Today - D-Day - we remember and honor those heroes who served, both human and canine. According to the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum & Boyhood Home, "The D-Day (Invaston of Normandy) operation of June 6, 1944, brought together the land, air, and sea forces of the allied armies in what became known as the largest amphibious invasion in military history." Did you know...? Siberian Huskies played an important role in WWII?  Photo From History Warfare Network Visit my previous post HERE all about these amazing Husky War Dogs, including a WWII Husky mix named "Chips" and a Siberian Husky Vietnam War Dog Ambassador named "Buck." Did You Know...? Siberian Huskies were one of 7 dogs breeds to be used as War Dogs during WWII?  Meet "Chips" It was my sincere pleasure to connect to Herson Whitley's daughter, Mary Ann, who gave me permission to use her father's photo above of Chips, a Husky/German Shepherd/Collie mix, who ...

T/Sgt. Wills with two K9 buddies. Today, we are taking trip down Memory Lane to an important time in our American history. Seventy years ago today - May 8, 1945, was VE Day, Victory in Europe Day, signaling the nearing end of World War II. My dad served in the United States Army from 1939 until the end of World War II in 1945. He served two tours in the European Theater - one from 1942 until 1943 with the renowned "Big Red One" 1st Division, and then a second time he went back with the men he trained in the 16th Infantry's Rainbow Division, both times in a medical detachment. Ironically, May 8th is also the day my Dad earned his wings and journeyed to Heaven...in 1974, just one year shy of 30 years after he was one of our nation's "greatest generation" heroes. My Dad was a great lover of animals, dogs and horses in particular. Even on base, he canine buddies! In 1995, I was part of our city's WWII Commemorative Anniversary Committee and worked ...

  Today is Veterans Day. Let us all please take a moment to reflect upon all of our veterans, past and present, two-legged and four-legged, those who bravely defended our country, those who gave their lives, as well as those currently serving. If you see a veteran, remember to say "Thank You" for his/her service. Since this is a canine blog, we'll be focusing on the four-legged veterans and their dedication and service. And a great way to honor our military working dogs is to stop by a local shelter and make a donation of food, treats, goods, or money in the name of a K9 soldier. This year, 2014, marks a very special Veterans Day in the canine world as military canines became part of the New York Veterans Day Parade! An honor over due! According to ABC News, "New York's Veteran's Day parade a/k/a "America's Parade," honored all veterans, even the canine ones. For the first time in the parade's history, six military dogs...

This month's issue of National Geographic , features a U.S. War Dog - hero  "Layka" - and her touching story of being a K9 soldier "...shot four times at point blank range..." while on duty in Afghanistan, and how she saved the life of  her handler, Staff Sgt. Julian McDonald,  and their team. it also tells of how Staff Sgt. McDonald fought to adopt Layka and bring home - his friend, his partner, his protector. Gibson and Harley love this War Dog issue of Nat Geo. Lots of info.  Don't miss viewing the touching video of Layka's story in this month's issue of National Geographic as told by her handler, Staff Sgt. McDonald here: The Dogs of War - Video: A Soldiers Best Friend There is also a very touching video featuring veterans of the Vietnam War talking about their K9 partners. The sad part, 4,000 dogs were sent over, and only about 200 made it back home during that time. Thankfully, in 2000, "Robby's Law" w...

  Today is Veterans Day. Please take a moment on this 11th day of the 11th month at the 11th hour to reflect upon all of our veterans, past and present, two-legged and four-legged, who bravely defend our country and our rights. If you see a veteran, say "Thank You" for their service. Since this is a canine blog, we'll be focusing on the four-legged veterans and their dedication and service. Why not stop by your local shelter and make a donation of food, treats, goods, or money in the name of a K9 soldier? 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 First Division, and then later on with the Rainbow Division, 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. Did You Know? There are many working breeds of dog who serve ...