Monument for Military Dogs Is Set to Open in San Antonio

The Lackland Air Force Base structure honors the four breeds used most often in the military.

The United States government has no shortage of military monuments, but until now, there have been no national monuments commemorating dogs who have served alongside the soldiers. On Monday (Oct. 28) at an Air Force base in San Antonio, that changes.

A dedication ceremony for the U.S. Working Dog Teams National Monument, whose backers we interviewed earlier this year, will be held at Lackland Air Force Base, which has been home to the Military Work Dogs program since 1958. The program trains dogs for a variety of jobs including patrolling and detection of drugs or explosives. Right now, the U.S. armed forces have about 2,300 active working dogs in their ranks.

The monument is the passion of 65-year-old John Burnam, who served as a scout dog handler in Vietnam.

"I experienced firsthand how valuable these dogs are at saving soldiers' lives," Burnam said in a press statement. "Yet, despite their value, when we pulled out of Vietnam the dogs were left behind. They were fellow soldiers and they were our best friends. They were heroes and they were left to die. So I was determined to get the dogs, of all wars, recognized at the highest level of our nation's government and then build them a magnificent national monument to ensure they would never be forgotten again."

The monument that is the culmination of Burnam's effort depicts a modern military dog handler, surrounded by four dogs, representing the breeds that have been most commonly used in the military: a Doberman Pinscher, a German Shepherd, a Labrador Retriever, and a Belgian Malinois. Today, the majority of dogs serving with the armed forces are Shepherds.

Dogs have been used in the U.S. military in various capacities for more than a century: During World War I, they were used to clear rats and other vermin from the trenches. It was during World War II that the military started training them in mass quantities. More than 10,000 dogs were trained and deployed in World War II, mostly as sentries.

The training that dogs go through today is far more sophisticated than it was in the 1940s, and dogs go almost everywhere that humans do. Training for military dogs can include learning to jump out of helicopters, or even remaining calm in free fall while parachuting with a human handler.

While so much is becoming virtualized and remote-controlled, dogs are becoming more a part of the military than ever. Most of them might not be able to appreciate the big bronze monument that Burnam worked to get them, but hopefully it will make humans appreciate them a little more.

Via Huffington Post

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Lucca the Three-Legged Retired Military Dog Has Been Nominated for a Hero Dog Award

Happy Memorial Day, Dogsters! Let's help this soldier dog win a Hero Dog Award.

This Monday's miracle is a very special Monday Miracle, because it's also Memorial Day.

We know we've talked about Lucca before, but we felt she deserved special recognition on today of all days.

Lucca is a nine-year-old German Shepherd/Belgian Malinois mix. She is now retired after serving in the United States Marine Corps for six years. During her service, Lucca was the victim of an explosion in Afghanistan. She suffered serious burns to her chest and torso, and her left front leg had to be amputated. However, her sacrifice helped spare the lives of the humans on patrol with her, and she was saved after being evacuated immediately. If that doesn't make her a Monday Miracle, we don't know what does!

Her injury occurred in March of last year, but she didn't officially retire until May 2012, when she was adopted by her original handler. In the past year, Lucca has been living the good life as a family pet and as an ambassador for all soldier dogs. She even got to ride on the "Canines With Courage" float in the Rose Parade, debuting a mock-up of the U.S. Military Dog Teams National Monument.

And now Lucca is up for a Hero Dog Award and we could not be more proud of her, but she needs your votes! Click here to cast your vote -- and pass this to all your friends!

Happy Memorial Day, Dogsters, and congrats to Lucca for being our extra special Memorial Day Monday Miracle.

Keep up to date with Lucca at her Facebook page.

Photos via Lucca's Facebook page.

Check out more of our inspirational dogs right here on Dogster:

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Animal Planet's "Glory Hounds" Follows Military Dogs in Afghanistan

The special on war dogs and their handlers premieres on Feb. 21. Set your DVRs!

Did you know that when Seal Team 6 killed Osama Bin Laden, a military dog was part of the raid, working with his handler? Did you know that the military has more than 600 working military dogs in Afghanistan, protecting soldiers and civilians, sniffing out bombs and tracking insurgents? 

In Afghanistan, military dogs have proved crucial, the best defense against improvised explosive devices (IEDs), which are hidden randomly in the sand. As such, the dogs are also prime targets for the Taliban. They take on the most dangerous roles and develop intense bonds with their handlers. 

Now, thanks to Animal Planet's Glory Hounds, a two-hour special that premieres at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 21, we get to see them in the field. The filmmakers gained unprecedented access, embedding three camera crews among military-dog teams in the most dangerous parts of Afghanistan. 

Getting there was no easy task. It took a year to get permission to film in a war zone, requiring discussions with four branches of the military. Then cameras crews went through specialized training to prepare them for their time in the field, which lasted six weeks. 

Glory Hounds follows four dogs and their handlers:

Lance Corporal Kent Ferrell and his German Shepherd, Zora, who sniffs out IEDs. Corporal Drew Nyman and his Belgian Malinois, Emily, who track insurgents deep in enemy territory. Staff Sergeant Len Anderson and his Belgian Malinois, Azza, who go on bomb-detecting runs while Staff Sgt. Anderson trains for his new role as the kennel master. On one run during filming, they come under fire -- and the cameraman drops his camera to help save Staff Sgt. Anderson’s life.Lance Corporal Durward Shaw and his German Shepherd, Falko, an attack dog and an explosive-device tracker who works on Afghanistan’s notorious Highway One, one of the deadliest roads in the country.In each case, filmmakers explore the intense bond between dog and handler, who put their lives into each other's hands on a daily basis. It's not all pretty. As the press release for the show notes, "In Glory Hounds, as in war, some dogs and handlers come home, some return forever changed, and some don’t come home at all."

Animal Planet's Glory Hounds premieres at 8 p.m. on Feb. 21. Be sure to set your DVRs. 

Want to read more about military working dogs? Check these out:

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A Memorial Day Tribute to Military Dogs

"Guardians of the Night" (author unknown) is a touching poem about military dogs (or police dogs, in some versions), which is read at most memorial ceremonies for them after they die. It leaves very few eyes dry, no matter how many times people have heard it. I really wanted to include it in my book Soldier Dogs, but it didn't work out. 

I'm happy to bring it to you here today, on Memorial Day, the day we honor all those who have served, including four-legged heroes, who richly deserve the attention and praise. Military working dogs save so many lives and help so many troops who just need a friendly face to help boost their morale.

The poem's stanzas are interspersed with photos from my book and my Soldier Dogs Facebook page. For full effect, you might want to read the poem first and go back and read the photo captions. It may not be high poetry, but if you've ever known a dog's love and loyalty, you can begin to imagine the bond these dogs and handlers have, and you will feel this poem to your core.

We salute these intrepid dog teams -- and to those still in harm's way, we wish you a safe return.

"Guardians of the Night"

Military working dog Rex looks tough, but he was a gentle giant. His handler, Army Sgt. Amanda Ingraham, says he would have protected her with his life, but he was otherwise such a sensitive, sweet fellow that the military decided he'd never be a patrol dog. So he served as a specialized search dog, sniffing for IEDs, usually off leash. (Photo courtesy of Amanda Ingraham)

Trust in me, my friend, for I am your comrade. 

I will protect you with my last breath. 

When all others have left you and the loneliness of the night closes in, I will be at your side.

Air Force Staff Sgt. Christine Campos and her military working dog, Bico. During deployment, dogs and handlers often spend nearly 24/7 together. Some say deployments are the best time in a military dog's life because they get to be with their best friends around the clock. (Photo courtesy of Christine Campos)

Together we will conquer all obstacles, and search out those who might wish harm to others. 

All I ask of you is compassion, the caring touch of your hands. 

It is for you that I will unselfishly give my life, and spend my nights unrested. 

Although our days together may be marked by the passing of the seasons, know that each day at your side is my reward.

Marine Sgt. Mesa, Sgt. AJ Neito, and MWD Lucy take a break from the heavy action in Afghanistan. (Photo courtesy of Rosendo Mesa)

My days are measured by the coming and going of your footsteps. 

I anticipate them at every opening of the door. 

You are the voice of caring when I am ill. 

The voice of authority when I’ve done wrong.

Army Sgt. Elisabeth Wienke embraces her military working dog, Chance, during a grueling day of canine trials. (Photo copyright Robin Jerstad)  

Do not chastise me unduly, for I am your right arm, the sword at your side. 

I attempt to do only what you bid of me. 

I seek only to please you and remain in your favor.

Marine dog handler Cole Johnson and military working dog Lex, a combat tracker, during a mission near the town of Garmsir, in Afghanistan. (Photo courtesy of Cole Johnson)

Together you and I shall experience a bond only others like us will understand. 

When outsiders see us together their envy will be measured by their disdain.

Air Force Sgt Larry Brown and his dog Oakley. Dogs and handlers always have each other's backs. (Photo copyright Robin Jerstad)

I will quietly listen to you and pass no judgement,

nor will your spoken words be repeated. 

I will remain ever silent, ever vigilant, and ever loyal.

MWD Fenji at the memorial at Camp Leatherneck for her handler, Marine Cpl. Max Donahue. (Photo by Chris Willingham)

And when our time together is done and you move on in the world,

Remember me with kind thoughts and tales, for a time we were unbeatable. 

Nothing passed among us undetected.

When a MWD dies, the memorial is a solemn, sad occasion. The dog's bowls are overturned to show she won't be needing them any more. The kennel door is left open to show the same, and her harness and leash are hung up. In addition, this poem is read by someone who cared about the dog. The dog's handlers often can't get through it, so someone else reads it. (Photo courtesy of Emily Pieracci)

If we should meet again on another street I will gladly take up your fight.

I am a military working dog, and together we are guardians of the night.

MWD Danita in Iraq. She made it back from this deployment, unlike many other military dogs, who will continue leading the way into some of the world's most dangerous places - all for a toy and a word of praise. (Photo courtesy of Richard Crotty)

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Laika the Military Dog Adjusts to Civilian Life

Last year I was attacked by a Belgian Malinois -- the same kind of dog that reportedly accompanied the Navy SEALs in the raid on Osama bin Laden’s compound last year. Fortunately I knew it was coming, since I was briefly playing decoy at Lackland Air Force Base during the research for my book, Soldier Dogs. I wore a bite sleeve to protect my arm, and followed the instructions of a seasoned pro so I wouldn’t get into trouble.

Me "catching" Laika at Lackland Air Force Base last year. (Photo by Robin Jerstad)

As the dog, Laika H267, ran toward me, I tried not to think about a handler I’d met earlier who’d just had his ear ripped off by one of these dogs. Here’s a short excerpt from my book of the experience of “catching a dog,” as it’s called:

I start shaking my giant, sleeved arm as instructed at the Malinois so she’ll be attracted to that part of my body and not (oh, just for instance) my ear. As she runs toward me, Brooks tells me to freeze. I stop moving so she she’ll get a good bite on the targeted body part.

Laika is leashed just in case, but the impact is strong. She sends me reeling back a step, and the sleeve crashes into my body. She starts tearing at the sleeve and as I agitate it again she digs in, front paws pushing against my stomach and then my thigh for more leverage. Her bite is steady and strong. The power of this dog’s mouth is awesome. Without this sleeve, I’d be a bloody mess.

Having Laika on my arm starts to be almost fun. Brooks tells me I can growl at her, so I do and she digs in harder. Then he tells me they always praise a dog, so I tell her what a good girl she is before I realize that as the bad guy I’m probably not the one who is supposed to praise her. But she continues biting just as hard, unfazed by my complimentary words, and perhaps a little concerned about my apparent mood swings. Then Brooks comes over and gives Laika a friendly “atta girl” pat.

“Decoy, stop resisting!” he shouts to me, and I stop moving my arm. “Out!” he calls to the dog. Laika stops biting, but on the way down, quickly butts my torso with her nose. “Sit!” She sits. “Stay.” I back away several steps when he tells me to. Laika trots off with her handler, and as she does, she turns around and looks at me with what could only be a “Wait till next time” expression.

I thought that would be the last time I’d hear from Laika, unless she came sneaking up on me in the streets of San Francisco one day to finish the job. So in March, on the day after my book came out, I was surprised to get an e-mail from a man named Jay Knight:

"Wanted to let you know that two weeks ago we got the dog that gave the author her bite at Lackland AFB, Laika H267.  She is at home with us in Dallas, TX and is awesome!!”

Jay Knight with military-working-dog-turned-couch-potato Laika (left) and the other Malinois housemate, Chief. (Chief was always a civilian dog.)

I had to know more. How did Laika go from being a fighting machine to being adopted by a couple in Dallas? I asked Jay how she was doing. He wrote back:

“She is GREAT!! She has blended in well with our male Malinois, Chief (92lbs), and is extremely sweet. Having now been home just two weeks, her personality is just starting to come out, and she's finally started rolling over on her back and loves to sit on the couch and be petted.  She's not house trained, as you know, so we are working on that, but she's just a great dog.”

Wait, this dog who ran to bite me and gave me that “It’s not over, lady” nose shove at the end of our encounter is extremely sweet? I had to know more!

Here are some things I found out from Jay about the dog I assumed was a lean, mean semi-assassin:

• Laika was discharged from the Department of Defense at 9.5 years.  She will be 10 this October. In other words, she is a canine senior citizen.

• She was 52 pounds –- definitely on the small side for the breed.

• She has metal in one of her legs. The Knights’ vet says her DOD medical records indicate she broke a bone, which was corrected with steel rods and screws. She sort of sits funny, and the Knights say you can sort of see where it is. The injury is probably why she became a training aide at Lackland after her war dog career. (There is no public record of she did on active duty or where she deployed.)

• She is on a steady diet of CoQ10 and Rimadyl for her aches and pains.

Okay, so my big adventure of catching a tough Malinois was looking like this: She was an old lady dog with a metal implant in a leg, and she takes meds and supplements for her creaky bones and joints.

Wow, I was sure one tough dude to take her on! Yeah, I was set upon by the canine equivalent of Granny Clampett and lived to tell about it!

Jay and I have been in regular contact about Laika’s new life as a nonmilitary dog. I’ll be bringing you reports of her adjustment in the coming weeks. Just a sneak preview: She is really happy.

You may look at this picture and say "Awwww!" but I look at it and can hear her saying,"Yo! Maria! I'm watching you. I know where you live." ;) (Note the pool: A nice place she's gotten herself after 9.5 years in the military.)

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