HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY TO PATRIOTIC POOCHES AND YOUR PEOPLE!

It’s that time of year, the weekend that kicks off the most fun season of all, Summer!  School is OUT and the beach is IN!  In the midst of the parades, barbeques, picnics and other fun stuff that goes with it, on the last Monday of May, Memorial Day, Americans take a timeout to remember the sacrifices made by brave men and women who lost their lives in military service.  We fly our flags at half mast, visit cemeteries of the fallen, and gather at memorials dedicated to our veterans.


Where's the BBQ?  I'm Ready!!

But people don’t always remember that many Canines gave their lives in military service as well.  Since this is a dog blog and we are all animal lovers, I would like to take a moment to also recognize these amazing four legged military heroes.  Military dogs have saved the lives of many soldiers throughout our nation’s history.  They served as scouts, couriers, and trackers, they alerted soldiers to ambushes, enemy approach in the middle of the night, snipers in the distance and other dangers.   These dogs were Hell on Paws, true heroes faithfully serving alongside military servicemen and women.  During WWI and WWII many families donated their dogs into military service. 



I better get at least 2 hot dogs this year!  Last year I only got 1

One of my favorite military dogs is Sinbad, a mixed breed dog who enlisted in the US Coast Guard.  Sinbad was originally intended as a gift for someone back home, but he became an official canine sailor in the US Coast Guard instead , serving 11 years of sea duty during World War II.  Sinbad “signed” up with the Coast Guard using his paw print on his enlistment papers.  He was even awarded several medals during his years of service.   Yo Ho Ho!  It’s a Sailor’s life for me!! 

For a list of other famous war dogs, the Cracked list in 5 of the Most Badass Soldiers Ever (Happened To Be Dogs).

 

 

There are a number of memorials across the U.S. that have been dedicated to canines who served in the military.  This memorial day weekend, why not inspire your dog by visiting one of these memorials together. You can find a list of U.S. war dog memorials at the Viet Nam Dog Handler’s Association web site.  One memorial missing from this list however, is the new Guardians of America’s Freedom memorial which was unveiled at Lackland Airforce Base in San Antonio, Texas in 2013  This is the first U.S. national monument dedicated to dogs who served in the military. 



The First National U.S. Monument Dedicated to War Dogs.
Photo Source: Reuters

If you want to curl up on the sofa with your own hero dog this weekend and watch a movie that honors American military war dogs, here are a few suggestions.

 

CHIPS THE WAR DOG is based on the true story of a German Shepherd, Collie, Husky mixed dog who served during WWII.  Chips was the most decorated military dog of WWII and is one of the most famous war dogs.  Isis loves this movie because Chips was a Husky mix!
 

FINDING RIN TIN TIN is the true story of the WWI war dog hero turned Hollywood movie star.  Rin Tin Tin was probably America’s most beloved and respected hero dog and Hollywood dog!
 

ALWAYS FAITHFUL chronicles the story of five marines and their military dogs through their deployment in Iraq and Afghanistan.  My Dad was a WWII marine and veteran, so this one is near and dear to my heart.
 

WAR DOGS:  AMERICA'S FORGOTTEN HEROES tells the amazing stories of military dogs who served during Viet Nam.
 

If you prefer a good read, check out John Burnham’s books Dog Tags of Courage and A Soldiers Best Friend.  Burnham was a Vietnam war dog handler and career soldier. 

 

Learn more about U.S. war dogs at the U.S. War Dogs Association. 

 

THANK YOU to all who served and sacrificed for our freedom

However you decide to spend this Memorial Day weekend, have fun and stay safe!

 

What are your plans for Memorial Day weekend?  Post a comment and tell us what you and your dog have planned for your Memorial Day weekend.