K-9 Veterans Day
K-9 Veterans
At last – the day we’ve all been waiting for! Today, news feeds will fill up with the most bad-ass dogs ever. That’s right folks, today we celebrate the pups that make us proud – it’s K-9 Veterans Day!
While not a Congressionally recognized commemoration day, it is nevertheless gathering critical support among advocates and representatives, including organizations such as the American Kennel Club. At present, several states officially recognize K-9 Veterans Day on March 13th.
Why March 13th?
March 13, 1942 is the birthday of the US Army K9 Corps! Fueled by involvement from the American Kennel Club and an affiliated group, Dogs for Defense, these civilian groups began recruiting the goodest of dogs for training to provide service to the US Military as we entered World War II.
These patriotic pups were donated to the Quartermaster Corps of the US Army who began training the dogs for the US Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard in March 1942.
That’s Some Dog!
Dogs can steal our hearts with a mere head tilt or eyebrow raise (an acquired trait that we humans just can’t ignore). But in addition to puppy dog eyes, the feats our warfighting K9s achieve is nothing short of extraordinary.
For example, Chips, hailed as the “top canine hero of World War II,” was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, and the Purple Heart for his actions upon “br[eaking] away from his handlers and attack[ing] an enemy machine gun nest in Italy, forcing the entire crew to surrender.” Unfortunately, Chips was unable to keep his medals “due to an Army policy preventing official commendation of animals.” Even out of regulation though, he is still known as the “most decorated dog of the Second World War.” Chips was made of the best stuff!
Remembered as the original dog of war, Sergeant Stubby, got his start as a stray pup who happened to wonder into 102nd Infantry’s training fields at Yale University in 1917, make a few friends, and a learn a few important tricks (like how to salute!). From that time on, he was breaking rules and winning hearts. A stowaway, Stubby was smuggled into France with the Yankee Division and accompanied them to the front lines. Unfortunately, Stubby’s keen skills came at a cost. Exposed to gas, he was nursed back to health, thereafter becoming an expert at alerting to soldiers to the presence of gas – detecting it early with his acute sense of smell and newfound aversion! After receiving shrapnel wounds, he was once again sent to hospital where he spent his recovery visiting with the other wounded soldiers, “boosting their morale.” After returning to the front – Stubby became skilled at locating other wounded men in the trenches. A true soldier, Stubby served in an incredible 17 battles and was given a hero’s welcome after returning home that even included meeting two sitting US Presidents! Sergeant Stubby is memorialized today in the Smithsonian Museum of American History – so that all can learn of his bravery.
Long before and long after these two heroes, military dogs make history with selfless acts of bravery. One resource tells the story of 5 war dogs, including Kaiser who was the first war dog to be killed during the Vietnam War; or Nemo, who engaged the enemy, saved the life of his battle buddy, and protected his unconscious body despite being shot himself (in the eye).
Today’s war dogs
Cairo, the Belgian Malinois and canine SEAL that participated in the Bin Laden Raid, is so well known and admired that we even talk about the gear he wore (which is really the only “who are you wearing” conversation worth having). You can read about the incredible story of Cairo and his handler, US Navy SEAL Will Chesney, in his book, “No Ordinary Dog.” And without a doubt – Cairo and other war dogs like him, are certainly no ordinary dogs.
So this K-9 Veterans Day – celebrate with your favorite pup learning about the impact of these incredible furry warfighters! Happy K-9 Veterans Day to our favorite, furry, four-legged battle buddies – may you live long lives and enjoy the spoils of your victories.