U.S. Military Dogs are Honored on National K9 Veterans Day – March 13. It’s an annual celebration honoring the service and sacrifice that these dogs have made for their country. Military dogs and those who serve our country in other functions – police dogs, border patrol dogs, etc.
Today’s military dogs are valued as essential members of their military units and even have retirement ceremonies, awards, medals, and memorial services.
History of Military Dogs
For centuries organized warfare utilized canine comrades. K-9s served in wars from about 600 B.C. For instance, the Lydian king used dogs to break invading armies of the Cimmerians. The dogs broke up enemy formations by tearing down the enemy soldiers. Following the dogs were forces hitting the enemy after terrorizing them unexpectedly.
History documents that dogs continued to have a presence in warfare, including armored to protect them from injury. Dogs took on new roles such as couriers, scouts, and sentries.
America’s history depicts military dogs serving originally as morale boosters. The program quickly became an intricate segment of the armed forces. Also, dogs served a valuable service as rat catchers on ships and locators of food on land.
World War I was a breaking point with K-9s in combat. Dogs also took on roles of engineering services fitted with cable-laying equipment. They placed communication lines that provided a target for enemy soldiers that attempted to prevent allied communication networks.
World War II dogs became valued in warfare in new ways. March 13, 1942: The United States established the War Dog Program (K-9 Corps) and formally trained dogs. K-9s became valued team members of America’s armed forces from then on.
Retired Military Dogs – For Adoption!
Before Adopting a Former Police or Military Working Dog – your Link to an article providing crucial information about what you should know when you consider adopting an MWD.
You will learn the A-Zs of the formal adoption process when considering adopting a military working dog (MWD). Adoption and ownership are a responsibility, and it’s a need to know before applying.
- You will learn about what a MILITARY WORKING DOG (MWD)
- And you will determine if adopting an MWD is the right move for you.
- Furthermore, professionals will guide you through the process with the details and steps to take if you decide to adopt an MWD dog.
- It’s important to know that there is a 12-18 month wait to adopt an MWD after submitting your adoption application.
After submitting your adoption application, there is typically a 12 to 18-month wait to adopt an MWD.
And what if your thoughts on having an MWD are not right for you?
Suppose you decide that an MWD is not the right choice for you. In that case, there are many animal humane shelters nationally with adoption programs. Adopting a dog from a shelter is an excellent alternative for several reasons:
- You save a life.
- And you will help to stop cruelty found in mass breeding facilities.
- You also support a worthwhile charity and community institution.
AND P.S.
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