There are all sorts of canine heroes. Many of those we write about here are heroes in their fight against cancer. But today, March 13, we’d like to honor those military and civil service dogs who are our national heroes, protecting us at home and abroad.
(By Bryan Black) The United States K9 Corps were created on March 13, 1942. Since then the dogs officially became the part of military service. Border Patrol K9s, Customs K9s, Police K9s, Secret Service K9s, Airport Service K9s and FBI K9s daily work to save and protect the Americans and the homeland. That is why military dogs should be honored accordingly.
Military dogs have always been a part of American military efforts. They continue to serve on the borders on land and sea every day. The dogs are trained to provide numerous functions, including search, rescue, explosives detection, scout, patrol and enemy subdue.
K9 Veterans Day was created by Joe White of Jacksonville, Florida. He was Vietnam War veteran, K9 handler and trainer. Joe White died on October 24, 2009 and since then his wife continued the effort to get nationwide recognition for this holiday. New Jersey officially recognized the holiday in 2010. The enthusiast from other states sign petitions to show the public support for her efforts to legislators.
(From American Humane)
American Humane Celebrating the Holiday by Opening Nominations for Annual American Humane Lois Pope LIFE K-9 Medal of Courage Awards
Mar 12, 2017, 6:00am EDT
WASHINGTON, March 12, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Service members have relied on canine comrades since the beginning of organized warfare, but it wasn’t until March 13, 1942, when the United States Army began training dogs for the newly established War Dog Program, or “K-9 Corps” that they became a critical part of the armed forces. To commemorate the original launch of the K-9 Corps program, this Monday, March 13, the country will celebrate National K9 Veterans Day.
An annual tribute to honor the service and sacrifice that these dogs have made for their country, National K9 Veterans Day pays tribute to military dogs and countless other canines serving our nation—from police dogs, to border patrol dogs, and so many more.
American Humane, the country’s first national humane organization, which has worked to support the U.S. Military and our human and animal warriors for more than 100 years, is proud to recognize the heroic contributions of these brave service animals on National K9 Veterans Day, and every day. With the support of internationally renowned philanthropist and veterans’ advocate Lois Pope, the organization champions efforts to support military heroes at both ends of the leash through its Lois Pope LIFE Center for Military Affairs. The center helps reunite retired military dogs with their former handlers, provide veterans struggling with Post-Traumatic Stress with lifesaving service dogs, arranges free veterinary care for retired four-legged service members, and drives legislation that supports military dogs and their human counterparts. In 2016, American Humane successfully lobbied for a provision to the 2016 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would ensure that military dogs are returned to American soil after their retirements. Prior to the passage of the 2016 NDAA, military working dogs were not guaranteed retirement on the home front, and some were retired overseas, making them civilians and rendering them ineligible for transportation home on military aircraft.
American Humane also works to honor retired military dogs who demonstrate exceptional valor in serving our country. The annual American Humane Lois Pope LIFE K-9 Medal of Courage awards, which are held each July on Capitol Hill, are the nation’s highest honor for military dogs.
American Humane is currently seeking nominations of retired military dogs who have worked overseas for the 2017 American Humane Lois Pope LIFE K-9 Medal of Courage awards. Please direct inquiries and nominations to Tara Loveland at 202-677-4220 or TaraL@AmericanHumane.org.
About American Humane
American Humane is the country’s first national humane organization, founded in 1877. They began working with the American military in 1916 when the U.S. Secretary of War requested they help rescue wounded war horses on the battlefields of World War I Europe. Following World War II, American Humane helped pioneer the use of animal-assisted therapy to aid returning veterans. Today, through its Lois Pope LIFE Center for Military Affairs, the organization works to help active-duty members of the military, military families, and military animals. For more information, please visit www.AmericanHumane.org.
