In memory of courageous Military Working Dogs

dooBdoo · ‎06-27-2010

I posted this excerpt a few years ago and decided to share it again today. I hope all who read and post here have a safe, peaceful, mindful Memorial Day weekend.❤️

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From Lisa Rogak, 2012 ~ "This Memorial Day, Americans are rightfully paying tribute to the brave fallen military men and women in uniform who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. But what about the Military Working Dogs – or MWDs – who have accompanied their handlers on the front lines, through war zones, during the long, lonely months spent away from home? The unfortunate fact of being in a war zone is that not only human soldiers are sometimes wounded and killed but also their canine counterparts.

In the book “Dogs of War: The Courage, Love, and Loyalty of Military Working Dogs,” I explore the heroics of these highly-trained canine soldiers who have saved the lives of countless numbers of American military personnel through the years by sniffing out bombs, guarding military installations, and finding the bad guys.

Like their human counterparts, sometimes they succumb on the battlefield or after they return home. The military gives them the respect they deserve in light of their service, often providing a memorial ceremony in the form of a “missing dog” display, consisting of an empty kennel, leash, and an inverted food bucket signifying the unbreakable bond between a handler and dog, centered in the chapel’s front stage.

There is nary a dry eye in the bunch...

....Staff Sgt. Robert Calhoun, an MWD handler spoke of his deceased partner Rony. “All I ever wanted was to save lives and contribute to the mission success,” he said. “Rony saved lives. Rony saved my life when we went into an abandoned compound, and he found a 155-round before I stepped on the pressure plate. Before we left, we were awarded the Bronze Star. He’s the reason, he brought us home.

“I had the honor of standing by his side, holding his paw, softly sighing as his heart stopped beating,” he continued. “I’ll always cherish the moments we had together and know for a moment in time we were untouchable.

I’d say this to Rony: thank you for your commitment, loyalty and trust. You will always be in my heart, and I will always love you. Rest in peace, my little warrior.”

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Source: see complete article entitled "Dogs Of War: Photos Remembering The Military’s Canine Heroes"

Military Working Dogs

❤️

Few things reveal your intellect and your generosity of spirit—the parallel powers of your heart and mind—better than how you give feedback.~Maria Popova

Drythe · ‎07-09-2011

Beautiful.

Love, Loyalty, Light

"Animals are not my whole world, but they have made my world whole" ~ Roger Caras

Foolywooly11 · ‎05-08-2016

Omg. Couldn't read that with a dry eye. Thanks for sharing.

cimeranrose · ‎03-10-2010

Nice post, thanks for sharing @dooBdoo .

emmysmom · ‎06-22-2010

@dooBdoo wrote:

I posted this a few years ago and decided to share it again today. I hope all who read and post here have a safe, peaceful, mindful Memorial Day weekend.❤️

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

          From Lisa Rogak, 2012 ~ "This Memorial Day, Americans are rightfully paying tribute to the brave fallen military men and women in uniform who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.    But what about the Military Working Dogs – or MWDs – who have accompanied their handlers on the front lines, through war zones, during the long, lonely months spent away from home?    The unfortunate fact of being in a war zone is that not only human soldiers are sometimes wounded and killed but also their canine counterparts.

          In the book “Dogs of War: The Courage, Love, and Loyalty of Military Working Dogs,” I explore the heroics of these highly-trained canine soldiers who have saved the lives of countless numbers of American military personnel through the years by sniffing out bombs, guarding military installations, and finding the bad guys.

          Like their human counterparts, sometimes they succumb on the battlefield or after they return home.    The military gives them the respect they deserve in light of their service, often providing a memorial ceremony in the form of a “missing dog” display, consisting of an empty kennel, leash, and an inverted food bucket signifying the unbreakable bond between a handler and dog, centered in the chapel’s front stage.

          There is nary a dry eye in the bunch...

           ....Staff Sgt. Robert Calhoun, an MWD handler spoke of his deceased partner Rony.   “All I ever wanted was to save lives and contribute to the mission success,” he said.   “Rony saved lives.    Rony saved my life when we went into an abandoned compound, and he found a 155-round before I stepped on the pressure plate. Before we left, we were awarded the Bronze Star.   He’s the reason, he brought us home.

           “I had the honor of standing by his side, holding his paw, softly sighing as his heart stopped beating,” he continued. “I’ll always cherish the moments we had together and know for a moment in time we were untouchable.

           I’d say this to Rony:   thank you for your commitment, loyalty and trust.     You will always be in my heart, and I will always love you.   Rest in peace, my little warrior.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Source: article entitled "Dogs Of War: Photos Remembering The Military’s Canine Heroes"

❤️

These precious dogs are with their maker now...enjoying life and waiting for their heroes!

Don't cry for a man who's left you--the next one may fall for your smile.
-- Mae West

spiderw · ‎06-14-2010

As an animal advocate who loves ALL animals, I appreciate this salute to military working dogs as do many others I'm sure. Many animals are therapeutic, they aid the disabled and bring comfort to the elderly and young who are ill. They love you unconditionally and are loyal. If you treat them with respect and love, you will be rewarded.

The Military dogs are hero's and I know the soldiers who have them are very grateful for their help . I am always reading about military dogs and their deeds. May God bless each and everyone of them and to those who appreciate their dogs, the same.

And yes, that beautiful article brought tears to my eyes. Happy Memorial Day to all and thanks to our military soldiers and dogs!

Foxxee · ‎10-03-2014

Thank you for the touching photos reminding us how valuable our canine friends are to us.

I must go cry now! See you later.

1Snickers · ‎03-19-2016

The military dogs are certainly heroes. I’m glad some of them get to return with their handlers.

During my husbands’ second tour in Vietnam there was a puppy. My husband being a dog lover took care of him and named him Luke after Cool Hand Luke, the movie.

Luke would warn him of incoming rounds before the sirens sounded. My husband would roll out of the bunk then join others in the bunker.

Once they were in the bunker and he asked “Where is Luke.”They said he went to each of them to wake them and must be still inside.

Luke didn’t come when called. It wasn’t far so my husband ran to his bunk and lying under it and the sandbags was Luke wagging his tail.

The men gave him an award and he was everyone’s dog but slept with my husband. Back then the troops weren’t allowed to bring dogs home. He tried but they wouldn’t make an exception.

We never learned what became of Luke but we hoped he continued his job of warning the soldiers.

Drythe · ‎07-09-2011

@1Snickers

I hope wonderful things happened for Luke. 🥺

Bless him.💙

"Animals are not my whole world, but they have made my world whole" ~ Roger Caras

Gorgf · ‎03-10-2010

Recently our community had a drive for snacks, toiletries, small games etc. to send to our enlisted Men and Women. Drop off boxes were in schools, businesses and churches.

I thought it was nice also to request items for the Service Dogs, treats, waste bags, portable water bowls, Dog toys etc. It was also stated that the treats be made in the USA which was a good thing!