Dogs of War & Peace
Last weekend I was too busy fetching sticks in the lake at my Grandparents’ to reflect on the meaning of Memorial Day. So I’ve been schooling myself on this F’d-up thing you people do called war. I’ve learned that ever since folks started throwing stones at each other, there have been dogs performing faithfully by your side (a little too faithfully sometimes if you ask me). We may not understand war, but we sure wrote the book on loyal service. Egyptians, Greeks, Attila the Hun all used attack dogs in battle. We’ve worked throughout history as military guards and messengers. Of course, we love to put our superior schnozzes to work in search and rescue. But by far our favorite way to serve, from day 1, has always been to help heal the psychic wounds of war. It’s where we shine, it’s in our blood. Lately they’ve given it a name, Therapy Dogs. So I’m declaring the weekend after Memorial Day as Canine Memorial Day. Is there a Tomb of the Unknown Mutt somewhere? I want to go lay a toy there. In the meantime, I’ve put together a few video clips for you to chew on this weekend about the bond between soldiers and dogs…
Dogs Help Soldiers at Walter Reed Army Hospital
Puppy Who’s Rescuer Died in Iraq Joins Family in US
Disabled Vet and His Best Friend
Soldiers and Puppies In Iraq
Have you seen the one where the dogs greet Dad when he returns from Iraq?
Explore Further:
MUST SEE OPRAH! Prisoners Train Dogs for Soldier Therapy
Please consider donating to these organizations:
GuideDog.org
NEADS.org Canines for Combat Vets
PatriotPaws.org
Puppies Behind Bars
7 Comments
You inspire us, Natalia! Let us know how the therapy certification goes:)
Hi Corinne, Such a coincidence, I found your blog earlier this week through the ACT forum and I’ve read most of your older posts — your journey is very inspiring and I love your book discussions. I’m currently reading the New Earth book (I know, with a one year delay:)) and it’s very powerful. I hope to keep up with the readings; I’m trying the ACT, with some good days and some not so good but it’s been wonderful overall. Thanks again to all of you:)
What a great post! My dad’s in the service, so these types of things are very near to my heart. Thank you for the amazing, inspiring videos.
Dear Lola,
You are fabulous. My dad is a retired col. in special ops of the USAF. Everyday because of his scarfices in Iraq I have to help him keep from siezing take his meds and keep his balance. It is work. But we are both the heros in my Mom’s life. Dad says after serving in three wars and many actions that there is no good reason for war period. But the men and women who serve are precious to us all. It is hard to hold those ideas All I know as a dog is that I love that you are making this weekend Doggy DAY>. It is long overdue and I am going to take all the advantage of it as possible.. extra carrots hear and there and some brocalli stems in my bowl.. maybe I will get an apple……..bark……..well I always do but I wanted to paw you and say thanks. You are one hotdog… bark and tail wiggles Saatchi and Mom and Dad
Lola!
Thank you for sharing the greatest videos ever! The one of the soldier being greeted by his dogs after being away made me laugh and cry. Any one who thinks animals don’t have feelings should watch it. Thanks for brightening my day. I can’t wait to get home to my cats today. I love your posts!
Cheers to animals!
xoST
Hi Lola!
My name is Heidi, I am a 17 month old German Shepherd girl and live in Virginia with my momma Linda. Momma is going to turn me into her new search and rescue dog so I’ve been reading up on your post. Way to kool girlfriend! Momma took her old SAR dog Abby to the pentagon on 9/11 and said it was the best thing in the world to do. I can’t wait to get my formal training started! Momma said I gotta stop being so hung up on thinking all the other dogs on the FEMA team want my momma as their own; well if they’d give me treats I might be nicer to them. Ya know what i’m saying here? Ok, I gotta get off the puter before momma gets home from work.
See ya girlfriend!
Your new friend,
Heidi!
Thanks for the wonderful post. I have 3 dogs and I’ve fostered many and I know the difference that they made in my life. They live in the “now” and they teach me to be a better person every day. I want to certify one of my dogs as a therapy dog as well, I hope I can find a place in my city.
Kris and contributors: thanks for the wonderful website, you have inspired and motivated me so much, I can’t thank you enough for that.
May 29, 2009