Memorial Day: Honoring Our Human and K9 Veterans and Holiday Pet Safety Tips

Wolf and all of us here at FiveSibes salute all our veterans.

This is Memorial Day weekend here in the United States, and we'd like to share this beautiful tribute to the Military Working Dogs and their Handlers: 

Since World War I, canines have played a large part in history. Known as "war dogs," these courageous canines, accompanied by their handlers, have bravely assisted our soldiers in so many ways; from tracking to bomb sniffing. For more interesting facts, videos, documentaries, stamp project information, and much more on the war dogs, visit the United States War Dog Association's website.  

War Dog Ambassador "Buck"

Since we are all about the Siberian Husky, did you know that they were one of the original seven breeds of dogs used as a War Dog during World War II? And beautiful "Buck," while not a War Dog himself, he served as the U.S. War Dog Ambassador journeying thousands of miles with his handler, Vietnam veteran Johnny Mayo, speaking to others about the War Dog. 

Our Harley with the book Buck's Heroes

Buck was Ambassador until he journeyed North of the Rainbow Bridge in 2006. You can read more about Buck in a beautiful book called Buck's Heroe's written by Mayo, a great read for the holiday.

 

To view a beautiful musical K9 Wall of Honor slideshow of Military Work Dogs, please visit HERE, and be sure to turn up your speakers.

  

And since Memorial Day Weekend is the big kick-off to the summer season, I like to take a few minutes each year to post some tips to keep our pets safe during the summer holiday season. Please:

• Keep pets in a separate room or kennel while guest are arriving and leaving to avoid any escapes and to help quell any anxieties.
• Keep collar and tags on in case they get spooked or sneak off. Be sure microchip info is up-to-date!
• Keep a leash nearby for emergency roundups.
• Keep lit candles and lighters out of their reach.
• Keep them away from hot/flaming BBQ grilles.
• Do not use pesticides where your pets will be.
• Watch out for poisonous yard plants.
• Keep access to swimming pools limited so the furkids can not accidentally fall in. Have an access ladder or float available in case they do.
• Keep backyard gates closed and locked. 
•  Keep a watchful out for foods and beverages that are harmful, i.e. alcohol, chocolate, onions, grapes, certain nuts, chicken bones, caffeinated drinks (including that iced tea and iced coffee!), garlic, and salt. And ladies, watch those purses! Gum with xylitol, pain relievers, and medications are toxic to dogs! For a full list of harmful foods, visit the ASPCA website.
• Keep your vet, after hours clinic, and poison control numbers posted near your phone and in your cell phone. 
• If you are traveling, please be sure to safely restrain your pet either with a pet seat belt or crate. And NEVER leave a pet in a hot car, even if the windows are cracked. If you see a dog in a hot car, report it immediately and get the pet help! (According to Mydogiscool.com, even if it is an 82°F day, inside a car the temperature can be a deadly 109°F !)

 

This Memorial Day post is dedicated to a very special veteran, my late Dad, TSGT Earl Larry Wills, who served with the U.S. Army's "Big Red One" First Infantry, and his second tour with the Rainbow Division, 16th Infantry. This photo was taken of him during WWII on base with two of his furpals. His compassion for, and love of, dogs is just part of his legacy.

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.

Another beautiful video tribute:

From all of us here at the FiveSibes family to your family, 

have a safe and memorable Memorial Day.

To all our human and K-9 veterans,

THANK YOU  for your service to our country!

.