Even Four-Legged Heros Shouldn't Be Left Behind

Several months ago I was on a Southwest Airlines flight when I came across an article in their in-flight magazine about military working dogs. These unique and highly trained animals help US military efforts by detecting explosive devices, ammunition, narcotics and other threats and in the process help save the lives of their human handlers and countless other soldiers that could be injured otherwise.


As I read through the article, I teared up several times. I've always had a soft spot in my heart for animals but these dogs are special. They are American military heroes.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dogs_in_warfare

That made me even more sad to learn they have not always been treated as such. In fact, dogs in the Korean or Vietnam conflicts were left behind after as "property." This specific quote from the article gave me the most pause.

"Between 1971 and 1973, approximately 2,700 military working dogs were either turned over to the South Vietnamese Army or let go. They never came home."

Thankfully, some decent human beings realized this was no way to treat American heroes. In November 2000, President Bill Clinton signed legislation establishing retirement and adoption protocol for military working dogs.  

In addition, these animals have advocates in  the United States War Dog Association, "a nonprofit organization of Former and Current US Military Dog Handlers and supporting members committed to promoting the long history of the Military Service Dogs, establishing permanent War Dog Memorials, and educating the public about the invaluable service of these canines to our country." Check out their website link above or their Facebook group here.

This Memorial Day, show your support for ALL our American military heroes -- even the four-legged ones.