Tag Archives: Memorial Day

Puppies & poppies for Memorial Day

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It’s Memorial Day here in the U.S., so I thought I’d take a momentary break from the silly. (Well, mostly. I just had to share this one.)

Today, my thoughts often go to the poem In Flanders Field. It turns out that I’m not the only one – you should hop over to Tales and Tails and My Brown Newfies to learn more about this poem and the Buddy Poppy. Like Ms. Taleteller, I didn’t see anyone selling Buddy Poppies this year either, and I was surprised. I actually keep one on my desk at work – it serves as a reminder of my grandfather’s service in WWII and all that he and so many others have given to protect our country.

I also wanted to share a few other links today:

  • In addition to valiant humans, many dogs have served our country, including Military Working Dogs.
  • These photos of soldiers and animals will melt your heart.
  • You can help rescue dogs get paired with veterans with just a click.
  • I didn’t have a chance to take a patriotic photo of the pups, but this one from BZ Training should do quite nicely.

That’s all for today, folks. To those of you in the U.S., I hope you have a peaceful Memorial Day.

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On Memorial Day…

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Memorial Day… a time to remember those who have given their service to our country.  Words really aren’t enough to describe this sacrifice and to truly honor those who have made it so that we can be free.  So these simple words will have to do instead: thank you.

Last year, I shared my tribute to human and canine heroes alike.  (I hope you’ll take a moment to revisit that post if you haven’t read it before – and even if you have – as it contains some fantastic links and information about War Dogs and Military Working Dogs.  Also, if you are in the market for something to make you cry today, I have a feeling that post will provide what you need.)

I did want to share some links with you today:

  • As you probably know, a dog helped in the raid on Osama bin Laden’s compound.  This amazing dog, a Belgian Malinois named Cairo, has received quite a bit of press (and even met the President).  Ever since, it seems like hero dogs have been all over the news.
  • Countless dogs have served our country over the years.  Check out the history of war dogs in these two amazing photo . (Thanks to and Phetched for the tip.)
  • As always, The Dog Files has a moving and visually stunning saluting Military Working Dogs.
  • I also urge you to visit FiveSibes for a touching tribute and some fantastic videos that are just perfect for today.
  • Check out this great post from Bocci’s Beefs about dogs of war and what would have happened if cats were helping us out instead.  (Just kidding… after all, there are some truly patriotic cats out there too.)
  • Last year, the National World War II Museum honored some four-legged heroes in an exhibit.  You can learn about some of these heroes here.
  • Can’t get enough of these fabulously furry heroes?  Read about five more here or watch a movie about some heroic dogs or horses..
  • Not all heroic dogs are on official duty, as illustrated by this tale of a unit in Afghanistan that was saved by some local strays.

As I mentioned last year, when these hero dogs retire from service, they need homes.  After Cairo’s participation in the bin Laden raid,  inquiries about war dog adoption have increased, but these heroes will need homes even after the initial rush slows.  If you are interested in giving a home to one of these retired heroes, learn more at Fido Friendly and then head over to Military Working Dog Adoptions.  (You can also check out the Department of Defense’s Official Military Working Dog Adoption Website.)    

If you have any stories about Military Working Dogs (either in action or in retirement), click on over to Dogster and read about Maria Goodavage’s new book project, Soldier Dogs.

Take a moment to remember today…

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Remembering human and canine heroes on Memorial Day

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It’s Memorial Day… a time to honor those who have sacrificed so that we can be free.  On days like this one, my thoughts go to friends and family who have served our country.  Words aren’t enough to thank them for the sacrifices they make and have made to keep each of us safe and free.  We are truly lucky that these dedicated and amazing individuals have given so much in service of this country.

On days like today, my thoughts often go to the poem “In Flanders Field” by John McCrae.  Those words never fail to move me – I urge you to take a moment to read it and reflect on those who made the ultimate sacrifice in times of both war and peace.

Now, on to some puppy/Memorial Day synergy.  First, if you like to cry (and who doesn’t?), watch these videos of dogs welcoming home their soldiers.  I originally saw this link around Veterans’ Day, but it affects me just as strongly now.  It serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifice made by the families (furry and
non-furry members) of those who serve our country.  (Given my beagle
bias, the third one is my favorite – sound is essential.)

In addition to sacrifices on the home front, many dogs have served our country and have toiled along side our human heroes… I think that the K-9 Promise is a beautiful representation of their bravery and service:

K-9 PROMISE
(Author Unknown)
My eyes are your eyes to watch and protect you and yours.
  My ears are your ears to hear and detect evil minds in the dark.
My nose is your nose to scent the invader of your domain.
And so YOU may LIVE, MY LIFE is also yours.

 

This link pays tribute to some heroic rubble dogs of WWII.  These dogs helped rescue people trapped in rubble in London during WWII.  (More photos of these furry heroes can be found here.)

For a comprehensive history of heroic dogs here in the United States and plenty of other interesting information, you might want to check out the United States War Dogs Association website.  (This organization and others have been pushing for a national memorial for War Dogs here in the U.S.)

Finally, here is some additional information on Military Working Dogs. In addition to some general background, this site relates the story of “Sergeant” Stubby, a remarkable bulldog who served his country in WWI.

And remember… when it’s time to retire, Military Working Dogs will need homes in which to enjoy their golden years.  If you might be interested in adopting a retired Military Working Dog, please go to MWD Adoptions for more information.

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