Veterans Day: Remembering Our Courageous Military Working Dogs, Including Siberian Huskies & Malamutes

Today is Veterans Day. On this 11th day of the 11th month at the 11th hour, we take the time to reflect upon all of our veterans—past and present, two-legged and four-legged, all who have bravely served, and those who are currently serving our country and our freedoms, both here and on foreign soil.

Since this blog is about northern breed dogs, primarily Siberian Huskies and their “cousins,” Alaskan Malamutes, today I will be highlighting these amazing dogs who served as military war dogs.

“Throughout history, dogs have accompanied man at work and play. Even in the midst of men’s wars, dogs have been found serving in functions ranging from mascots to weapons of war,” states the The Army Historical Foundation.  Therefore, it was not without precedence that in 1942, following the attack on Pearl Harbor and the entrance of the United States into World War II, a small group of civilian dog enthusiasts approached the Army about creating a program that would utilize the special traits and skills of “man’s best friend” in order to further the war effort.”

But first, let’s dive into some Veterans Day history...

What is the Meaning of Veterans Day?

Veterans Day, November 11th, is the day to honor all military veterans—living and passed (although Memorial Day is the day for honoring our soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms) who have served/are serving in the military during wartime and peace time, on foreign soil and here on the homefront.

History of Veterans Day

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the history of Veterans Day began when “World War I – known at the time as ‘The Great War’ – officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of ‘the war to end all wars.’

Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to November 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date, but helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.”

The Role of Military Working Dog

Canines have held many roles over the years through wars, right up until today. While Military Working Dogs (formerly military war dogs)—(MWDs) now have their own K9 Veterans Day, held on March 13th, as a dog writer, I am highlighting them here as well as they played a significant role in history, supporting their handlers and many soldiers out in the field. These highly trained dogs can go where man cannot, and have saved many lives over the course of many wars.

There are many working breeds of dog who serve faithfully as a K9 soldier, also known as a military working (or war) dog (MWD). But, did you know that the Siberian Husky and its cousin the Alaskan Malamute were among those working dogs? 

According to the United States War Dog Association, in "January 1942, not long after the attack on Pearl Harbor, the American Kennel Association and a new group calling itself 'Dogs for Defense' mobilized dog owners across the country to donate quality animals to the Army's Quartermaster Corps." 

“Part of our mission is to honor the legacy and service of our nation’s war dogs from history. Many young dog handlers are encouraged to become familiar with the service and sacrifice of their K-9 brothers and sisters from bygone conflicts, in order to learn from – and be inspired by – their unique stories. From our official start in WWII, if there were American boots on the ground then K-9 had a mission to support. We adjusted our capabilities to meet the threats we were facing, from the island-hopping campaigns and European theater of WWII to the frozen tundra of Korea. The jungles of Vietnam to the deserts of the Middle East.”

~ The United States War Dog Association

  

  

Siberian Huskies Served in the Military  

 "When Pearl Harbor was attacked on December 7, 1941,the United States inventory of military working dogs consisted of only 90 Siberian Huskies and Malamutes,” it states in Our War Dogs, Buck’s Heroes book. “These dogs were used as pack and sled dogs for rescue in areas of the world where motorized equipment could not go."  

 

Many Siberian Huskies and husky mixes lent their powerful paws during wars. According to National Purebred Dog Day, "That two Nordic breeds were...not a surprise, and certainly not the inclusion of the fastest of the purebred Arctic sled-pulling breeds, the Siberian Husky. The U.S. Army recruited these dogs during World War II to serve in the Arctic Search and Rescue Unit to go where motorized equipment couldn’t go. With the help of Canadians, they also trained the Sibes to jump from planes and bring supplies to downed airmen who’d fallen in isolated locations."

 

According to Warfare History Network, "To prepare the dogs for their jump, soldiers would take the animals, with full packs, on 75-mile hikes to relax before their ordeal. Next, the dogs were suited with parachutes—sometimes with two dogs to a chute—and loaded aboard a transport plane. The plane flew to a desired height and target zone where the dogs were pushed out of the side door. The parachute, on a static line, automatically opened as the canines cleared the doorway. Once on the ground, they could deliver supplies and aid the stranded airman."

I have also previously written about the important role of a multi-decorated WWII MWD—a Husky/Collie/Shepherd mix named “Chips” and about a Siberian Husky named “Buck” who although he didn't serve, his handler Vietnam vet Johnny Mayo did, and his Buck became the face of his book Buck's Heroes and became the War Dog Ambassador for Vietnam veterans.  

"Chips" A Husky/GSD/Collie mix WWII Military Working Dog and

K9 Hero of the 3rd Infantry Division 

Photo by Herson Whitley. Permission Courtesy of Mary Ann Whitley

 

   

Both of these amazing dogs you can read about in one of my previous blog posts HERE. 

 

Meet "Tippy," a WWII Alaskan Malamute Military Working Dog

Today, I want to share another WWII story, this one is about a military working Alaskan Malamute named, “Tippy,” who served as a scout dog for U.S. Marine CPL Harold Tesch. All photos of "Tippy" and CPL Harold Tesch are by photographer W. Eugene Smith. 

 

In doing research on MWDs, I came across the below photo that caption my attention. It was a WWII soldier in a foxhole who looks to be whistling up to his dog, and at first I thought was a Siberian Husky mix. Upon further research, I learned this dog was “Tippy,” an Alaskan Malamute who was U.S. Marine CPL Harold Tesch’s war dog, and they were stationed on Guam for the second Battle of Guam, 1944.  

 

According to World War Pictures, an online history museum, Harold Tesch was born in upstate New York on October 21, 1924, and “in early 1943” he enlisted with the Marine Corps and “Went straight from boot camp to the 3rd War Dog Platoon in Camp Lejeune, NC.” As we know, in the early days of military dogs, many were volunteered from U.S. families. As was the case of “Tippy.”

The amazing, human-canine bond is precious, especially in wartime, as the above heartwarming photo depicts.

Credit for the following story excerpt about "Tippy" goes to World War Pictures, with thanks to José-Daniel Cabanilles and John Klear. W. Eugene Smith is the photographer. From LIFE magazine Archives / WWP-PD:

“From North Chicago, Victor Lunardini and his 12 year-old daughter Hazel sent an Alaskan Malamute named 'Tippy' to the Marine Corps to serve as a War Dog. After training; (CPL) Tesch and Tippy were shipped to Guadalcanal where Tippy scouted ahead during patrols, once warning the Marines of a sudden drop off ahead during a night patrol. Deployed to Guam, (CPL) Tesch and Tippy were both injured by a mortar round. After their recovery, while on patrol, Tippy alerted them to a well-hidden enemy sniper in a tree, and another time alerted them to an ambush.”

And, as with most stories of beloved dogs, the same rings true for our MWDs, in between working, were times of fun, and some funny stories. This one about Tippy goes, “During an inspection on Guam, Tippy bit Major General Erskine, the division commander. Tesch was sure he was gonna be court-martialed, but the General said in a loud voice: Gentlemen, we have just witnessed a classic example of what these splendid canines are trained to do -- ATTACK!’ And off he went, and (CPL) Tesch never heard anything about the incident."

 

"Sent into combat on Iwo Jima, (CPL) Tesch later got sick and was evacuated to Guam without Tippy for recovery, and then was sent back to the USA. After he was discharged... In June of 1946 he married his sweetheart Ruth and settled down in Brighton, New York."

About a month after getting married, retired CPL Tesch received notice of freight shipment "At the Rochester depot from North Carolina. Waiting for him was a beaten, battered old crate that had traveled half the globe, inside was Tippy!"

 

So, how did Tippy get to his handler? Remember the father-daughter of Victor Lunardini and his 12-year-old daughter Hazel who had volunteered Tippy into service when the call for dogs went out? 

The story continues, “It was policy to return surviving war dogs to their original owners and Tippy's owner was listed as Hazel (now) Lunardini. Hazel and Tesch had written to each other occasionally during the war concerning Tippy. Unfortunately, young Hazel had leukemia, but before she passed away she had written directly to General Vandergrift, and requested that her dog Tippy, be placed in the permanent care and keeping of her pen pal; CPL Tesch.” 

Beloved Tippy was always at Tesch’s side at both work and home until September 14, 1944—the day he earned his furangel wings and made his spiritual journey to the Rainbow Bridge. Tippy's body was buried by Tesch “Beside a hickory tree on the family farm.”

 

Helping Human & K9 Veterans

The Military Working Dog Team Support Association, Inc. ( MWDTSA), co-founded in 2006 by a Vietnam veteran and dog handler, "Supports military K9s and their handlers in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Space Force, and Coast Guard." They send Care packages to Military War Dog teams deployed in global combat zones, boost morale with stateside military kennel visits, promotes veteran causes and memorials, including retired military K9s, and hosts events to educate the public on the importance of MWD teams."  

MWDTSA discusses the starts of the U.S. K-9 Corps. “Beginning in August 1942, the U.S. Army Quartermaster Corps established dog training centers” in Virgina, Nebraska, Mississippi, Montana, and California. “The K-9 Corps initially accepted 32 breeds of dogs for training.

By 1944, however, the military reduced that list to seven (breeds): German Shepherd (GSD), Doberman Pinscher, Belgian Sheep Dog, Siberian Husky, farm Collie, Eskimo dog, and Malamutes. Today, GSDs are the only breed still trained by the U.S. Military from that original list. Modern additions include the Belgian Malinois and Labrador Retrievers now being trained and mobilized as Military Working Dogs (MWDs).”

When the Japanese attacked on 7 December 1941, the U.S. Army possessed only a small number of sled dogs for use in arctic regions.  Drawing on the lessons of the past, a group of civilians came together in the belief that dogs could serve the Army in a variety of other functions.  These dog fanciers formed a coalition called Dogs for Defense, Inc. (DFD).  This organization encouraged dog owners across the country to donate their dogs for training as sentry dogs that would be used to patrol borders, beaches, and industrial facilities in order to prevent sabotage.  With the endorsement of the American Kennel Club, DFD quickly began procuring dogs for experiments in training the animals for guard duty under the nominal oversight of the Plant Protection Branch of the Office of the Quartermaster General.  In short order, some 100 dogs were procured by DFD and an ad hoc training program was initiated.

 

“The K-9 Corps initially accepted 32 breeds of dogs for training. By 1944, however, the military reduced that list to seven (breeds): German Shepherd (GSD), Doberman Pinscher, Belgian Sheep Dog, Siberian Husky, farm Collie, Eskimo dog, and Malamutes. Today, GSDs are the only breed still trained by the U.S. Military from that original list. Modern additions include the Belgian Malinois and Labrador Retrievers now being trained and mobilized as Military Working Dogs (MWDs).”  

~Military Working Dog Team Support Association, Inc. (MWDTSA)

These incredible founding military dogs had responsibilities and jobs that included being: messengers, Red Cross dogs (a/k/a mercy or ambulance dogs), sentries, ammunition carriers, guard dogs, enemy-alert dogs, scouts, land mine and explosive detection, search-and-rescue, troop mascots, and more.

Today: “The Four-Legged Fighters,” according to the U.S. Department of War, “You'll find U.S. military working dogs serving wherever American troops do. They are as lovable as they are loyal, but make no mistake – these are highly skilled warriors, trained by the best to serve alongside them. About 1,600 military working dogs help keep the nation safe. With missions spanning land, air and sea....” 

Did You Know?

 

  

The American Humane Society “is committed to helping our veterans, retired first responders and retired military working dogs. We honor their service and save lives on both ends of the leash.” The offer several programs for the military veterans:

🇺🇸 Pups4Patriots™ - “Provides specially trained service dogs to military veterans and retired first responders diagnosed with post-traumatic stress (PTS) and/or traumatic brain injury (TBI).”

🇺🇸 Military Working Dog Reunification – “Program helps retired military working dogs return home by covering transportation costs and providing lifelong veterinary care so they can reunite and be adopted by their former handlers.”

🇺🇸 Paws on the Homefront – (Currently available to eligible military and first responder families in Florida as part of a pilot program. As the program grows, we will expand opportunities to serve more families). This American Humane Society program “Places professionally trained family support dogs with eligible military and first responder families. Through the human-animal bond, the program helps reduce stress, strengthen family resilience and support emotional well-being during the unique challenges of military and first responder life.”

For more information on the American Human Society programs for military dogs and veterans, please visit their website at: https://www.americanhumane.org/what-we-do/care-for-our-heroes/

 

The Human-Canine Bond in War and Beyond

As any dog parent/caregiver can attest to, the human-canine bond is something very special. It goes beyond the love between a dog and its human. It’s an unspoken communication of trust and loyalty and love. Whether the dog is a pet, a Therapy Dog, or even a Military Working Dog, this bond becomes unbreakable. Dogs have helped us humans through a myriad of emotions ailments, and issue...and we have helped them. The unquestionable bond between a soldier and his/her canine is critically important. The situations they work in, that bond is sacrosanct. The military and police working dogs have saved countless lives. And at the end of the day, when work is over, there is an emotional and psychological toll for both man and dog. And that human-canine bond once again comes into play.

According to the National Canine Research Council, this bond enhances the emotional well-being “The human-canine bond offers profound impacts on our emotional well-being. Interacting with a dog can alleviate stress, anxiety, and depression. Dogs provide love and support, becoming loyal confidants during challenging times. The simple act of petting a dog releases oxytocin, a hormone associated with relaxation and bonding, fostering emotional resilience in humans. People can also find comfort from the presence of dogs, even ones they don’t live with. Dogs are being brought into more kinds of anxiety-producing situations for just this reason, to provide access to some of that soothing brain chemistry that people stroking the dog on the couch next to them enjoy.”

 

Did You Know?

 

The Dogs on Deployment can help military pet owners who are in need of financial assistance as a result of “emergency or critical veterinary needs?” According to the DoD, in order to be eligible, and each case is individually reviewed and based on:

🐾 Active Duty Service Members (E-5 and below) 

🐾 Priority given to single-income households & families with dependents 

🐾 Honorably Discharged Veteran with at least two years of active-duty service 

🐾 Military Spouse or Dependent facing hardship while the service member is deployed or receiving service-related medical care

Adopt a Retired MWD

A good place to start is visiting the Save-A-Vet website, the Military and Law Enforcement Working Dog Rescue and Support page HERE to hear all about these amazing K9 heroes and how you can sponsor, support, and/or adopt one of these amazing dogs.

According to Save-A-Vet, “When the military is done with a working dog, they put the dog through a series of temperament testing. This is to ensure that if the K-9 is adopted out it will be safe with the family it ends up retiring with. This along with history, training and recommendations from its last handler, kennel master and veterinarian determine if the dog will be deemed safe and suitable for adoption. If the military deem the K-9 suitable it is than offered via Lackland Air Force Base to the general public. This is a FREE service. The military bring all MWD's back to US Soil unless the dog is terminally ill or it would be inhumane to transport due to terminal injury.” You may what is the cost of adopting a retired MWD? “The only cost to the adopter is transportation from Lackland Air Force Base to their new home.”

Visit the Adopt-A-Vet website to hear more about these amazing K9 heroes and how you can adopt, sponsor, and/or support them. Or, visit the Lackland Air Force Base site for adoption information and application.

 

Did You Know?

 

 The United States War Dog Association has developed “several programs to assist with reducing the medical costs associated with caring for a retired MWD. We want to help you and your MWD during their well-deserved retirement.” Below are the U.S. War Dog Association medical support programs (click on program to go to their link page for full info):

⚕️RX Program

⚕️Specialized Care Program For Retired MWDs

⚕️Project Thunderstorm 

(designed to assist retired MWDs who suffer from PSTD or anxiety)

⚕️Carts For Retired MWD's (War Dog Wheelchair Program)

⚕️Rainbow Bridge Program

For more info on all of these programs, please visit:

 https://www.uswardogs.org/war-dog-medical-care

 

 

Military Working Dogs Today

According to the America Kennel Club (AKC), “Supply and demand for military working dogs is off the charts today. According to retired Air Force K9 handler, Louis Robinson, a fully trained bomb detection canine is likely worth over $150,000, and considering the lives it may save, you could characterize it as priceless. To augment the Defense Department’s breeding program at Lackland, the AKC was asked several years ago to assist and then implement a plan for a detection-dog breeding program within the U.S., since government agencies have for decades relied heavily on European stock to meet their growing needs.”

 

The AKC Detection Dog Task Force (DDTF) was established in 2016 by the AKC Board of Directors. Its purpose is “To raise the awareness and alert U.S. breeders, citizens and research organizations about the organization’s involvement. Homegrown terrorism and mass shootings have sadly become everyday news in the United States. As a result, the demand for explosives detection dogs as a deterrent against such crimes is on the increase with one major problem: there are not enough dogs to meet the growing need. The US Government purchases 80 to 90% its working dogs from Europe, but there are fewer dogs available from overseas as those countries face their own rising terrorism threats. 

The DDTF is “To help with this national security issue. The Task Force has interviewed key stakeholders involved in explosives detection including people from academia, government, military, policing, training and breeding. Subsequently, the AKC has launched several initiatives focused on Government Relations, Networking/Education and Breeder Outreach.” 

 

To find out more about the AKC’s DDTF, please visit their website and download the above AKC DDTF trifold brochure, HERE. https://www.akc.org/akc-detection-dog-task-force/

Helping Veterans and Rescue Dogs on the Homefront

Founded in 2011, the nonprofit K9s for Warriors is "Committed to saving lives at both ends of the leash by primarily rescuing dogs and pairing them with Veterans in need." According to K9s for Warriors, "Every Day, roughly 20 Veterans die by suicide and over 1,000 dogs are euthanized. Determined to end Veteran suicide, K9s For Warriors is the leading nonprofit organization that provides trained Service Dogs to military Veterans nationwide suffering from PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and/or military sexual trauma — at no financial cost to the Veteran. Beyond our dedication to serving Veterans, we go the extra mile by saving rescue dogs, giving them a second chance and new purpose as life-changing Service Dogs. Since 2011, we’ve rescued more than 2,500 dogs from 31 states across the country. "

Their Motto: 

"We rescue the dog. The dog rescues the Warrior. Each pair represents two lives saved – a Veteran and rescue dog."

  

Closing Thoughts on Veterans Day

🌺You can help! Check with the U.S. Military War Dog Association to see how you can donate items to, or help, today’s Military Working Dogs and their handlers.

🌺Are you an active-duty military K9 handler and would like to request a CARE package for your dog? The U.S. Military War Dog Association has a Request A Care Package program! Visit https://www.uswardogs.org/care-package-center HERE to learn more.

🌺Another good Veterans Day idea is to visit your local rescue or animal shelter and make a donation of food, treats, goods, or money in the name of a K9 soldier

🌺 And...if you see a veteran today, please offer them a heartfelt "Thank You" for their service. Ask them how they are. Take some time to listen to their stories. And, if you are lucky, they will share a piece of actual history with you—their living history. Something we all need to preserve and respect for generations to come.

 

The War Dog's Story: Giving a Voice to the Voiceless - Documentary Trailer

(You can check out IMBD site for episodes) 

 

 

 

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."

 

 

Author Note: Why I write about our military history...

I'm very proud of my decorated father's Army service, and my mother's service on the homefront as a "Rosie." Over the years, I've written their stories in books and publications. Having adopted a retired New York Police Department drug-sniffing German Shepherd K9, I developed a special bond with her and I experienced first-hand how amazing and loyal these dogs are―to go from being a protector to family dog in a heartbeat. In 1995, I became a member of my city's World War II 50th Anniversary Committee and worked with the city schools to put on events covering WWII with veterans and schoolchildren. I worked side-by-side with the city mayor and school district officials, school children of all ages, and WWII Army veteran and VFW member, Dick Williams, a/k/a "Mr. Flag." My mother was a guest at several events! I was so surprised and quite proud when I was presented with a plaque for my service by Mr. Williams and the VFW.

My interest in history and love of my parents and dogs, plus a 45+ year career as a photojournalist, combined with a love of research and writing, I enjoy discovering stories about our amazing canines and writing about them to share with you. Thank you for reading

 ~Dorothy "FiveSibesMom"

 

 

 In  Remembrance...

I dedicate this blog post to my father, who was a TSGT and served two tours during World War II, the first with the "Big Red One" - the U.S. Army's 1st Infantry Division, and then later on with the Rainbow Division, 42nd Infantry Division. He was an avid animal lover. I remember him talking about dogs and puppies they would befriend out in the field and on base. Here is a photo I share each Veterans Day of him with two of his canine pals on base.

 

 And also in memory of my mother, who was a "Rosie" the Riveter working on the homefront on a lathe making canon reamers in the Watervliet Arsenal in upstate New York while my dad served overseas. I wrote two stories about my parents that were published in the books, Rosie Romances and Other Stories and Rosie the Riveter Stories: How They Did It!

 

  

 

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