily by my wife Jennifer. Here is her Mmeorial Day weekend edition:
CANINE WAR HEROES
This weekend, in the midst of your brats and burgers, your beers and your wine coolers… While you are grateful for that extra day off and contemplating ways to make the most of it, think about WHY you actually have that bonus day. Memorial Day isn’t some Hallmark-created holiday, it is a day to honor all the brave men and woman who have served our country.
Many people feel that there is not enough done to recognize the fearless dedication of our soldiers, past and present. I am one of them. So how often do you hear about another special group within the armed forces?
“Their training is intense; their working conditions are deplorable; their lives are always on the line; and in at least one case, namely Vietnam, their rewards were non-existent. This profile describes the most innocent and vulnerable of combat veterans-our Nation's War Dogs.”
USAWarDogsMemorial.org
In my April 19th edition of The Barking Lot, I wrote about Smoky the War Dog. She was just one of the many canine heroes throughout history that have served their country along with their human handlers.
Look at the joy and pride on these men’s faces during the dedication ceremony of the War Dog Memorial:
United States War Dogs Memorial Dedication
New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ MemorialHolmdel, New Jersey Saturday, June 10, 2006
A few years ago, the Discovery Channel aired a documentary about war dogs. You can still order a copy of the video, or make a donation to the organization that produced it.
"As a kennel master, I am proud to know that we train some of the best dog teams in the world that are responsible for saving so many lives."Chief Master at Arms Ricky Neitzel
As stated above, dogs play a vital role in keeping our troops safe.
So it goes without saying that their handlers will stop at nothing to keep them safe, as well.
General Douglas MacArthur said, “Old soldiers never die; they just fade away.” What happens to our war dogs?
I would like to close with an extremely touching video dedicated to the brave-hearted canines who serve next to our troops. Please make sure your speakers are turned up.
Great job, as always, Jennifer.
My turn.....it's time for
DOGS IN THE NEWS, canines that made headlines the past week.
1)
A homeless woman lives in her car with dogs.2)
Puppy clones?
And finally,
3)
An Iraqi dog gets a new home in San Diego after an American soldier asks someone back home to take care of his new friend.
That's it for this week, dog lovers.
Enjoy your holiday weekend!
