A Memorial Day Tribute to K9 Heroes

Wolf thanks all veterans.

While we all head off to enjoy Memorial Day whether it is by the beach or in our backyards, and are enjoying a fun-filled time with family and friends as we take in the wafting aromas of food being grilled on the BBQ, let us all pause to reflect upon the true meaning of the day: Memorial Day, a day to remember and honor those - both human and canine - who have fallen in the line of duty to protect our nation. 

The following are some videos honoring the four-legged heroes. (The third video plays automatically. To turn off the sound, just click on "pause" to that video until you are ready to listen to it).

Please click here for a special Police Dog Memorial Service at a special K9 Cemetery.

During World War II, Siberian Huskies were among the breeds used as working war dog soldiers. Buck, a Siberian Husky pictured here, was the U.S. War Dogs Ambassador. He died March 23, 2006. Rest in Peace, Buck.

If you'd like to learn more about Buck and the War Dogs, you can visit Buck's Heroes.  A wonderful book of the same title is what's on the shelves here at FiveSibes. After reading the story, I purchased the autographed book and highly recommend it (this is a personal, non-compensated testimony). Filled with beautiful illustrations, the book's synopsis is:

Book illustration by Tonia Marynell

"On a splendid fall day some thirty years after serving in Vietnam as a dog handler, Johnny Mayo attends a reunion of former handlers and their families at the Vietnam Memorial in Washington D.C. He brings with him, Buck, his pet husky of 10 years. Buck accompanies his master to the polished black granite memorial wherein are inscribed the names of the 58,178 men and women who were killed or missing in action. While gazing at the wall by his master's side, Buck begins hearing and seeing the ghosts of the dogs who were participants in the war. His master's two beloved scout dogs along with many others tell Buck what life was like for them and the soldiers they served and protected. Buck and his master leave the memorial with a renewed sense of camaraderie and closure."

Please be sure to visit the U.S. War Dogs Association's K9 Wall of Honor to read about some of the heroes and their handlers, and also to view some memorials visit the Connecticut Police Work Dog Association's K9 Monuments page to read about these magnificent and loyal warriors. And for a great K9 cartoon called Fudge & Friends, check out today's blog entry at Life With Dogs.

                                                                                                       

The Soldier Dog  

by Joe Ferra 

I was trained to use my eyes to

watch and protect you from harm.

My ears to alert you of impending

danger like an alarm.

My keen sense of smell to detect

an enemy close at bay.

Yes I was a soldier who gave my life

so you could fight another day.

So remember me as time goes by

This soldier dog so true.

For I had only one life to give

and I gave that life to you.

From the FiveSibes and I, we thank all of our soldiers and war dogs, and wish everyone a safe and happy Memorial Day.