Friday, August 17, 2018

Canine Heroes

Thought for the day:  No matter how little money and how few possessions you own, having a dog makes you rich.  [Louis Sabin]


Dogs have almost always been a part of my life.

We may not have had the smartest dogs in the world, or the prettiest, but we always managed to share our home with the sweetest and most loving. And yes, being welcomed home by an excited dog can make you feel rich. And important.

Nothing against our cats... we love 'em to pieces... but they aren't exactly over-the-top "Welcome home; I've missed you soooo much!" kinda critters like dogs are. Their attitudes are more like, (yawn) "What? You were gone...?"

It isn't that our dogs didn't know ANY tricks. Not at all. They did. Our Springer spaniel could catch Frisbees. Really well, too. Most of our dogs were pretty good about conducting their, um,  business outside, too. (Most of the time.) And my grandmother had a beautiful boxer whose awe-inspiring farts spurred people to set personal best speed records in their mad dashes to the exit.

But none of our dogs were ever trained to be performers... like these dogs.

                                                                               




 There are Frisbee-catchers, rope-jumper, and break-dancers (Who knew?)... and then there are Military Working Dogs. Those amazing dogs are in a class all by themselves.

Even though dogs worked alongside soldiers during the Civil War and WWI, they weren't officially inducted into the U.S. Army until 1942. Currently, there are an estimated 2800 active-duty dogs, and about 600 of them are serving  in Iraq and Afghanistan. Over the years, these dogs have served honorably and saved many lives, doing everything from sniffing out enemy combatants and hidden explosive devices to ... jumping out of airplanes.


This pic from K9 Storm shows military dog handler Mike Forsythe and his dog Cara jumping from an airplane from a record-breaking height of 30,100 feet. Both of them had to wear oxygen masks to tackle this mind-boggling feat. Military dogs usually jump in tandem with their trainers, but with flotation devices, they can make short jumps into the water on their own.






This picture, from Manual J. Martinez, of the USAF  shows a jump from a Chinook CH-47 during a training exercise over the Gulf of Mexico. This dog is wearing a special flotation device.








MWDs and their handlers are a tightly-knit unit.

Equipped with cameras, these dogs lead the way into danger zones and allow their handlers to see what's ahead before the humans venture forward. Like their human counterparts, these dogs are not only highly trained, but are also highly skilled, and highly motivated.



And just like two-legged soldiers, they also get wounded... and killed... in the line of duty.

[image: Wikimedia Commons]
In 1943, the PDSA, a UK animal welfare group founded in 1917 by Maria Dickin, created the Dickin Award for animals that showed conspicuous bravery in the war. As the medal so aptly says, We also serve. This medal has been awarded to pigeons, horses, one cat, and many dogs, including a couple U.S. Military Working Dogs. (I wonder what the cat did...?)





A couple years ago, the American Humane Society came up with a similar award: the Lois Pope K-9 Medal of Courage.



Named in honor of Lois Pope, a philanthropist and avid veterans' advocate, the first four of these awards were presented to dogs in May of this year.

Nice... but where's the government been all these years? If these valiant and loyal dogs have officially been considered part of the military since 1942, where has the official recognition for their service been?

Oh, you'd better believe the soldiers know about their bravery. All who served with a working dog know how invaluable they are. Some men have pinned their own Purple Hearts to their beloved companions and protectors. One even gave his silver star to a dog for a brief while... until some people started complaining that those awards were for real soldiers... meaning people, of course.

But where was the government? Where was the recognition?

Finally, finally, our dedicated military working dogs may have their own official U.S. Department of Defense commendation.

On August 7, Senator Robert Menendez of New Jersey announced that his 2016 proposed legislation to create a Guardians of America's Freedom Medal in honor of the dedication and sacrifices of military working dogs had gotten enough votes to pass in Congress. Fittingly, he made the announcement at the War Dogs Memorial in front of a crowd that included four active-duty service dogs and their handlers, and two retired dogs, including Robby, a one-eyed German shepherd with wheels supporting his rear legs.

Four-legged heroes.

Now, all that has to happen is for our president to sign the legislation... and the award to be designed. No telling how long that will take, but ya know? I don't think the dogs mind. They don't do what they do for the medals. They do it for the people... they do it because of their fierce loyalty and sense of protection for the soldiers they serve and love. They're perfectly happy with a pat on the head and a kind word.



                                                And like all dogs,  they know how to wait.


So, how about you? Not that you've ever had a dog who jumped out of airplanes with a parachute, (they can ALL do it WITHOUT one ... but only ONCE) but what nifty tricks could your favorite pooch do?

[Mega thanks you to icanhazcheeseburger.com and perfectlytimedphotos.com for granting me permission to use their pictures.)

                               Until next time, take care of yourselves. And each other.



P.S. Here's the link to an earlier post, if you'd like to read more about military working dogs

60 comments:

  1. Dogs have a loyalty and devotion which always takes my breath away. Great post today, these heroes here really deserve a big pat on the back. Have a great day! Hugs, Valerie

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    1. Dogs demonstrate so many wonderful characteristics, they sometimes put humans to shame. They don't care what we look like, how much money we have, or what we do for a living. Love a dog, and you will have a loyal friend until the day he dies.

      Hugs back atcha. Have a super weekend.

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  2. All this time your Government hasn't recognised these dogs?? Shame on them.
    Back in the 80's I had a young German Shepherd, about fifteen months old, but a real big boy, who held a burglar at bay while the neighbour called the police. The burglar got caught, we got called home from work to hear how the dog had also bailed up the police and did all this after he'd been hit on the head by the burglar. Turned out ours was the only home the burglar hadn't managed to get into on this particular foray of his.

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    1. Yeah, it is kinda shameful, isn't it? Hopefully, they won't waste any more time rectifying that.

      Wow! That was quite the brave pup. I hope you gave him an extra treat that night.

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  3. Not only do I wonder what the cat did to be awarded a medal, I wonder whether other cats ever let him live it down.
    I too grew up with German Shepherds. I teethed on one's ear, and learned to walk pulling myself up on his tail. He took his payment by draining my bottles.
    He was trained to do manwork. My father used to give exhibitions (heavily padded) and would finish the act by tossing Harris's lead to his toddler daughter to lead him out of the ring.
    He too, held up a burglar. Well not a burglar, a friend of the family who arrived unannounced while no-one was home. Harris knew him well but refused to either let him in or leave until we got home.
    A complete oxygen thief poisoned him by tossing baited meat into his kennel. Every dog on the block who was out that night died.
    Sorry. Long comment, and tears for a loss decades old.

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    1. I just checked to see why that cat won a medal... his name was Simon, and he was aboard the HMS Amethyst, where he survived injuries from a cannon shell, raised morale of all aboard, and single-handedly killed a rat infestation. Quite the seacat!

      Your story of your German Shepherd shows his two sides... what he was capable of doing, (ergo the heavy pads) and how sweet and loving he was to you. I bet that friend never came over unannounced again!

      Poor thing. Your dog deserved a much kinder ending that that. I hope they caught the horrible person who killed all of those dogs.

      NEVER apologize for the length of your comments. I love every word of them.

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  4. Any dogs that can utilize oxygen masks and/or flotation devices have my wholehearted respect.

    Even though I am an absolute advocate of cats, I do like dogs (well, all except for the ones in neighboring yards that bark 24/7).
    Dogs can be faithful companions and truly enrich lives. And they're fiercely protective of their owners and their owner's property. My three cats would sit back and watch with disinterest if somebody broke in and burgled my home.

    I'm admittedly curious to know what the cat did to be awarded a medal for bravery. But I'm much more interested in knowing what the pigeons did (possibly delivering messages while flying over enemy territory??).

    I'm also curious to know why dogs are such avid farters. One of my cousins had a poodle that was a farting machine....but that's another story for another time.

    Thanks for giving us a dog-gone good post, Susan.
    (Sorry, I couldn't resist).

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    1. Your cats would watch if someone broke in? Ours would take off and hide...

      In my last comment, I said what the cat did to win the award. You're right about the pigeons carrying secret messages for the British. Also, it was fairly common for the RAF to take a pigeon with them on their missions. Then, if the plane went down, the pigeon could be released and would fly back to base, and then a rescue mission would be launched. Evidently, some of those pigeons flew many miles covered with oil to complete their tasks. Pretty amazing. All the birds around here do is poop all over everything. (But at least they provide some musical entertainment while they're doing it.)

      Thanks for the doggone good comment, cowboy. :)

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  5. Nothing beats a dog.
    I'm sure the dogs aren't thrilled jumping out of a plane though.
    I wonder what the pigeons did...

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    1. I loved every dog we ever had, but our cats would argue with your statement. :)

      If you're still wondering, what the pigeons did to earn those medals is relayed in the last comment.

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  6. Aww, as someone who's owned dogs all my life, this post warms my heart. Dogs are all so precious and pure, for sure. How brave the ones who work alongside soldiers must be!

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    1. I'm glad you enjoyed the post. Dogs are brave, but I think it stems from their unadulterated devotion and loyalty to their people. Above all, they want to take care of us, which is oh-so humbling.

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  7. I had many dogs while I was growing up and each one stole my heart and definitely had a part in the person I became. They taught me about love, faithfulness, kindness, responsibility, and how petting an animal gives as much to humans as it does to them. I love my cats, and yes, my Daisy does welcome us home all the time, but not with the same excitement and slobber that my dogs did.

    Every dog deserves a medal for their service towards humans but I am sure they would rather a bone.

    Thank you, Susan for this wonderful post. Heroes come in all shapes and sizes, and some hairier than others.

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    1. You're right. Petting and cuddling a critter is as enjoyable to us as it is to them. Our cats are champion cuddlers and purrers, and when they nuzzle me, I can almost feel my blood pressure relax. Animals have a soothing effect. (And our girls do come trotting when I call them... no welcoming slobber, though.)

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  8. The author James Rollins has written about these military K-9's and is how I first learned of how impressively trained they are. I stand in absolute awe of the number of commands they respond to and of the level of courage, trust in and love for their partners as they go into places and situations that must surely go against all instinct. They do deserve medals, but more, they all deserve to come home. That isn't always the case.

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    1. I'm amazed at their training, too, and it's heartbreaking to think any of them are left behind.

      Thanks for stopping by, Stacy. It's nice to meetcha.

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  9. Only trouble is, I have heard reports that dogs have been left in war zones when their handlers were retrieved. I see that Stacy has made a similar comment. As for my last dog, she would go to the fridge and get a beer to take to certain friends when they called.

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    1. It's absolutely horrifying that some of these dogs have been left behind, but quite frankly, in spite of the "never leave a man behind" rhetoric, our soldiers have always been treated as though they're expendable, too.

      That's quite a trick! I've heard of dogs fetching drinks, but I've never seen one in action. One of my friends, a staunch Democrat, had a dog who'd bark and growl whenever anyone said, "Republican."

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  10. I admire dogs who do military work, and I admire seeing eye dogs, etc. I just sorta fear dogs and don't want them licking my face or jumping up on me. I'll admire from afar. Grin!
    Have a good weekend

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    1. Yeah, I know all about you and dogs. (I've read your books!) As much as I love 'em, I don't particularly want them licking MY face, either... I know where that tongue has been!

      You have a super weekend, too.

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  11. Dogs are wonderful companions and are very often like family, but their service is to be applauded for sure. We don't often hear about the wonderful things they do for us. Glad you took the time to share with us. They do deserve medals for all they do.

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    1. Our pets have always been members of the family, and I wouldn't want it to be any other way.

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  12. Dogs are special! My Lab would stop a rolling ball with her nose and then push it right back to me with her nose. She would play "catch" like this for as long as I would keep rolling it.

    Not quite jumping out of a plane, but still fun.

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    1. Yes, dogs ARE special. And although I've never had a Lab, I've heard nothing but good things about what a wonderful breed it is.

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  13. Hi Susan - I haven't got anything extra to add to what's been said ... we didn't have dogs growing up ... but I had a dog for a short while, then he went to a good home, when it wasn't practical for me to have one - broke my heart, but I hope better for them. My elder brother and wife have had large poodles since they married, as too a cat ... one of the cats used to walk the Downs with them - some distance and height ... but each animal is always a character.

    Lovely anecdotes from everyone - while your descriptions of what the military animals can do is extraordinary ... and sniffer dogs are what we so often need in times of crises (various).

    It's good that the Dickin Medal has been awarded to so many deserving creatures ... as you say all manner of them. Glow-worms were also used, but they didn't get medals! Dogs and cats ... are always welcoming ... some more slobbery than others! Cheers Hilary

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    1. Hi-ya, Hilary. You told me about those standard poodles before, and while they're beautiful creatures, my experience with one of them isn't very beautiful. Kinda funny, though. When I was a little girl, there was a HUGE poodle that lived down the street from us, and he was, um, in love with me, I guess. Whenever he saw me, he jumped over the fence and came after me. I tried to sneak past, but it never worked. He'd put his paws on my shoulder and proceed to, um... you know. He always had to be pulled off of me.

      HA! It's be tough to put a medal on a glowworm. :)

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  14. I want a dog & I want it NOW!!

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    1. HA! Sorry, I can't help you. I reckon you'll have to bat your eyelashes at your hubby... (And I hope he doesn't drag you to the eye doctor, like mine would probably do...)

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  15. Oh, your header photo is a heart-breaker! This subject is enormously dear to my heart … they've not invented adjectives enough. I'm so glad you're helping shed light on their well-deserved acclaim.

    I don't know if our pups have the sort of nifty tricks you're looking for … rather, let's just say, if they were female homo sapiens they'd likely each be sporting a scarlet letter. LOL.

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    1. HA! Lots of dogs share your dogs' "talent." (The hussies!)

      I had a feeling you were a softy for dogs. :)

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  16. Blessings........
    All in the line of duty. While I am not a pet person per say, I respect the love they bring to those that are.

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    1. Blessings back atcha. My hubby wasn't a pet person, either... until he married me. :)

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  17. Wonder what is going through their head when they jump. Helping out just as much as any, dogs sure are grand. Don't tell the cat I said that lol Over the last 8 months I've probably met a 1000 dogs, if anything that is an understatement, all have quirks and only a few wanted to bite me lol

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    1. I wonder how they get them to jump the first time... throw a ball out the airplane's door?

      A thousand dogs? I'll bet your cats aren't impressed. Ours can always tell when I've been consorting with a dog...

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  18. I've never been much of a dog person (cats suit my personality better) but we've had a dog in the family ever since moving to Canada and it does become a big part of family life.

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    1. I miss having a dog, but our cats don't tie us down as much. When we had dogs, we had to plan ahead and board them before we could go away. Now, all we have to do is set up an extra litter box and make sure our girls have plenty of food and water. I don't think they'd take too kindly to us introducing a dog into the household now.

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  19. I have read a few times that when the U. S. got out of Vietnam, the soldiers were forced to leave their dogs behind. That makes me so sad. The soldiers were bereft. The dogs probably met a horrible end.

    Love,
    Janie

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    1. A lot of things that happened during the Vietnam War... especially when we pulled out... make me bereft.

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    2. An image that's burned in my mind is all those people at the American Embassy trying so hard to get away in helicopters. I met someone who was in the Navy and served on the big ship (I imagine it was an aircraft carrier) where the helicopters landed. He said that the second the people were out of the helicopter, they pushed it over the side so the next one could land. One woman even had to toss her baby out of the helicopter--I don't remember why--and those good men caught the baby, safe and sound. I really liked that man. He took me out for lunch but never got in touch again. He thought I was too young for him. It's funny to me that I'm "too young" but I'm in my fifties.

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    3. I think images of what happened at the embassy are burned into a lot of our minds and consciences. And its capitulation further devastated our soldiers who'd already lost so much during the war, things most of them never recovered. They might have shrugged and said, "It don't matter," (their syntax, not mine) but it mattered. It mattered a great deal, and still matters today. This is a sore spot for me, because the Vietnam War changed my husband irrevocably.

      (sigh) Nobody ever tells me I'm "too young" any more. Quite the opposite...

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  20. Dogs are most amazing creatures. They can be trained to do so many things, but their loyalty and love outshines all tricks they are trained to do.

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    1. You're right. Their innate abilities outshine anything we can teach them.

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  21. These are such incredible, special dogs. Funny thing---I wrote about dogs today too, on my blog, but now I realize my little guys need to step things up a bit, ha-ha!

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    1. Oh, cool. Great minds think alike. Time to come see what your little guys have been up to...

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  22. Welling up and crying through this post. Such wonderful special dogs.

    cheers, parsnip and badger

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    1. Sorry. I didn't mean to make you cry. Yes, they are wonderfully special dogs, but so is YOUR gud dog.

      Cheers back atcha.

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  23. Well, I'm glad you found out what the cat did, because I, too, wondered what he had done!

    I've never had a dog (I'm more of a cat person), but even I can appreciate the loyalty from a dog. I remember reading that owning a dog can lower blood pressure, while owning a cat doesn't.

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    1. When it comes to lowering blood pressure, I think it depends on the dog or cat. Some dogs are high-energy and yappy, and some cats are champion cuddlers and purrers. I think a cuddly cat purring on my lap is verrrry good for my BP. :)

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  24. Wow, those military dogs are amazing! Thanks for sharing about them. Incredible what they do. And they definitely need to be recognized and honored for their service.

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    1. This is just the proverbial tip of the iceberg about the things these dogs do. They're definitely amazing. (Not sure, but I think my cat just gave me a dirty look...)

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  25. Dogs are awesome. I miss mine so much.

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  26. Our Dog is a skilled farter! We are sort of proud... Animals on the whole deserve more respect from people, we're all part of one earth and they aren't guilty of wrecking it. Another lovely post :-)
    Haven't forgotten your book review btw - very much on the To Do list xx

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    1. We've had quite a few champion farters, too, but my grandmother's boxer was the all-time champ. (Maddie's dog Sarge is fashioned after him.) You're right. We humans need to be better stewards of the world, and that includes the other critters we share it with.

      Cool! Thanks for letting me know. I'll keep looking for it. :)

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  27. I'm late again! Beautiful post to read and very moving in it's way. If you love a dog it just loves right back. Unconditionally.
    CLICK HERE for Bazza’s floccinaucinihilipilificatious Blog ‘To Discover Ice’

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    1. Nah, you're not late. No such thing in the blogosphere. :)

      The thing about dogs is not only do they love unconditionally, they ask for so little in return. (Cats, on the other hand, expect adoration...)

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  28. Thanks to Myra, here I am! :-) This was a beautiful share. I am new following you. Have a great weekend! It is coming up quickly.

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    1. Hi-ya, Anne. It's nice to meetcha. Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving a message. (Thank to Myra, too!) Welcome aboard!

      You have a super weekend, too.

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  29. So good to read your post about these incredible, and most special dogs.

    All the best Jan

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