NATIONAL K9 VETERANS DAY

NATIONAL K9 VETERANS DAY: SERVE THE K9s WHO SERVED OUR COUNTRY

Wars have always been very disturbing and damaging for the countries and their people who participated in it irrespective of who won it. Civilians like you and me, sitting in our safe house, in a city surrounded by our people, can’t even imagine that how the veterans and K9

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veterans together had stood, fought and won against the people whose only aim is to kill, defeat and take them down. Obviously, that requires great fortitude.

From ancient ages, the animals have always been an integral part of the armies of any country around the world. For example- In the World War –I the number of casualties of horses reached a staggering figure of 8 million because of the use of machine guns that alone explains it all. However, fortunately, with the evolution of technology, animals were replaced by the tanks, missiles, machine guns and etc. But there is still one animal that still continues to be a part of defense is a Dog. Because of its amazing sense of smell, ability to catch the evidence and loyalty the dogs are supporting the US Army very efficiently.

Let’s See When It All Started The PEARL HARBOR bombing in 1941 led to many landmark changes, one of which is the official inclusion of dogs in the US Army. However, the dogs were already the part of the defense from centuries but officially they were included during the World War-II. On 13th March 1942, the Quartermaster Corps of the US Army started training the normal dogs to become an MWD and work in then-established, US Army K9 Corps. There were more than 10000 dogs that were trained from 1942 to till the end of World War –II by the US Army with the help of a program initiated by Mrs. Alene Erlanger and American Kennel Club. The program was named as “Dogs for Defense”. In November 1942, the first batch was ready to be sent on duty to North Africa.

Later on, the training of the dogs was taken over by the Service Installation Divisions as Dogs for Defense could not cope up with the requirements.

What is National K9 Veterans Day? In 2009, National K9 Veterans Day was created by the MWD trainer Late Joseph White, the date was chosen as 13th march because of the very obvious reason that the first K9 CORPS were incorporated that day in 1942. National K9 Veterans Day is especially celebrated to pay respect and remind all of us that not only the humans but also the “man’s best friends” have contributed their sweat and blood to protect this nation.

To expresses its gratitude to all the Military Working Dogs, the police K9s and all the dogs working

in

different

divisions

of

the

government

who

are

serving

our

nation,

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PetCareClub.com is suggesting the ways in which you can celebrate the National K9 Veterans Day. Let’s start Adopt A K9 Veteran Yes, you can actually adopt a retired MWD who has retired from his/her services because of the age or any illness or injury. According to the 2016 National Defense Authorization Act, after retirement for any of the above-mentioned reasons, the overseas MWDs will get a ticket back to the USA. The handler of the dog will get the first preference if he/she wants to adopt the dog because of the kinship they both have developed. However, if the handler for any reason, is not able to adopt the dog then the MWD can be adopted by the private citizens.

90% of the dogs that come back are adopted by their handlers and if unfortunately the handler is lost in a battle then the handler’s family gets the priority to take the brave Fido home. Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas is the headquarters for the returning dogs and the place also serves as a training center for the new dogs.

Although there is a long waiting list you can still register yourself at least on this National K9 Veterans Day. This can be the best way to actually extend your support to the K9 Veterans and thank them. These dogs are highly skilled and well trained so you don’t have to train them plus they can be very helpful in guarding your house against unwanted trespassers.

Send Care Packages To The K9s Soldiers Working Overseas If you are a dog lover, you would have by now decided that you would definitely do something to help the K9 soldiers. National K9 Veterans Day is the best opportunity to show your love and support MWDs. You can send some care packages to them with the help of some NonProfitable Organizations. The care packages can include

Dog shampoos

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Healthcare treatments like flea and tick treatments, De-Wormers, Heartworm Preventives, and Joint supplements. (to make sure they stay healthy and fight hard)

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Dog Toothbrush and Toothpaste

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Collapsible dog water bottles

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K-9 nail clipper, brushes, and combs

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Cooling Vests

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Tasty treats for dogs

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Doggles

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Dog toys that improve their physical and mental strength

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Cooling Mats

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Dog food

There are numerous Non-profitable organizations like - Support Military Working Dogs, Operation K-9 Care Package, and The United States War Dog Association, Inc. Contact them before sending any care packages to them.

You can also send free pet health care supplies to the police K9s and the K9 veterans that are living in the military camps.

Spread Awareness About K9 Veterans Not many people know about the K9 veterans and the problems they face. You can actually spread awareness and urge other pet parents to extend their support to help these brave soldiers get the deserved love from the people whom they protect. Join nonprofit organizations who work for the welfare of K9 Veterans and urge your friends and family to do the same can also be a very good idea if you are thinking of celebrating the K9 Veterans Day. Just like the soldiers MWDs also risk their lives for the country. So, be proud of them and respect these fighters.

Last But Not The LeastThese are the few famous and most decorated K9 Veterans from the history that. 

Sgt Stubby (1916 – March 16, 1926) - The most decorated dog of World War- I, who fought valiantly and was too tough to be taken down. He caught a German who was spying in a no man’s land.

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Chips (1940-1946) – The most decorated war dog from World War – II. It is said that he brought down a machine gun fire. The MWD has also received the Great Britains most Prestigious Medal for Animal bravery.

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Cairo (Navy Seal Dog)- The MWD who was in one of the history’s most elite mission, Neptune spear, to kill the deadliest terrorist OSAMA BIN LADEN. He sniffed for the bombs and secured the surroundings of the house

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